Driving Away Bad Habits

Greetings from the front desk at Wareing Sturgis Ford. Here’s an interesting saying:

Poor habits cost more than bad luck ever will.

There’s a lot of truth to that. Some habits cost us next to nothing. Others can get expensive in a hurry. Think about nail biting or foot tapping compared with smoking or impulsive spending. Then there are the habits we may hardly notice, like some of the things we do behind the wheel. Here are a few that can lead to costly repair bills.

Revving a cold engine

When you first start your vehicle, the engine and oil are still cold. Resist the urge to rev the engine right away. Take it easy as you set out and give the engine time to warm up.

Downshifting too aggressively

Engine braking uses the engine to help slow the vehicle, and shifting into a lower gear can increase that effect. The habit to watch for is dropping into too low a gear at too high a speed. That can put unnecessary strain on the engine and drivetrain. A sudden downshift on a slippery road can also make it harder to maintain traction. Check your owner’s manual for guidance on using lower gears and features like tow/haul mode.

Ignoring dashboard warning lights

A low washer fluid reminder and a check engine light call for different responses. Your vehicle can detect some problems before you notice anything unusual behind the wheel, so give those warnings your attention. When it’s safe to do so, check your owner’s manual to see what the light means and how promptly you need to act.

Shifting between drive and reverse before stopping

It’s easy to get in a hurry backing out of a parking spot, but come to a complete stop before shifting from reverse to drive or from drive to reverse. Let the brakes do the stopping. Making the transmission take up that sudden change in direction puts unnecessary strain on parts that can be costly to repair.

Overloading your vehicle

Before you load up, check the owner’s manual and the tire and loading label for your vehicle’s limits. Remember to count the weight of the people riding with you as well as everything you’re hauling. Too much weight puts extra strain on the brakes, suspension, and drivetrain. It can also affect how the vehicle handles and stops.

Braking late

Sometimes an emergency stop can’t be avoided. But if you regularly wait until the last moment to brake, you’re making the brakes work harder than they need to. Give yourself room to slow down and start braking sooner when you can.

Skipping the car wash

Road salt, bird droppings, and tree sap can damage your vehicle’s finish if they sit too long. Salt can also collect underneath the vehicle and contribute to corrosion. Keeping up with the washing, including rinsing underneath after driving on salted roads, can help prevent damage that’s expensive to repair and can hurt resale value.

Neglecting routine maintenance

Putting off routine maintenance can turn a small job into a major repair. Follow the schedule in your owner’s manual and keep your service records. If missed maintenance causes damage, the resulting repair may fall outside your warranty coverage.

Of course, there are other habits that can bring on a whole different set of problems. Speeding, skipping turn signals, tailgating, and texting come to mind. So try to drop a few of those habits, protect your investment, and stay safe. As another saying goes:

There’s a lot riding on good habits.

Thanks for reading, and make a habit of coming to Wareing Sturgis Ford for regular vehicle maintenance and inspections.