It’s inevitable-we all make mistakes. But some mistakes are worth avoiding at any cost, and this article will outline the worst of the worst. These are bad habits that can lead to irreversible damage or even personal injury. None of these should be taken lightly!
Here are some mistakes to avoid in auto maintenance:
1) Forgetting about scheduled maintenance
Scheduled maintenance is essential to keep your car running smoothly and safely for years on end. Skipping it not only leads to expensive repairs down the road but also puts you at risk for serious accidents if something goes wrong with your engine while driving. If you’re going to forget one thing when it comes to taking care of your vehicle, don’t let it be this!
2) Using the wrong type of gas
Using higher octane gasoline in an engine designed to run on a lower octane is a waste of money and it does nothing to improve power. It only causes premature carbon buildup in your engine, which can cause irreparable damage if allowed to build up over time. Be sure you know what type of fuel your car needs and use it!
3) Skipping oil changes
Skipping oil changes is by far the worst mistake people make with their cars, and it leads to thousands of dollars in damage. The oil keeps tiny metal shavings suspended in suspension so they don’t harm your engine’s bearings. If you skip oil changes, they’ll build up and cause serious damage to your engine. Any damage caused by skipping oil changes can easily be avoided by simply maintaining your vehicle regularly.
4) Letting your car idle for extended periods
Car manufacturers recommend that you turn off your engine while waiting at a stoplight or for any other amount of time under ten minutes. It takes more fuel to restart an engine than it does to keep it running, and idling wastes more fuel than normal. In addition to wasting gas, your engine doesn’t get the benefit of heat from being left on for a long period. This can cause serious corrosion and damage over time if you regularly let your car idle.
5) Letting the air filter get too dirty
Air filters keep contaminants and dirt from entering your car’s delicate engine. If they become clogged, the compressor won’t be able to suck enough air into the system; as a result, you’ll lose power, and gas mileage will decrease. It can also cause overheating, so be sure to change the filter every once in a while!
6) Ignoring strange noises and smells
If your car is making strange sounds or smells, get it checked out. Letting problems linger can lead to bigger issues down the road. Even if they don’t seem serious at first, they may put you at risk for serious accidents. Make sure you’re on top of it!
7) Buying cheap parts
Most car owners are tempted to go with the cheaper option when buying car parts, after all, it’s just one part, right? But cheap parts can lead to bigger problems later down the road, so avoid them if possible. If you’re buying online, be sure to go with a reputable retailer and do some research first.
8) Mixing brands on car maintenance
Replacing parts is serious business, so don’t mix brands on things like filters, brakes, or engine oil. Each manufacturer uses different materials for certain parts, so mixing them can cause damage down the road. To reduce the risk of this mistake from happening, you should bring your car to a reliable auto detailing company. The company should have the equipment and experience to ensure your car is in its best possible condition.
9) Forgetting to check the spare tire
A surprising number of people neglect the spare tire in their car’s trunk, but it can be lifesaving if you’re ever stuck on the side of the road with a flat. Make sure you know how to properly change a tire so you can save some money and avoid a long walk.
10) Using a dirty car wash
You might be tempted to go with the cheapest car wash around, but this is another mistake that can do more harm than good. Dirt from poor quality washes can get trapped between your paint and body panels, causing rusting. It can also scratch your exterior paint, so it’s best to find a reputable car wash near you and stick with them!
11) Forgetting the importance of regular brake inspections
Many people neglect their brakes until they start squeaking or groaning while driving. By this point, however, it’s usually too late-you’ll need to have your brakes inspected, which can be a costly repair. To keep this from happening to you, take care of your brakes and bring them in for inspection once a year!
Since we all make mistakes, it’s best to avoid these common errors that can lead to serious consequences. The good news is that most of them just require a little bit more time and attention on your part!