When it comes to maintaining a vehicle, many people focus on scheduled maintenance and proper servicing, but these are not the only considerations. Driving behaviors are another important factor that may be overlooked.
The way you drive can significantly impact your car’s condition and performance over time. Understanding how your driving habits affect your vehicle can help you make informed choices that extend its lifespan and maintain its performance. Here’s a closer look at the various ways driving behaviors can influence your car’s health.
Impact of Inexperienced Drivers on Vehicle Health
Inexperienced drivers — whether they are new graduates of driving schools or individuals who have limited time behind the wheel — can inadvertently impact the health of their vehicles and pose a threat to public safety.
Research has found that novice drivers are more likely to engage in numerous risky behaviors , including speeding, tailgating (following the vehicle ahead too closely), not wearing seatbelts, and using mobile phones while driving. These behaviors can significantly increase the risk of crashes that can damage or destroy vehicles.
Along with increasing crash risk, behaviors like speeding and tailgating can strain vehicles’ engines and lead to more frequent sudden stops, which can cause brake pads to overheat and wear down prematurely. Therefore, it’s very important to educate young drivers about basic maintenance and car care.
Many new drivers are unaware of the damage they are doing to their vehicles, and some experienced drivers may be unaware as well. Motorists of all ages and experience levels should understand how driving behaviors can impact vehicles, as this can give them the knowledge to protect their own safety and the health of their cars.
Negative Driving Behaviors to Avoid
There are several different negative driving behaviors, such as sudden braking, tailgating, and speeding, that can shorten the lifespan of your car and pose risks to road safety. Fortunately, you can prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle by learning to recognize and avoid these behaviors.
Tailgating
Tailgating poses significant dangers on the road, primarily increasing the risk of accidents due to the reduced reaction time when following a vehicle too closely. When a driver tailgates, they have less time to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic flow, making rear-end collisions more likely, which can result in serious injuries and costly vehicle damage.
Over time, constantly accelerating, decelerating, and swerving to avoid tailgating-related collisions can strain brake components and place undue friction on tires. Like speeders, tailgaters may need to replace their brake pads and tires more frequently to address this damage. Allowing your tires or brake pads to degrade too much can potentially increase your risk of an accident or blowout.
Sudden Braking
Sudden or harsh braking can exert a significant amount of stress on a vehicle’s suspension system. When a driver abruptly applies the brakes, the force generated can cause the suspension to compress and extend rapidly, resulting in increased strain on shock absorbers, struts, and other suspension parts.
Frequent overheating and accelerated degradation caused by these sudden stops can decrease the performance and lifespan of brake pads. Consequently, consistently practicing gentle braking techniques can help you enhance the longevity of both the suspension system and brake components, promoting a smoother ride and safer driving experience.
Not Using Turn Signals
Neglecting to use turn signals while driving not only increases the risk of accidents with other vehicles but can also lead to undue stress on your car’s components, particularly your side mirrors. When a driver fails to signal their intentions, surrounding vehicles are left guessing, which can cause sudden braking or abrupt maneuvers, increasing the likelihood of collisions.
Such mishaps may result in damage to side mirrors, as they could be struck by other vehicles trying to navigate around an unexpected lane change. Furthermore, the lack of communication can lead to road rage incidents, which may prompt reckless driving behavior from others, further endangering the integrity of your vehicle.
To reduce the risk of a collision or road rage incident, you should turn on your blinker at least 100 feet before making a turn and at least 900 feet before changing lanes on the highway. Ultimately, the simple act of using turn signals is crucial for safety and can help prevent a domino effect of harm to both people and vehicles on the road.
Speeding
Speeding can have detrimental effects on a vehicle’s engine, transmission, and tires, significantly impacting overall performance and safety. When a vehicle is driven at high speeds, the engine operates at elevated RPMs, generating excessive heat that can lead to premature wear and potential engine failure.
The transmission can also suffer; high-speed driving can increase the strain on the transmission, causing it to overheat and potentially lead to slippage or complete failure. Furthermore, tires are subjected to greater forces when speeding, resulting in increased friction and wear.
This not only can lead to reduced traction and handling but also raises the risk of blowouts, particularly if the tires are not regularly maintained or are already showing signs of wear. Collectively, these factors underscore the importance of adhering to speed limits to ensure the longevity and safety of a vehicle.
Positive Driving Behaviors
Just as negative driving behaviors can accelerate wear and tear on your vehicle, positive driving behaviors can help extend its lifespan and keep you safe on the road. There are several positive driving behaviors that all motorists should learn.
Careful Driving on Poorly Maintained Roads
Road conditions can vary significantly depending on where you are, and poorly maintained roads can pose a greater risk to your vehicle. Common hazards like potholes, uneven pavement, and road debris can damage your suspension, puncture your tires, and throw your vehicle out of alignment.
When driving in an area with poorly maintained roads, it is important to practice caution by maintaining a safe speed and keeping a watchful eye out for hazards like potholes, steep shoulders, and unclear signage.
Roads in remote areas are particularly prone to wear and tear as they can be difficult to maintain. To minimize the risk of an accident or breakdown, you should prepare your vehicle for driving in remote areas by inspecting your engine, battery, tires, and brakes to make sure they are in good working order.
Preparing for Cold Weather
Inadequately preparing your car for cold weather is another type of negative driver behavior. Extreme cold causes engine oil to thicken, which makes it harder for the engine to start and increases wear. In these conditions, warming your car up before driving can get the oil circulating, improving flow and reducing the risk of premature wear and tear.
Weather fluctuations can also make windshield glass expand and contract, which can cause small chips to turn into dangerous cracks, but this is avoidable. Repairing your windshield before the cold weather hits can help you save on repairs and stay safer on the road.
If you have a crack in your windshield already, cold weather will only make it worse. Cracks in your windshield can obstruct your view of the road and compromise the overall safety of your vehicle. Larger cracks cannot always be repaired, but replacing your windshield before the cold hits will save you money in the long run by preventing accidents and protecting you from citations.
Following Maintenance Schedule
Regular car maintenance is more than just positive driver behavior; it’s essential for keeping your vehicle in optimal working condition. Following a recommended car maintenance schedule can protect your safety, extend the longevity of your vehicle, and enhance its performance.
Many car manufacturers and mechanics advise following the 30-60-90 rule as part of your maintenance schedule . You should do essential preventative maintenance, such as checking fluids, tire pressure, filters, and belts, every 30,000 miles. Newer vehicles will likely require minimal maintenance, while older ones may need more significant repairs.
Small repairs like oil and air filter changes may be recommended after 30,000 miles, while larger repairs (batteries, brakes, spark plugs) may be necessary once your vehicle reaches 60,000 and 90,000 miles. Of course, this timeline can vary depending on your situation, and you should reach out to a professional promptly if you notice anything seriously wrong with your vehicle.
Security is another key consideration for car maintenance. Today’s thieves are surprisingly clever, and they are constantly developing new tactics for breaking into vehicles. To avoid becoming a victim of theft or vandalism, it’s important to make sure your vehicle’s security is sufficient.
To minimize vulnerabilities, your car’s software should be updated frequently, as outdated systems may be more easily exploited by hackers. Additionally, physical deterrents like steering wheel locks and technologies like GPS trackers can help you keep your car safe from thieves and vandals.
Poor driving behaviors are not uncommon. Just about everyone has interacted with a bad driver at some point, and it can often be a scary experience. However, you can protect yourself by driving safely and taking care of your car. When more people practice responsible driving and car maintenance habits, the roads become safer and more fun for everyone.