These mishaps may cost you more than you think in the long term. See our list of the worst things drivers do to damage their cars.
Ignoring Mechanical Warnings
Notice a leak under the car, a strange smell in your cabin or a check engine light that’s suddenly turned on? When you encounter signs that your vehicle may have a mechanical issue, don’t neglect to have it checked. It’s better to catch a minor problem before it turns into a major one.
Not Replacing Air & Fuel Filters
These parts are easy to replace and they don’t cost much. However, if you put off replacing them, you could be looking at more expensive repairs, specifically tied to an oxygen sensor or catalytic convertor failure.
Skipping Oil Changes
Like air and fuel filter replacement, oil changes are inexpensive, but put them off and you could be looking at costly engine repairs. Oil serves a wide range of purposes, from providing lubrication to transferring heat away from the engine and preventing sludge build up.
Servicing Your Own Vehicle or Going to an Unqualified Shop
There’s nothing worse for us than to see a botched repair job that could have been done right if a qualified mechanic handled it in the first place. If you want to make sure you receive quality workmanship, using factory-trained technicians is always the safer bet.
Hitting Potholes
You may not be able to avoid this in some cases, but when it’s safe and possible to do so, you should try to avoid running into potholes. These crater-like nuisances can wreak havoc on cars, leading to dangerous tire damage, as well as potential issues with steering and other expensive vehicle systems.
In addition to this list, drivers should also avoid the following:
- Neglecting fluid services like brake, coolant and transmission flushes
- Using subpar aftermarket parts instead of OEM parts
- Not paying attention to tire pressure, especially low tire pressure
- Continuing to drive when a car is overheating
- Attempting to tow more than a car or truck is equipped to handle
- Running into or over curbs
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