12 driving habits that will cost you extra money.

(Baonghean.vn) - The longer you own a car, the more driving habits you'll develop. Unfortunately, not all of those habits are good. Moreover, the more experience you gain, the more difficult it becomes to revert to the right approach.

Drivers may regularly maintain and repair their vehicles to keep them in top condition, but they may not be aware of daily driving habits that gradually damage their cars. Below are 12 habits drivers unknowingly use that are "ruining" their vehicles and costing them extra money.

1. Improper vehicle starting

Many people, due to haste or some other reason, start driving immediately after starting their car. However, this is precisely the reason why the engine wears out because it has to work "overtime" before it's truly ready. Conversely, many people start the engine just to warm up the car. This action not only fails to warm up the car but is also harmful to the engine if left running for too long.

The best way to start a vehicle is to set off after warming up the engine for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

2. Select the error margin.

Choosing the wrong gear will cause unnecessary strain on the mechanical components. Driving in the highest or lowest gear is only appropriate for certain conditions.

Many drivers even quickly skip the second to fourth or third to fifth gears, then want to go back to those gears. This can lead to driving too low in too high a gear. This is not good for the engine and cylinder head. Therefore, many modern cars are equipped with a convenient display screen that recommends which gear to use.

3. Floor the gas pedal while the engine is still cold.

If leaving a car overnight or parked for an extended period, drivers should let it idle for one or two minutes after restarting. This allows the engine to warm up, and the lubricating oil to circulate and lubricate all parts. Pressing the accelerator hard immediately after starting creates a sudden temperature change, damaging components.

4. Ignore notifications on the dashboard.

Regularly checking the current status of your vehicle can help you promptly identify important warning lights indicating system errors.

For example, ignoring the oil warning light can cause your car's engine to overheat. So, if you notice any warning lights, even if you don't understand them, don't ignore them. Seek auto help before the problem gets worse and costs you more.

5. Constantly applying the brakes when driving on mountain roads or downhill.

This is quite dangerous and can lead to "brake failure," where the vehicle's braking system becomes inoperable because the continuous braking causes the brake fluid to overheat and boil, rendering the brake fluid pump and cylinders unable to function, making it impossible to use the brakes to slow down.

To slow down when driving downhill, shift the gear lever to a lower position (1, 2, or 3) depending on the slope of the road and the vehicle speed; you can flexibly switch gears while intermittently tapping the brakes when necessary to temporarily reduce speed and ensure the safety of the braking system.

6. Avoid depressing the clutch when unnecessary.

Driving a manual transmission car comes with many risks – bad driving habits can lead to unforeseen costs.

If you're driving a manual car, try not to keep your foot on the clutch pedal while driving, as this isn't a footrest.

7. Turn the steering wheel all the way and do not straighten it when stopping.

Turning the steering wheel all the way when cornering or making a U-turn for extended periods can affect the vehicle's power steering system, causing a drop in oil pressure in the power steering pump, which can lead to damage to this component.

When parking or stopping, returning the steering wheel to the straight position helps to bring the vehicle back to a "resting" state, somewhat reducing the risk of collisions or misunderstandings when resuming driving.

8. Driving a car with the windows down.

Cars aren't designed to glide along and perform best with the windows down. This affects traction and reduces fuel efficiency. If you want ventilation, turn on the air conditioning.

9. Frequently rest your hand on the gear shift.

This is a habit that many people can't break. When you rest your hand on the gear lever, the pressure exerted affects the selector forks. This can lead to completely unnecessary wear and tear.

10. Regularly letting the fuel tank run empty.

The fuel pump is cooled by the remaining fuel in the tank, so if drivers frequently drive with the fuel level at or below 1/4 full, the risk of needing to replace the fuel tank increases.

Spending a little extra at the gas station won't cost as much as replacing a fuel pump.

11. Carrying heavy loads

Many people's habit of treating their cars as mobile "storage rooms" is harmful. Unnecessary items left in the car increase weight, affecting fuel consumption, suspension, and brakes. In addition, clutter makes the car's interior unclean and prone to odors.

12. Washing the engine with high-pressure water jets.

Keeping your car clean is a good habit, but spraying high-pressure water on the engine is a mistake. While the strong jet of water will wash away dirt, it can also loosen or dislodge many important engine parts.

Therefore, a dirty but functioning engine is more beneficial to the car than a spotless but malfunctioning engine.

Ngoc Anh

(Synthetic)