20+ ways to damage your car every day

Naturally, you want your car to last as long as possible. Your car needs to get you safely from point A to point B, and it needs to be reliable enough to drive every day of the year. You may think you're doing everything right to stay that way, but how true is that?

The main key to proper vehicle maintenance is knowing what you might be doing wrong. Take a look at these 40 ways you can damage your car. How many of them are you to blame?

Driving with little to no fuel

Contrary to popular belief, driving with an almost empty fuel tank is a bad idea. According to a common automotive myth, this allows particles accumulated at the bottom of the fuel tank to be cleared through the fuel injector. Once again, this couldn't be further from the truth.

Driving with an empty fuel tank can actually damage your vehicle's fuel pump, which needs cooling and proper gas lubrication. What's more, the supposed particles that will be removed from the tank are actually held there by the fuel filter.

Getting into potholes

As obvious as it may seem, you should avoid potholes whenever possible. Contrary to popular belief, large vehicles such as SUVs can still be damaged by potholes. Driving over potholes, especially at high speeds, can result in anything from a blown tire to permanent damage to your vehicle's suspension system.

It's best to avoid pothole roads altogether. Since this is not always possible, you should at least slow down when you see a large pothole. Driving through the pothole at a slower speed will reduce the potential damage.

Forget to check fluids

When was the last time you checked the oil level in your car? Most automotive experts recommend checking your engine oil level every time you fill up your car at a gas station. Your vehicle requires many different fluids to function properly, such as transmission fluid or engine coolant. A low fluid level can cost thousands of dollars in damage to your vehicle.

While washer fluid leakage is nothing more than a simple inconvenience, forgetting to add engine oil can result in costly damage to your vehicle. Don't forget to check your fluids before your next trip.

Not using the handbrake in the park

If you simply leave your car with an automatic transmission in a parking lot or in gear with a manual transmission, you could damage the car's transmission. Not using the handbrake when your car is parked on a hill puts more stress on the car's transmission.

Please note that the use of the handbrake, also called electronic brake or emergency brake in some vehicles, is not required when parking on a level surface. What's more, brake rotors can be damaged if the handbrake is applied when the brakes are hot.

Coasting in automatic mode

Shifting an automatic transmission into neutral when going downhill is a surprisingly common occurrence among drivers. According to this myth, automatically lowering the car in neutral will improve fuel economy. This couldn't be further from the truth.

In fact, shifting into neutral while driving means that the engine can no longer be used to slow the car. What's more, modern cars actually consume less fuel in Drive mode when going downhill. Returning the vehicle to the Drive mode while driving causes the transmission components to become out of sync for a fraction of a second, shortening their life.

not enough to wash

How often do you drive your car to the car wash? Some drivers may be surprised to learn that a dirty car is more than just an unpleasant sight. Washing your car removes all the toxic chemicals that can corrode the underside of your car.

Frequent car washing is an absolute must, especially in winter. In winter, many roads are covered with salt, which can stick to the undercarriage of the car and cause it to rust. Most automatic car washes are equipped with sprayers for the undercarriage of the car to keep it clean.

Transferring the wrong type of fuel

Of course, using premium fuel in a car that doesn't require it will only hurt your wallet. It won't improve the performance of your car, but it won't damage it either.

On the other hand, you can damage your car if you fill up with regular fuel if the engine is tuned strictly for high-octane gasoline. Of course, pumping diesel into a car with a gasoline engine will not give any positive results either. If you have filled your gasoline vehicle with diesel fuel, call a tow truck immediately. Do not attempt to start the engine as this may cause permanent damage.

Switching to traffic when the vehicle is in reverse

Many drivers sin with this, especially impatient ones. You may have tried to quickly leave the parking space and hit the road. In either case, switching the car into Drive mode while the car is still rolling backwards can cause serious damage to the transmission.

Every time the car switches from parking to driving, it must be brought to a complete stop. Otherwise, you may need to replace your vehicle's transmission much sooner than you expect.

Ignoring reviews

Automakers are wrong. Typically, a car manufacturer will recall a specific car model if it has any factory issues. This can include anything from exhaust concerns to malfunctioning airbags.

Ignoring the recall of your car from the factory makes it almost impossible to sell in the future. Car buyers often look at vehicle reports and find out about any recalls of a particular model before purchasing it. After all, everyone wants to have a safe car.

Don't Check Your Tire Pressure Frequently

Many drivers seem to forget that it is absolutely essential to have the correct tire pressure. After all, driving with under-inflated tires can lead to a whole host of problems. Poor fuel economy, uneven tire wear, or a sudden change in your car's handling are just some of the problems that can be caused by under-inflated tires.

Checking tire pressure takes just a couple of minutes and can be done at most gas stations. Remember to inflate the tires to the pressure indicated on the sticker on the driver's door pillar or in the owner's manual.

Ignoring warning lights

Warning lights, as the name suggests, are designed to alert you to possible problems with your vehicle. You should not ignore any warning light that comes on in your vehicle. While the check engine light may come on frequently in an older car, it should never be ignored. The check engine light can signal anything from minor problems like a loose gas cap to a misfiring engine.

Moreover, other warning lights, such as a brake system error, should be checked as soon as possible. If any warning indicator lights up, it is best to take care of it right away.

Ignoring Leaks

While a lit check engine light may not always be caused by a serious problem, colored spots under the car can indicate a serious problem with one of its components. If you see any colored fluids under your car, consider taking a trip to a mechanic.

Don't forget that leaks are a sign of faulty vehicle components. It might be something like a broken line, but it's best to check it as soon as possible. Otherwise, ignoring leaks can lead to more serious engine problems.

Don't let the engine warm up

Warming up the engine before driving is critical, especially when it's cold outside. While the belief that letting the car idle before pulling off is nothing more than a common automotive myth, you should let the engine warm up before driving at full throttle.

Note that driving the car will warm it up faster than leaving it idling in the driveway. After pulling away, it is best not to drive at maximum speed until the engine has warmed up to standard operating temperature.

Using hot water to defrost the windshield

Pouring a glass of hot water on an icy windshield may seem like a great life hack at first. After all, this "trick" is still surprisingly common. Any driver who knows a thing or two about science will quickly question this seemingly useful solution.

Pouring hot water on a cold piece of glass, such as a windshield, can cause it to break completely. While it can be a spectacular sight on a cold morning, it's definitely not something you'd be happy to see. Scraping a window, although it takes longer, is undeniably safer.

Leave it outside... a lot

Leaving your car on the street is completely normal, as long as you don't overdo it. Absolutely better if you have access to a garage where your car can be safely stored between trips. Leaving your car outside for long periods of time can cause a lot of problems.

A car left outdoors is exposed to all sorts of harsh weather conditions such as snowfall or hail. What's more, the clear coat on top of your car's paint can be damaged by tree sap. Not to mention the increased chances of theft or vandalism.

Neglecting small dents and scratches

A small scratch on one of your car's doors may not be the end of the world, but it should be taken care of eventually. The same goes for small dents. Keep in mind that the longer you wait, the greater the damage can be.

An abandoned car will be harder to sell. Potential buyers avoid damaged cars. Not to mention the loss of pride in owning a car when it's not taken care of.

Skip wheel alignment

Whenever you change tires on your vehicle, the tires should be properly aligned after the tire change. Otherwise, you may damage your car. A misalignment can lead to a range of problems, such as uneven tire wear or even damage to your vehicle's transmission.

Don't forget that bumping into potholes and curbs or worn suspension parts can cause your wheels to align. It is recommended to check wheel alignment frequently before it is too late.

Not Enough Driving

If hitting potholes is killing your car, wouldn't it be better to just leave it parked? Well, not really. In fact, insufficient driving can lead to serious damage. Some of the problems that can be caused by your car sitting too long include warped tires, a dead battery, or a messy, sloppy paint job.

If you plan to store your car for several months, it's best to properly prepare it for storage first. If you get the chance, do your best to take your saved garage queen out for a walk once in a while.

Driving only on short trips

Did you know that driving your car too much can be just as bad as leaving it sitting for months, if not worse? Going on a very short trip can damage your car. Driving a car for just a couple of minutes only to shut down the engine before the components have had a chance to warm up can result in a hefty repair bill.

Pay attention to your short trips and make sure your car has enough time to warm up its components. A two-minute drive every day can cause serious damage after a while.

Using the wrong type of oil

Fuel is not the only liquid to pay attention to when servicing a car. There are many different types of engine oil, and it is absolutely essential to put the right oil in your car's engine. Filling with the wrong type of engine oil can completely destroy your vehicle's engine, resulting in a lengthy and costly visit to your local workshop.

You can find the type of oil recommended for your engine in your owner's manual. Be sure to get the same type when you change your oil.

Doesn't shift gears correctly

Cars with manual transmission are great. Many car enthusiasts love a manual transmission because it gives you more control over your car, resulting in better driving. While some drivers prefer a manual transmission, many inexperienced drivers struggle with it.

Improper use of a manual transmission can result in a large repair bill from your mechanic. While the occasional failure shouldn't result in any damage, repeated missing gears can lead to transmission failure. When stopping at a traffic light in a car with a manual transmission, pay attention to the clutch pedal. Keeping your foot on the clutch pedal too long can cause it to wear out quickly.

Do not clean up spills inside the car

I hope the interior of your car looks relatively clean. Many of us have spilled something in our car at least once, and it's important to take care of these spills right away.

Spills not cleaned up can lead to much more than just an unpleasant spectacle. In fact, liquids spilled in your vehicle can get on the cables and damage the vehicle's electronic components. What's more, some carbonated liquids, such as Coke, can cause rust in your car's interior. Take care of these spills as quickly as possible.

Irregular oil change

Regular oil changes are an important part of car maintenance. Fortunately, modern car engines can run much longer without an oil change. However, it is still recommended to change the oil frequently to keep the engine running at peak efficiency.

Many modern cars are equipped with a maintenance warning light for forgetful drivers. As soon as it lights up, it's time to change the oil. If your car doesn't have a service reminder, consider recording the mileage at each oil change so you don't miss the next one.

Ignoring a Maintenance Schedule

Believe it or not, your owner's manual is filled with useful information. One of the most important parts is the maintenance schedule, which is extremely helpful when it comes to planning your next service visit. In this way, mechanics can identify problems with your car at an early stage and replace worn out parts of your car.

Most new cars sold today come with several years of regular maintenance included in the price of the car. Even if your free maintenance period has ended, it's definitely worth following your car's maintenance schedule.

Forget to change shock absorbers

Riding with worn shock absorbers is not only very uncomfortable, but also incredibly dangerous. Worn shock absorbers can drastically reduce your car's handling, causing your car to jerk from side to side, or even lose control of the car.

You should ask to have the shock absorbers checked at your local workshop whenever you change your car's tires. Note that hitting a pothole or hitting a curb can also damage the shock absorber.

Lack of service from an experienced mechanic

Nobody wants to spend a lot of money when it's not necessary. More often than not, car owners head to shady workshops, hoping that the repairs will be done at a fraction of the cost. While this may have worked with older and simpler cars, it is much more difficult to do so with modern cars.

An unskilled mechanic can do more harm than good. Modern cars are crammed with high-tech systems, so it is safest to take them to an authorized dealer for service. The repair bill may be higher, but you can be sure that the work will be done to a high standard.

Overload

You can find your vehicle's maximum load capacity listed in your owner's manual. Ignoring this and overloading the vehicle can adversely affect the handling and performance of your vehicle. What's more, constantly overloading your car can lead to many different problems.

The extra weight puts extra stress on your vehicle's engine, transmission, tires and suspension components, shortening their lifespan. You may find that the brakes won't work either. In general, it is much safer to take your cargo on two flights than to exceed the maximum capacity.

Using water instead of coolant

When some drivers run out of coolant in their radiator, they fill it with tap or bottled water instead. While this may seem like a great trick to save you some money at first, it needs to be done right to be effective.

It's true that you can mix regular water with coolant, but the radiator should never have water alone. What's more, your car's engine can get very hot (especially in summer), exceeding the boiling point of water, which in the worst case can lead to cracking of the cylinder block.

Wrong modifications

Car modifications are great. There are plenty of aftermarket tuners that offer an arsenal of cosmetic upgrades for just about any car. While some custom modifications can enhance the style of your car, others can be over the top and impact the car's value.

Some modifications can harm not only the value of the car or the eyes of the audience. For example, adding too much negative camber to a suspension can cause tires to wear out quickly.

Don't let the engine cool down

This primarily applies to turbocharged vehicles. After a long drive, it is extremely important to drive at low speeds for at least a few minutes before parking and turning off the engine. Thus, the turbocharged engine has the opportunity to cool down properly.

It's important to note that it's unlikely that your turbocharged car's engine will reach such high temperatures during your daily commute. If you're a fast rider or perhaps planning to hit the race track, be sure to let the engine cool down before turning it off.

Forget about wax

Many car owners seem to forget about waxing their cars. To some, this may seem like an unnecessary measure or a ploy by the local car wash to make more money. In fact, waxing your car a couple of times a year can have a huge impact on the color of your car.

The wax layer acts like a shield that protects the clear coat and paint on your car. The wax absorbs most of the dirt and other unwanted substances, not the paint itself.

Rapid braking and acceleration

Driving instructors always mention that young drivers should refrain from hard braking or accelerating. The disadvantages of braking quickly go beyond mere discomfort to passengers.

Harsh acceleration puts a lot of stress on your car's transmission and can lead to transmission problems. On the other hand, fast braking can quickly wear out your car's brake pads. In the worst case scenario, the driver behind you may even brake at the wrong time and actually crash into the back of your car.

Ignoring a cracked windshield

If you notice a small chip somewhere on your car's windshield, then it's definitely best to take care of it as soon as possible. Otherwise, a small chip can turn into a larger one and eventually turn into a large crack. For example, sudden temperature changes can cause a crack in a windshield to widen.

What many drivers don't know is that small chips on the windshield can be repaired without having to buy a replacement. However, once your windshield is cracked, you should replace it.

Ignoring unusual sounds

Hearing strange sounds coming from your car is often a sign of a problem with your car. If you act fast enough and don't ignore the sounds, this can be a minor and cheap fix. However, if noises are ignored, they can become serious problems over time.

A great example of this would be the squeal when you hit the brakes. This could probably indicate worn brake pads, which can be fixed quickly and easily. If you choose to ignore it instead, worn brake pads can cause damage to the brake discs, which can be much more expensive to replace.

Wrong driving through speed bumps

There is a certain approach to the correct passage of a speed bump. You may be surprised to know that it's not just about passing one at a slow pace.

Naturally, if you go over a speed bump too fast, you can damage the car's suspension or scratch the bumpers. However, you can inflict this damage even while moving slowly! The key to speed bumps is to approach them at a slow speed. Braking hard just before a bump will cause the front of your car to fall over, which can damage your front bumper.

No tire wear check

Tire checks don't end with tire pressure checks. Checking tire wear is just as important as maintaining the correct pressure. Just like under-inflated tires, worn tires greatly affect the handling and safety of your vehicle.

A visual inspection of your tires can be done anytime, anywhere. Watch for uneven tire wear, this could be a sign of misalignment or suspension problems. Be sure to check tire wear before it's too late or you could face expensive repair costs.

Fitting the wrong tires

While forgetting to check your tire pressure and tire wear is important when servicing your car, it's absolutely essential to make sure your car has the correct tires. The wrong type of tires can drastically affect the handling and safety of your car, even if they look good at first glance.

Double check which size and type of tires are recommended for your vehicle make and model before installing them on your vehicle's rims. For example, buying tires that are too big for your car can cause wheel friction and damage to your car.

Cancellation of Warranty

This only applies to owners of vehicles that are still under warranty. A good warranty can cover everything from regular maintenance to repairs that would otherwise be expensive. The last thing you want is to accidentally void your car warranty.

If you take your car to the race track, the warranty will most likely be voided. Adding any vehicle modifications will also void the dealer's warranty. Keep in mind that dealers may scan the engine's history to find any additional power or even electronic modifications such as ECU tuning.

car overflow

Have you ever tried to continue refueling a car after the fuel pump has stopped pumping fuel into the tank? Many car owners sin with this and unknowingly damage their car.

Overfilling your gas tank does more harm than just hitting your wallet. Ideally, there should be a certain amount of steam in the fuel tank. If the tank is overfilled, excess fuel can enter the vehicle's vapor collection system. The steam is then replaced by fuel, causing the engine to run inefficiently. It can also damage the vapor recovery system.