15 Things You Should Never Do to Your Car
Whether you drive a brand-new vehicle or an older model, proper care is essential to keep your car running smoothly and safely. But while most drivers know the basics—like changing the oil or checking tire pressure—many unknowingly do things that can cause serious damage over time.
Here are 15 things you should never do to your car, no matter what you drive.
1. Ignore the Check Engine Light
That little yellow light isn’t just a suggestion. Ignoring it can turn a minor issue into a major (and expensive) repair.
2. Drive With Almost No Fuel
Regularly running your tank to near-empty can damage your fuel pump and pull debris from the bottom of the tank into your engine.
3. Skip Oil Changes
Oil lubricates and cools your engine. Put it off too long, and you’re basically inviting engine failure.
4. Slam Your Car Into Park While Still Moving
Always come to a full stop first. Shifting into park too early wears out your transmission and can cause costly internal damage.
5. Rest Your Hand on the Gear Shifter
It may feel comfortable, but that extra pressure strains the transmission's shift forks, especially in manual vehicles.
6. Ignore Strange Noises
Squeaks, grinding, ticking, or clunking sounds are your car’s way of begging for attention.
7. Ride the Brakes Downhill
This overheats your braking system. Instead, downshift (in automatics and manuals) to let the engine help slow the car.
8. Use the Wrong Fluids
Coolant, oil, brake fluid, and transmission fluid are NOT one-size-fits-all. Using the wrong type can lead to failure.
9. Accelerate Hard on a Cold Engine
When the engine is cold, oil hasn’t fully circulated yet. Give your car a minute of gentle driving first.
10. Wash Your Car With Dish Soap
Dish soap strips the protective wax finish. Use car-safe soap instead to protect the paint.
11. Ignore Your Tires
Driving with worn, uneven, or incorrectly inflated tires reduces fuel efficiency and increases the risk of blowouts.
12. Leave Heavy Items in the Car Long-Term
Extra weight forces your engine to work harder and wears down suspension components.
13. Let Your Car Idle for Long Periods
Idling wastes fuel, creates unnecessary emissions, and can cause carbon buildup in the engine.
14. Neglect Your Battery
Corroded battery terminals or a weak charge can leave you stranded. A quick visual check now and then saves headaches later.
15. Slam Doors, Trunk, or Hood
Repeated slamming can damage latches, weaken seals, and loosen hinges over time.
Final Thoughts
Your car is one of your most valuable investments—and often something you rely on every day. Avoiding these 15 common mistakes can extend its lifespan, save you money, and keep you safer on the road. A little awareness goes a long way toward keeping your vehicle running at its best.
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