MT. PLEASANT, Mich. -- Summer in Michigan means things like camping, water sports, road trips, the whole shebang. However, all that heat and stale air can do quite a number on your car if you keep up certain bad habits (and let's face, we're guilty of all of them).
RiverTown Honda is here with some bad habits that can damage your vehicle if you don't learn to break them as soon as possible.
1. KEEPING YOUR FUEL TANK LOW
Gas prices are especially high during the summer months, and we've all been there where $10 worth is the best we can do at the time. However, trying to put a little extra in at the pump can save you the more expensive fate of replacing your fuel pump. Many fuel pumps stay cool by being submerged in the fuel tank. If you typically ride the gauge at a quarter tank or less, you risk speeding up wear and tear to your fuel pump.
1. RESTING YOUR HAND ON THE SHIFTER
Driving a stick shift is great fun, and having one hand on the shifter and the other on the steering wheel seems like the most natural way to do it. Don't. When you leave your hand on the shifter, it puts added stress on your transmission's bushings and synchronizers, which can lead to premature wear. It's a lot safer to keep both hands on the wheel anyway.
2. IGNORING YOUR WARNING LIGHTS
When your check engine, oil or tire pressure light comes on, it's easy to ignore it. "I can leave it for awhile," you might say to yourself, "I've never had any problems before!" Bad move, you. Your vehicle has a ton of sensors underneath all that metal, which are there to monitor the function and condition of different components. When there's a problem, those sensors will notify you on the dashboard, and you should listen. Granted in some cases it may be a false alarm, but bringing your car in for a service appointment with us to have it inspected is a lot cheaper than having to foot the bill for a replacement, not to mention a lot safer than having your engine blow up on the highway. We also have a handy warning light guide on our website to help you understand what each icon means.
3. KEEPING YOUR FUEL TANK LOW
Gas prices are especially high during the summer months, and we've all been there where $10 worth is the best we can do at the time. However, trying to put a little extra in at the pump can save you the more expensive fate of replacing your fuel pump. Many fuel pumps stay cool by being submerged in the fuel tank. If you typically ride the gauge at a quarter tank or less, you risk speeding up wear and tear to your fuel pump.
4. SUDDENLY SHIFTING
When you've been driving for a long time, your operating skills become a lot more advanced and your movements more fluid. This is no more evident than in the way you shift gears, such as when you back out of a parking space then immediately shift into drive. It might seem harmless at the time, but sudden shift changes like that can do a lot of damage to your drivetrain. Instead, try to get in the habit of coming to a complete stop before shifting gears. It only costs you one more second and will help to spare you costly engine, transmission, and axle replacements.
5. HARD STOPS AND EXCESSIVE BRAKING
While it's sometimes necessary to slam on the brakes in order to avoid a collision, you should not make a habit of it. On top of that, excessive use of your brakes, such as when you're following too close to the vehicle in front of you, is not good either. Both can accelerate wear and tear on your brake pads, which can then lead to brake replacements and, if left unchecked, brake reduction and even failure when you're on the road.
We're all guilty of these bad habits that can damage your car, but thankfully all habits can be broken! Now that you know the damage you're causing your car when you do these things, you can work towards reducing and eventually eliminating them altogether. While you're at it, why not schedule a service appointment with us to make sure everything is in tip-top shape?
Give RiverTown Honda, the #1 Honda Dealer in Michigan in 2017, a call at (877) 236-9113, or visit us at 4260 Kenowa Ave. Grandville, MI 49418, one mile west of RiverTown Mall.
