You might unknowingly be reducing your car’s life expectancy. Your driving style and habits can negatively impact your vehicle. Here are some bad habits you need to break.

Are You Aware of Your Driving Habits?

We often don’t realize that we’re doing something until someone else points it out. Maybe you strum your fingers or tap your feet when you’re nervous, or perhaps you speak differently when you’re with a group of friends. We all have habits, and they’re not always good, especially when those bad habits are involved in your driving. You might be affecting your vehicle without even noticing. Are you aware of your driving habits? You’re most likely not, which is why Mooresville Synthetic Oil has enlisted some everyday driving habits you should be aware of. Make it your goal to break the bad habit and become a better car owner.

Resting Your Hand on the Gear Shifter

How can resting your hand on the shifter be a problem? It places unnecessary weight on the transmission's bushings and synchronizers, which in turn causes internal wear. You shouldn't touch the shifter unless you’re changing gears. Keep both of your hands on the steering wheel when you’re driving. If you usually rest your hand on the shifter and you’ve been struggling to shift gears, it’s possibly time to check the transmission.

Not Listening to the Warning Signals

It becomes easier to ignore your squeaking brakes and other strange noises that your car makes as time passes. You can even get used to the flashing lights on your dashboard.  You definitely manage to turn a blind eye to your oil change schedule. Your vehicle lets you know in many ways that there’s a problem. Don’t wait until it breaks down to pay attention and fix the issue. It might seem annoying and time-consuming to stick to your scheduled maintenance, but paying for major repairs is even worse. Listen to the warning signs! In fact, you should make sure that your engine receives the full benefits of that synthetic oil change you’ve been avoiding. You’ll keep your engine free of sludge and prevent potential damage. Make sure to use AMSOIL Synthetic Oil next time you get an oil change. You want to get the best quality lubrication for your engine. Try their Signature Series 5W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil which you can purchase online or by calling Mooresville Synthetic Oil at (336) 247-0212.

Driving on Empty

Maybe you like living on the edge and want to see how far your vehicle can go on fumes. Perhaps your paycheck didn’t last long enough for you to refill your gas tank. Whatever the reason may be, driving your car on low fuel can cause a lot of damage. All the rust, grime, and dirt at the bottom of your fuel tank can get sucked into the system and attack the fuel pump and fuel filter. Making your car move is not the only job gas performs. It also acts as a lubricant and a coolant for the fuel pump. By running on empty, you only worsen the wear and tear. Eventually, you will have to deal with costly repairs. You should switch to synthetic oil and be smarter when you pump gas if you want your fuel to last longer.

Carrying Unnecessary Weight

Using your car as a trash can, closet, and dining area isn’t a good idea. All that unnecessary extra weight you carry around in your vehicle makes it burn off more fuel and causes stress on the suspension and brakes. It might seem like meaningless weight, but it can add up and cause damage. Be sure to carry only the essentials.

Resting Foot on the Clutch Pedal

Just like resting your hand on the gear shifter, resting your foot on the clutch pedal applies unnecessary pressure. You’re ever so gently engaging your clutch. Without even realizing it you might be affecting the pressure plate, release bearing, and release arm. Replacing your clutch can be very expensive. Try to keep your foot off the pedal when you’re not shifting gears.

Frequent Sudden Stops

When you have to stop unexpectedly, you obviously need to stomp on your brakes. But if you’re constantly forced to do sudden stops because you’re about to hit the car in front of you, you need to change your driving technique and leave a decent space between yourself and the other cars. Sudden stops can lower your fuel efficiency and hurt the brake pads and rotors.

Forgetting About the Handbrake

Many of us are guilty of not using the parking brake when we park. We’re putting more stress on the parking pawl found within the transmission. Excessive pressure can cause the pawl to wear out and eventually break. Use the handbrake. It’s not that complicated to pull it or push it.

Don’t Skip Your Next Synthetic Oil Change in Mooresville

If your car has been giving signs that you need to change your oil, best do it before any harm can come to your engine. When you’re due for a synthetic oil change in Mooresville, be sure that your purchase AMSOIL Synthetic Oil. You can get everything you need from oil to oil filters at AMSOIL’s online store, or you can call Mooresville Synthetic Oil at (336) 247-0212 to get some recommendations and place your order. ;