7 Ways You May Be Accidentally Damaging Your Car

May 23, 2016

2016 Dodge Challenger Hellcat | Micah Wright/Autos Cheat Sheet

Don’t you hate it when you try to fix a problem or attempt a little preventative maintenance only to just make matters worse? We must commend those of you who are now protecting your cars for summer, as this is an often overlooked maintenance choice. But don’t forget that the chances of something going horribly awry are also pretty high if you don’t know what you’re doing, so be sure to do your research before jumping in head first.

It’s not that we are being pessimistic or think that everyone out there is incompetent; it’s just that good intentions don’t always yield positive results. If you aren’t an experienced DIY guy and just feel like winging it under the hood one day, chances are you’ll muck things up royally before the day is done. I was once that guy, and to this day I am still fixing a few mistakes made a decade ago by my younger, far less competent self.

There are also issues of neglect, ignorance, and poor driving habits, all of which can cause a car to crumble faster than a Double Stuffed Oreo cookie in a glass of hot milk. Most Americans would rather be car-free permanently if they could in order to save money and avoid the dreaded morning commute entirely, and since many of them view their cars on the same level as the blender, mistreatment and neglect tend to be commonplace.

Fixing a car can be costly, and the mental anguish of knowing that it’s all your fault makes it even more of a burden. So take it easy out there, consult with any trusted friends or family members who are reputable car buffs, and keep an eye out for the seven tips we’re serving up here.

1. Improper tire inflation

Mugen wheels | Micah Wright/Autos Cheat Sheet

A lot can go wrong when the rubber hits the road, and since many car owners ride around on tires that are either over- or under-inflated, this is crucial to include here. Not having enough air in your tires has been linked to poor fuel economy, uneven/accelerated tire wear, and over time can cause wheel and alignment issues. Over-inflation is another issue because even though the sidewall says that a tire can hold 50 PSI, it doesn’t mean you should fill it to that point. A harsh ride, uneven treadwear, and less traction are all side effects of too much air, so always mind the recommended tire pressure listed either in the owner’s manual or in the driver side door jam.

2. Waiting late to brake

Corvette Z06 brakes | Source: GM

This is a simple and completely avoidable issue: Waiting until the very last moment to hit the brakes can do a real number on your car, and unless you have a big brake kit, your ride is likely reeling from this kind of abuse. Your pads, rotors, and calipers are all going to wear faster if they are regularly subjected to heavy braking. Mechanics recommend planning ahead if a stop is imminent, and using a coasting technique where you are on and off the pedal in two second increments at higher speeds in order to avoid “cooking” your brakes. Also, it’s just generally not safe.

3. Overzealous accelerating

Nissan 350Z drag racing | Micah Wright/Autos Cheat Sheet

On the other end of the spectrum is over-throttling it every chance you get. Overworking an engine unnecessarily puts all kinds of added strain on powertrain components, as everything from fuel pumps to valve trains try to keep up with the tachometer. Even high performance sports cars will eventually begin to show signs of premature wear if thrashed regularly, so take it easy and choose your throttle time wisely. Sure, wearing out your tires may be a bit pricey, but it’s the loud “pop” from your engine that’s going to hurt your pocketbook.

4. The coolant conundrum

Adding antifreeze | Source: PEAK Antifreeze & Motor Oil via Facebook

For as mandatory as coolant is, there’s a lot of misinformation out there about what to use and how to use it. While all-in-one jugs of antifreeze are OK to use in a pinch, following the automaker’s recommended fluid choice is always the best bet. Be sure to keep that water to coolant level mixture as close to 50/50 as possible too; while pure straight water cools better than pure coolant, it can cause corrosion issues over time, and the last thing you need is a busted radiator when it’s hotter than the hinges of Hades outside.

5. Prolongued parking in direct sunlight

Mazda CX-5 | Micah Wright/Autos Cheat Sheet

This one can be hard to avoid, but there are ways to navigate around it. While exposing a vehicle’s hardened shell to winter’s wrath for extended periods of time is not advisable either, the sun can do a real number on a car’s interior. Cracked dashes, split seats, and faded upholstery can hurt the car’s value and be pricey to fix, so buy yourself a sunshade, keep that moonroof closed, and look for some shade.

6. Not washing/waxing regularly

Meguiar’s Wash & Wax | Source: Meguiar’s via Facebook

While not washing your car may just seem like an aesthetic problem, the toll it can take on your car over time is pretty consequential — especially if you live up north where road salt is everywhere. Neglecting a car by not washing and waxing it regularly is like refusing to take a shower and then neglecting to put sunblock on before heading outside. Faded, flaking, rusted, and rotting, the build-up of road grime and UV rays are one hell of a way for a car to bite the dust, and only the owner can prevent this premature plague from spreading.

7. Oil change issues

Check your oil | Source: iStock

This is one that can do more damage in a short period of time than anything else listed. Every day, thousands of people add the wrong weight of oil to their cars, fail to change it on time, drive long periods on low levels, use synthetics when they shouldn’t, or overfill the engine with the stuff. Following what is recommended in the owner’s manual is step one toward reaching prolonged automotive longevity, followed by regular level checks, changes, and making sure that any of these five problematic auto service chains don’t cross-thread your oil drain bolt on with an impact wrench. Or worse.