Bad driving habits themselves can ruin your truck or car, and that's true even if you don't wreck. Read the advice from our expert auto repair team below.

Don't Accelerate Slowly

Primarily to save gas, know that there's no reason to accelerate so slowly that you risk the road rage of your fellow motorists. Some new drivers have been taught not to “jackrabbit” at start, and that's usually smart. But getting going extra slow prevents your auto from normal driving conditions and can tax the engine and transmission. Drive at expected speeds.

Don't Drive on Empty

There are three reasons not to let your gas gauge get too close to the red line, and only one of them involves running out of gas. One of the other reasons is that sediment in gas settles on the bottom of your tank, so when the level is low your fuel pump has to push the grit through the fuel lines. This causes buildup and can also require your tiny engine mechanisms to work harder than usual. Furthermore, fuel in the tank usually helps cool the part that pumps fuel, making it last longer and work better. If you have too little, your fuel pump could get too hot.

Don't Sit and Idle or Rev

If you've read our blog, you know our thoughts on idling. It's also unwise to rev your engine while stopped, especially if the engine isn't warm. When you do, the engine will not become lubricated safely and the catalytic converter won't work. Furthermore, this cold-to-hot behavior can mean widespread damage.

Don't Stop and Start Too Quickly

It's not a race. Obviously this bad habit is unsafe. But furthermore, peeling out at lights and then braking hard is taxing on your engine, your transmission, your suspension system and your brakes. It's clear why you want to show off a fast vehicle, but realize that you shouldn't abuse it.

Don't Shift Improperly

Shifting is a big deal. We'll just cover a few of the ways. First, don't ever change directions or park while your car is moving. Next, don't go into park and run off without using the E brake. If you do, all the weight of your auto will be resting against the transmission. For stick shifts, be careful not to hold down the clutch between shifting. These easy tricks could save you many hundreds of dollars.

Don't Push the Speed Limit

It can be a thrill to race down the interstate, passing all the slowpokes and mastering the curves as you travel through the lanes and around the curves. But driving like this can break the car. Our auto professionals at Christian Brothers in Alpharetta, GA say that most cars and trucks do best at 40-60 mph. If you drive at higher speeds, the engine will use more fuel per mile driven and your transmission will be pushed to the max. Also, driving that fast it means extra stress on all your engine parts, and that can cause you to need early repairs. In the end, driving at posted speed limits is the best way to show that you love your vehicle.

Get Your Vehicle Checked at Christian Brothers

Drive well and keep your car or truck clean top to bottom. You should also be sure to check the tires, oil and lights regularly. And at regular intervals, bring your auto in to your Alpharetta Christian Brothers location for a diagnostic and analysis.