While your car certainly can take you on all sorts of adventures, there are some unexpected things that can damage it. From the mundane to the seemingly harmless, these surprising dangers can cause serious harm to your vehicle if left unattended.

To keep your car in top shape and avoid costly repairs, here are seven things to watch out for:

1. Driving Through Deep Water

It may seem fun to splash through puddles or take on a flooded street, but driving through deep water can cause serious damage to your car. The electrical components of your vehicle, including the engine and transmission, are particularly vulnerable to water damage.

Your engine can also become hydrolocked, meaning water seeps into the combustion chamber and stalls the engine.

To avoid this danger, always try to find an alternate route or wait for the water to recede before driving through it. If you must, stay in the middle of the road where the water is shallowest and drive slowly to avoid splashing water onto your engine.

2. Overfilling Your Gas Tank

You may think you're being efficient by filling up your gas tank all the way, but overfilling it can actually do more harm than good. When you top off your tank, the excess fuel can spill out and damage your car's evaporative emissions control system. This can cause extended cranking or the vehicle not starting, leading to costly repairs and reduced fuel efficiency.

To avoid overfilling, stop filling your tank once the nozzle clicks off. Even if you're someone who tries to get the most out of every drop, it's worth avoiding the potential damage to your car.

3. Ignoring Dashboard Warning Lights

While some dashboard warning lights may be obvious signs of trouble, others can easily be ignored or mistaken for something else. However, ignoring these warnings can lead to bigger problems and more expensive repairs down the road.

If you see a warning light on your dashboard, from the check engine light to the tire pressure light, don't ignore it. Take your car to a trusted mechanic for a diagnostic test and address the issue promptly to prevent further damage. Even if it's a minor issue, it's better to be safe than sorry.

4. Resting Your Hand on the Gear Shifter (Manual Transmission)

Do you have a habit of resting your hand on the gear shifter while driving? While it may seem harmless, this can actually lead to premature wear and tear on your car's transmission. The constant pressure from your hand can cause the synchronizing gear assemblies to wear out faster, leading to a costly transmission replacement.

Try to break this habit and keep your hand on the steering wheel instead. Not only will it protect your car's transmission, but it can also make you a safer driver by allowing you to have more control over your vehicle.

5. Driving on a Nearly Empty Fuel Tank

It may seem like common sense to fill up your gas tank before it hits empty, but many drivers push their luck and continue driving with a low fuel level. However, this can lead to damaging your car's fuel pump.

When the fuel level is too low, the pump sucks in the bottom of the gas tank, where debris and sediment tend to accumulate. This can clog the fuel filter and cause damage to your engine. It can also start to suck in the air, which can cause your vehicle to stall or have trouble starting.

Instead, make it a habit to fill up your tank when it reaches a quarter full. This will not only protect your car's fuel pump but also save you from the inconvenience of running out of gas unexpectedly.

6. Shifting from Drive to Reverse Before Completely Stopping

Do you tend to shift between drive and reverse while your car is still in motion? This can put extra strain on your transmission and lead to costly damage. The gears in a vehicle's transmission are designed to switch smoothly when the car is stopped, but shifting while moving can cause them to grind against each other.

To protect your transmission, make sure to come to a complete stop before switching gears. This simple habit can save you from expensive transmission repairs down the line.

7. Ignoring Strange Noises or Vibrations

If your car starts making strange noises or vibrating in ways you've never experienced before, don't just ignore it and hope it goes away. These are often signs of underlying issues that can lead to more damage if left unattended.

If you notice any new or unusual noises or vibrations, take your car to a mechanic for an inspection. It's better to catch and fix the problem early on than risk causing further damage and potentially putting yourself in danger while driving.

Get Ahead of Trouble & Change Your Driving Habits

Don't let these surprising dangers take a toll on your vehicle. Keep an eye out for these potential hazards and take action to protect your car for the long haul. With a little extra care, you can keep your car in top shape and avoid costly repairs in the future.

What to Do if Your Car Is Damaged

If any of these unexpected dangers have already caused damage to your car, don't worry. At Christian Brothers Automotive, our experienced technicians are well-versed in a wide range of automotive diagnostic and repair services. We also offer scheduled maintenance services to keep your car running smoothly and prevent future problems.

Don't let these surprising dangers take a toll on your vehicle – contact your nearest Christian Brothers Automotive location to schedule an appointment today!