Often, the best driving for your car's health is also better for you because it's safer. Below are a few tips on avoiding these bad habits so your car works better and lasts longer.

Don't Accelerate Too Slowly

Primarily to save gas, know that it's silly to start driving too slowly. Some people have been taught not to dart off from a stop, and the general principle is a good one. But starting too slowly stops your car from reaching optimal speed and can put wear on the transmission and engine. You should probably drive at expected speeds.

Don't Drive on Empty

Know about a couple of ways that emptying your engine of fuel or keeping the level low is a bad idea. Sediment in fuel settles on the bottom of your fuel tank, so when the gas is almost gone your car has to push the grit through the fuel ignition system. This causes buildup and can also make your car work extra hard. Also, gas or diesel in the tank helps cool the part that pumps fuel, making it work better. If you don't have sufficient gas in the tank, your fuel pump could get too hot.

Don't Sit and Idle or Rev

If you've read our blog, you know what our mechanics say about idling. It's also unwise to rev your engine while stopped, especially if you're doing so with a cold engine. When you do, oil and fluids won't circulate properly and the catalytic convertor won't function properly. Furthermore, this cold-to-hot behavior can lead to widespread damage.

Don't Drive Aggressively

Don't drive like you're in an action movie. One of the most obvious reasons not to drive too fast is that this bad habit is unsafe. But also, peeling out at intersections and then braking hard is rough on your brakes, engine and transmission. It's only natural to show off a fast auto, but true car lovers know that it can have a negative effect on your vehicle.

Don't Shift Like a Novice

There are several ways in which bad shifting behavior can wear out your transmission or clutch. Don't ever move to park or reverse while your car is moving. Also, don't move the gears into park and run off without using the E brake. If it so happens that you do, the whole vehicle's weight will rest against the transmission instead of the brake. For stick shifts, be careful not to hold down the clutch between shifting. These easy tricks could save you thousands of dollars.

Don't Speed on the Freeway

It can be a thrill to race down the interstate, passing all the slower cars and experiencing tight handling as you travel through the lanes and around the curves. But realize that driving like this can break the car. Our engine experts at Christian Brothers in Southaven, MS, say that most autos perform best at between 40 and 60 mph. If you drive faster than that, you will burn more gas mile by mile and your transmission will be pushed to the max. Also, operating at top capacity means extra stress on all your engine parts, and that can cause you to need early repairs. In the end, driving at the limit is the perfect way to show off that you're a proud car owner.

Get Your Vehicle Checked at Christian Brothers

In addition to driving wisely, keep your auto tidy top to bottom. You should also be careful to check the lights, oil and tires regularly. And every so often, bring your ride in to your Southaven Christian Brothers garage for a diagnostic and analysis.