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

Don’t Empty the Tank

There are at least three reasons not to drive close to empty, and only one involves the risk of walking ten blocks holding a gas can. One of the other reasons is that sediment in gas drops to the bottom of your fuel tank, so when it’s almost empty your engine has to push the grit through the fuel ignition system. This causes buildup and can also make your engine to work a little harder than necessary. The other reason is that for many vehicles, gas in the tank usually helps cool the fuel pump, making it work better. If you have too little, your fuel pump could overheat and wear out more quickly.

Don’t Race and Slam the Brakes

You’re not Vin Diesel from “Fast and Furious.” Of course this behavior is dangerous. But beyond that, slamming the gas pedal at intersections and braking hard is taxing on your transmission, engine and brakes. It’s clear why you want to show off a fast auto, but we think that trying to show off too much will be destructive down the road.

Don’t Push the Speed Limit

It can be a thrill to race down the highway, passing all the other cars and mastering the curves as you travel through the lanes and around the curves. But realize that driving this way can wreck the engine, and the car. Our auto team at Christian Brothers in Richmond, TX advise that most trucks and cars perform best at 40-60 mph. If you drive at higher speeds, you will need more gas or diesel per mile driven and your transmission will wear out. Also, operating at top capacity means extra stress on all the small moving parts of your engine, and that can cause it to wear out more quickly. Driving at the limit is a great way to display your pride.

Don’t Accelerate Too Slowly

Primarily to save gas, know that it’s not a good idea to start driving more slowly than traffic. Some new drivers have been taught not to dart off from a stop, and that’s usually smart. But accelerating too slowly stops your engine from normal driving conditions and can put wear on the transmission and engine. You should probably drive with traffic.

Don’t Abuse the Transmission

Shifting is a big deal. First, don’t ever change directions or park while your car is still moving. Also, don’t move the gears into park and run off without using the E brake. If it so happens that you do, all the weight of your auto will be resting against the transmission itself. For manual transmission vehicles, be careful to remove your foot from the clutch between shifting. These easy tricks could save you cash in the long run.

Don’t Sit and Idle or Rev

If you’ve read our blog, you know our expert advice on idling. It’s also a bad idea to rev your engine, especially if your engine is cold. If you do, oil and fluids won’t circulate properly and the catalytic convertor won’t work. Going straight from cold to hot isn’t good either.

Get Your Vehicle Checked at Christian Brothers

In addition to driving wisely, keep your ride tidy from the exterior to the interior. You should also be sure to check the tires, oil and lights often. Then, at least every 5,000 miles, bring your ride in to your Richmond Christian Brothers repair shop for a pro checkup.