6 Ways You’re Destroying Your Car With Bad Habits

We all like to think we’re good, competent drivers, but the reality is that many of us aren’t. We pick up bad habits along the way, and we stick with them, gradually destroying our cars over time. You might think that you aren’t causing any damage to your car, but if you fall into the following categories, you are!

Hot Water On An Icy Windshield

Alright, hands up! Who has done this before?! When it’s particularly icy, and we need to get to work, it’s tempting to pour boiling hot water on an icy windshield. You’re playing a game of Russian roulette every time you do this. You might get lucky this time and enjoy a clear windshield. Next time, the whole thing will probably shatter. Do you really want to take that risk? I’ll leave that up to you.

Failing To Avoid Potholes

Alright, so this is a little harsh on your part. It’s unfair to expect you to avoid every pothole, but there are some that you can see coming. Instead of swerving out the way, you drive oPicturhoping the damage won’t be too bad. Next time, don’t take the chance! A bad pothole can lead to your Volkswagen needing VW service to replace those newly-battered tyres. Don’t let it come to this.

Not Changing The Oil When Necessary

As a vehicle owner, you pledge a basic commitment to maintaining your vehicle on a regular basis. One of the most important tasks that you must carry out is checking your oil. If your oil isn’t at the right level, it’s your responsibility to change it and add the right type. Failing to do this will eventually destroy your car totally. It needs oil in order to survive; don’t deprive it!

Ignoring Warning Signs

I’m guilty of this, and I know plenty of you are too! When a warning sign comes along, we hope that it’ll simply disappear. In some cases, it might, and we get lucky. In others, it turns into a much bigger problem. If you’re hearing strange noises or seeing warning lights on your dashboard, you need to take action. It’s an indication that if you don’t, your car could be in serious danger.

Shifting Into Gear While Rolling

Think about this one. How many times have you shifted into forward gear while rolling backwards? I bet the answer is many times, huh?! Well, we all have. But, it’s time to stop. The reason for this is because you’re putting serious pressure on the vehicle when it’s rolling. Transmission repair can be the result of your easily-made mistake, and you’ll be paying out the nose for it.

Developing A Messy Interior

This one’s unforgivable. Cars are expensive purchases, and for that reason, you should be keeping them in a tidy state. Vehicles that contain a layer of candy wrappers and soda cans aren’t pleasant to drive in. If you let this issue develop extensively, you may never be able to return the interior to its original state.

Emily Muelford
Emily is a British writer whose love of car culture is augmented by a fascination with both the European and American automotive markets. Her perspective is uniquely fish and chips.