Driving Habits to Prolong Your Vehicle's Life

There are a few specific driving habits you can practice to prolong the life of your vehicle. By following these simple tips, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your car or truck running like new for years to come. While some protect your vehicle's engine, others are better for the suspension and other important components. Let's take a look! 

Avoid Short Trips

One of the best ways to prolong your vehicle's life is to avoid short trips. Starting and stopping the engine puts a lot of wear and tear on the engine and other components, so it's best to avoid these trips when possible. If you can combine errands into one longer trip, you'll save yourself time and money in the long run.

Alternatively, walk or cycle on those shorter trips to save both your vehicle and the environment. For example, it's better to walk ten minutes to the local shop than put your vehicle through unnecessary stress. 

Drive Slowly Over Bumps

Hitting a bump or pothole at high speeds can cause serious damage to your vehicle's suspension. If you're driving too fast, you could end up with a bent rim or a blown tire. Slow down and take it easy on the roads, especially if you're driving on an unfamiliar road.

Obey the Speed Limit

Not only is speeding dangerous, but it can also be costly. You're more likely to get into an accident, and you'll end up wasting gas. In most states, the speed limit is 55 mph or less. Obeying the speed limit will help you save money and keep your vehicle in good condition.

While many people see the speed limit as an inconvenience, it generally exists for your safety. If you're driving on a highway, you should be aware of the posted speed limit and drive accordingly.

Don't Ride Your Brakes

If you ride your brakes, you're causing unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle. You should only brake when it's absolutely necessary. When you're driving on a highway, you should also take your foot off the gas pedal and coast whenever possible. Coasting is a great way to conserve gas and keep your vehicle in good condition. 

If you're driving down a long, steep hill, it's best to shift into a lower gear. This will help you avoid riding your brakes and damaging your vehicle. By combining all these smaller tips, it could make a significant difference to the health of your vehicle. Arrowhead Imports love helping people to get back on the road again, but prevention is always better than a cure. 

Brake Smoothly 

While on the topic of brakes, it's important to mention that you should brake smoothly whenever possible. Sudden stops can be hard on your brakes and cause them to wear out more quickly. If you're driving in stop-and-go traffic, try to anticipate when the person in front of you is going to stop so that you can coast up to them instead of slamming on your brakes at the last second. 

Get Regular Services

Don't be one of those people who waits until their car breaks down before they think about taking it to a mechanic. By then, the damage is usually done and it's going to cost you a lot more money. Instead, get your car serviced regularly at Arrowhead Imports. This will help to keep it in good condition and could prevent any major issues from arising. 

We hope you found these tips helpful and that they help you to prolong the life of your vehicle!