5 bad habits that shorten the life of your vehicle

While the vehicle prices have soared since the pandemic, it's understandable and financially advantageous to want to keep your car as long as possible.

Carrying out maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, and adopting good driving habits, will maximize operation, performance, safety, fuel economy and longevity.

Not all makes and models are equally reliable, of course, but every driver has his or her duties too. Following on from the various tips we've offered in previous articles, here are some examples of bad habits that can shorten the life of your vehicle:

1. Overloading the engine, especially when cold

Repeated hard acceleration, sustained high-speed maneuvers and overloading the vehicle and/or trailer are just some of the ways in which the engine's load is increased. This in turn increases wear and tear on parts, leading to breakdowns and failures. Also, whatever the season, but especially in winter, avoid overloading the engine when cold, i.e. before it has reached its normal operating temperature. By the way, idling doesn't help speed up the process.

2. Use pedals incorrectly

When driving a vehicle with an automatic gearbox, some drivers get into the bad habit of using both feet to control the pedals. Simultaneous pressure on the gas pedal and brake can damage not only the transmission, but also other mechanical components. With a manual gearbox, it's best not to slip the clutch when the vehicle is stopped on a hill, which can lead to overheating and wear, and instead use the handbrake or the automatic hold function (if present).

3. Brake hard and constantly

Electric vehicles have taught us the magic of regenerative braking, which can replace conventional brakes in most cases. Whatever your vehicle, try to drive slower and leave more distance in front of you to avoid sudden, sustained braking. Similarly, when descending a hill, it's best to reduce speed and use engine braking rather than constantly depressing the brake pedal. This is even more important with a trailer attached to the rear. The life of your brake discs and pads depends on it.

4. Overloading the passenger compartment or body

We alluded to this earlier in the case of the engine, but overloading your car, SUV or truck can also prematurely wear out suspension, brakes and tires. Each model is designed with a maximum load capacity that must be respected, otherwise safety is compromised and more frequent repairs are required. Refer to your owner's manual for the weight limit you must not exceed, and as a precaution, always leave yourself a good margin.

5. Leaving a vehicle parked too long

Confinement during the pandemic made some people realize the damaging effects of inactivity on a vehicle's engine, 12 V battery and brakes. Except in the case of proper winter storage, make at least one 30-minute outing per week, to ensure that the mechanics, fluids and electrical systems remain in good working order. Also, don't leave the fuel tank too empty for too long, to prevent condensation inside. The addition of a fuel stabilizer could also have very beneficial repercussions, making it easier to restart the engine.