Abusing the clutch
Many drivers, when they come to a stop, keep the clutch all the way to the floor. You’ll be able to inch forward and be ready to take off when the light turns green, but when you do this to the clutch, its surfaces scrape against each other, wearing them out and creating the possibility of failure. Instead of riding the clutch with the shifter in gear, find Neutral with the shifter and let the clutch out.
Carrying too much weight in your car
The more the car weighs, the more stress it places on its drive train, suspension, and brakes, and the more fuel it consumes. Limit the amount of cargo you carry around on a daily basis and just carry the essentials.
Riding your brakes when driving downhill
Although it’s important to manage your speed and be safe, riding the breaks actually causes heat to build up in the brake pads and rotors? This will not only cause wear but can also increase the risk that the brakes will overheat or warp.
Ignoring the parking brake
Whenever your car is parked, be sure to engage the parking break, this will keep your car from moving and keep from waring down components.
Letting the gas tank stay low
Putting only small amounts of gas in at one time could actually damage a vehicle’s fuel system. Many fuel pumps keep cool by staying submerged in the fuel in the tank. Keeping your fuel topped off will keep you from costly fuel pump repairs.
Shifting too quickly from reverse to drive
Come to a complete stop before shifting into drive. Over time, the drivetrain could be damaged and this is a costly repair.
Revving the vehicle before the car engine is warm
If you can, wait at least 60 seconds before you get on the road, and everything will have warmed up enough for reliable performance. This could be one of the most important items on this list.
Flooring it when you don’t need to
It can be a rush when you accelerate and speed up, but all you are really doing is burning a whole lot of fuel and putting a heavy load on your drivetrain. This also leads to frequent full-force stops that cause rapid wear to the brake pads and rotors. Both habits are asking for expensive auto repair bills down the road.
Using the shift lever as a hand rest
Many drivers do this, but it puts strain on the transmission’s bushings and synchronizes, leading to premature wear.
Ignoring warning signs
Your vehicle will usually tell you if something is wrong via squeaks, knocks, vibrations, lights, and so on. Have your vehicle serviced by your local AAMCO Minnesota repair shop at the first sign of an issue. You don’t want to be stranded on the side of the road.
Come to AAMCO Minnesota for All Your Car Repairs & Maintenance
You need an experienced automotive technician who can diagnose the problem and honestly tell you what needs to be done when something is wrong with your car.
If you have questions about your car’s exhaust, engine, transmission, repair or maintenance needs, AAMCO Minnesota can help. Stop by or call a local AAMCO Minnesota repair shop for a Multi Point Vehicle Inspection of your transmission and related systems. We can handle all your scheduled car maintenance and repairs, from brakes and oil changes to factory recommended maintenance and full transmission replacements.
Other Articles About Car Maintenance & Repair
Take the Fear Out of Transmission Repair
What is a Torque Converter?
Find a Location Near You
AAMCO Minnesota Transmission shops are locally owned and operated.