Simple Driving Tips to Make Your Vehicle Last Longer

Most drivers know that regular maintenance, including oil changes and transmission inspections, can help prevent breakdowns and maintain their vehicles at peak performance levels. However, driving habits also have a significant impact on your vehicle's lifespan.

How drivers manage various driving situations has an effect on both gas mileage and the longevity of a vehicle. You can follow these driving habits to lengthen the life of your vehicle.

Habits To Boost Your Vehicle’s Longevity

Drive Gently During the Break-in Period

The first 1,000 miles you drive in your new vehicle is called the "break-in period." During this time, make sure to try different speeds and gears. You need to check how your vehicle’s engine responds throughout its entire range.

As a rule of thumb, avoid exceeding 75 mph in the initial 600 to 700 miles. Also, try not to exceed 3,500 RPMs for the first 500 miles. Check your owner's manual for any special advice.

New engines have parts that need time to settle, especially the piston rings. If these rings aren't seated correctly from the beginning, it can lead to problems in the future.

Although it may seem tedious, driving cautiously during the break-in process can significantly extend the life of your engine. Taking care of your vehicle’s engine will eventually pay off.

Shift Gears Correctly

If you have a manual transmission, it's essential to be in the correct gear according to your speed and RPMs. Failing to do so could lead to issues like shaking or sluggishness, a condition known as "lugging." This unnecessary strain can wear out components, such as cylinder heads, resulting in costly repairs later on.

You should also avoid excessive engine braking. Suddenly downshifting to lower gears from higher ones without taking one's foot off the accelerator will spike the RPMs and cause wear. Instead, it's better to brake first and transition between gears smoothly.

Keep Loads Lightweight

Heavy-duty trucks are designed to haul heavy loads, but smaller vehicles are not designed for the same purpose. Hauling heavy cargo can strain your vehicle and can lead to premature failure of some engine components, such as transmission pumps, torque converters, or the engine.

Check your owner's manual to ensure that you have the proper equipment for heavy-duty jobs to prevent overloading your vehicle.

Schedule Regular Maintenance at O'Daniel Honda

Although not a driving practice per se, routine vehicle servicing greatly improves overall performance. A well-polished exterior of your vehicle prevents corrosion. Routine inspections of parts allow you to identify issues early on so that your vehicle can function at its best for the duration of its life.

Expert Auto Repair and Maintenance Near Bennington

If you need automotive repair or maintenance near Bennington, O'Daniel Honda is your go-to service center. Our modern facility and factory-trained technicians are equipped to handle all your automotive requirements. Contact us today to set up a service appointment.

Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.