Bad driving habits can have consequences like decreasing fuel efficiency, or potentially causing accidents, but did you know they’re also doing damage to your vehicle? Understanding how can inspire safer driving and may save you from needing auto repair sooner than necessary. Here are a few harmful driving practices to avoid.

3 Driving Habits that Harm Your Car

1. Leaving the Fuel Gauge Near Empty

Letting your car’s gas tank sit close to empty leads to problems beyond the risk of running out of fuel. In some vehicles, the fuel pumps sit submerged in the gas as a way to stay cool. Not having enough gas could cause those pumps to overheat, putting your fuel system at risk. Always leave the tank at least a quarter full to avoid damage.

2. Shifting From Reverse to Drive Without Stopping

When you’re in a hurry, you can forget to pause when switching between reverse and drive, but it could be doing damage a critical part of your vehicle. Your transmission is designed to work in tandem with the brakes. Failing to stop when switching from reverse to drive can harm your transmission’s drivetrain. Pausing, even briefly, will save you a premature trip to the auto repair shop.

3. Not Using the Parking Brake

Even when putting your transmission in “park” is enough to stop the vehicle from rolling, ignoring your parking brake is still bad practice. It’s the only part of the car designed to fully lock the wheels. Without the parking brake, the full weight of the vehicle is put on the parking pawl in the transmission. The less this small piece of metal has to take that strain, the less likely it is to break. To avoid unnecessary wear and tear, your parking brake should be used no matter what kind of terrain or incline your vehicle is on.

Even with good driving habits, your vehicle still requires regular auto services. Miller Brothers Auto Repair in Somerset, WI, offers everything from routine maintenance to check engine light diagnostics, and their experienced ASE master technicians will get the job done quickly and efficiently at a price you can afford. To schedule an appointment, call (715) 247-4100 or visit their website.