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5 Habits That Can Harm Your Car

Your car is one of your biggest investments, and it’s essential to treat it with care. Negligence in taking care of your car engine can lead to costly repairs and a shorter lifespan of your vehicle. Unfortunately, most car owners do not know what practices are harmful to their car engines. If you are among those responsible drivers who care about the well-being of your vehicle, we invite you to join us on this blog to discover tips on how to preserve the engine’s peak performance and ensure its longevity.

When it comes to maintaining engine health, it is always crucial to consider the quality of fuel you use. At BHPetrol, we offer our revolutionary Infiniti fuel blend, known for its carbon-deposit-free properties. This exceptional fuel not only ensures the longevity of your engine but also enhances your overall driving experience. With 400 stations across the country, we make it convenient for you to provide the proper care your car deserves.

Now that you have a brief understanding of the importance of taking care of your car engine, let’s dive into these 5 common practices that you should avoid if you want your car to be in excellent condition for years.

 

Driving at Excessively High Speeds

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Driving at high speeds not only increases the likelihood of accidents, but also puts significant stress on critical components such as the engine, transmission, and brakes. leading to accelerated wear and tear. Remember the faster the speed, the harder your car has to work, ultimately reducing its lifespan.

 

Never Switch To ‘P’ Gear Before Your Car Stops Completely

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In a rush and need to quickly park your car? Some modern cars don’t allow shifting to park mode until the vehicle comes to a complete stop. However, it might be possible when you hurriedly switch to “P” mode and that could potentially damage the transmission. The purpose of the parking gear is not to replace the brakes but rather to keep the car stationary when parked. Hence, it is advised to never engage ‘Park’ until your vehicle has stopped entirely.

Avoid Driving Downhill While in Neutral Gear

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While many experienced drivers suggest that using Neutral is a fuel-saving practice, it may not yield optimal performance for your car’s engine. Switching to N gear will stop the fuel flow to the engine, limiting your control on the car to utilise the engine’s gears for deceleration, meanwhile putting more strain on the main brake. Reduced control over the car can prove to be dangerous, especially in situations where quick reactions are necessary, such as driving down a slope.

It is also important to note that N gear should only be used when your car is stationary and not while driving down a road. If you are wondering when you should use N gear, here are some helpful tips:

  • Use N gear to save fuel while stopped at traffic lights or in slow-moving traffic.
  • Use N gear to tow another vehicle.
  • Never shift into Neutral while driving

 

Avoid Frequent and Unpredictable Lane Changes

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This practice can cause unnecessary wear on your vehicle’s transmission and engine. The abrupt acceleration and deceleration associated with lane changing can not only contribute to escalated fuel consumption but also pose damage to the transmission components and increase strain and potential damage. It is important to recognise the consequences and consider adopting alternative driving techniques to mitigate these adverse effects on your vehicle’s longevity and overall performance.

 

Never Drive with a Low Fuel Tank Frequently

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Driving with a consistently low fuel tank is a habit that can cause multiple problems. Running on low fuel levels can lead to contaminants or foreign particles that settle at the bottom of the gas tank, potentially clogging the fuel system over a period of time. 

When is the best time to refuel? It is advised to refill your tank as soon as it reaches the quarter-mark. By partially filling the tank, you can maximise your gas mileage by taking advantage of the weight reduction in the vehicle. 

Looking for the nearest station to refuel? You can now easily locate your nearest BHPetrol station by using our station locator tool – BHPetrol Stations Near Me. With repeated visits to fuel up, having a BHPetrol eCard or an eCard app helps you save money and earn points for a variety of gifts and voucher redemption – giving you extra value to your routine visit to the petrol station.

 

Here are 5 habits you should avoid to protect your car engine! Remember, safety is the utmost priority when it comes to driving. By maintaining your car engine’s performance, you can increase its longevity, fuel efficiency, and overall performance on the road.