Car maintenance mistakes you make and didn’t even know about

The preservation of a car goes far beyond scheduled visits to the workshop. In reality, engine longevity and road safety are often compromised by failures in car maintenance that happen in routine, often fueled by myths or old beliefs that no longer apply to current automotive technology.

Preventive maintenance is a pillar of traffic safety and it is essential that it is done correctly. Items such as worn tires, failures in the brake system or visibility problems are decisive factors for the occurrence of accidents, which could be avoided with quick check-ups.

SEE ALSO:

• Maintenance: 10 things you can do yourself in your car
• Five parts you need to change with each car maintenance
• Does a car stay longer in the workshop than in the garage? Here’s what to do!

In this article you can check out five simple mistakes that many drivers still make and the correct procedures for each situation.

1. Tap water in the cooling system can sacrifice your engine

A persistent misconception is the use of tap water to top off the radiator. Although it seems like a practical solution, the presence of minerals in treated water accelerates internal corrosion and sediment accumulation. To avoid severe damage to the engine and ensure optimal thermal control, it is essential to use the specific fluid (ethylene glycol), which protects the metal components against oxidation. And of course, don’t forget to check the level routinely and also the change time, according to what the owner’s manual determines.

2. Fuel additives make good cleaning, but they don’t solve your life

With regard to performance additives, caution is needed. When they are certified and applied according to the standards, these products are effective because detergents and dispersants to prevent oxidation and accumulation of residues. However, experts warn against the use of additives that promise to increase potency and have iron oxide, which damage items such as candles and catalysts. The golden rule is to always follow the specifications in the manufacturer’s manual.

3. Warming up the engine with a car stopped is a waste of time

Leaving the car running and stopped for several minutes before leaving is an obsolete habit. Thanks to electronic injection, modern engines operate efficiently from the very first moment.

• The current recommendation: Start the vehicle, let it run for a few seconds (so that the lubricant circulates to the upper parts of the engine) and start the movement gently. No sudden accelerations, as this can cause unnecessary friction between the moving parts.
• Avoiding sudden acceleration while the engine seeks its ideal working temperature during movement also avoids unnecessary consumption, in addition to avoiding emissions at the moment of lower block efficiency.

4. Is driving a car “only in the smell” a loss for sure?

Keeping the fuel level constantly low is a risky practice that goes beyond the fear of dry breakdown. There is a consensus that running in reserve can overheat and damage the fuel pump. This is a myth, because the regulation of the pump’s temperature occurs with the passage of the liquid through it. But there is always the risk of suctioning impurities deposited at the bottom of the tank, damaging the engine’s power supply and culminating in a premature visit to the workshop.

5. Changing filters should be frequent maintenance

Many people have the habit of lengthening the change of filters. However, the replacement of filters (air, oil, cabin and fuel) must strictly follow the schedule of deadlines and mileage, regardless of the visual appearance of the parts.

• Old air filters: Filled with dust, the air flow to the combustion chambers is compromised and the electronic center tries to compensate by increasing fuel injection, which results in increased consumption.
• Wear of old oil: There are those who change the lubricant, but have not replaced the filter. In addition to mixing old oil with the new, the old part is not able to retain impurities that can make lubrication inefficient and accelerate serious engine problems.
• Cabin filter?: That’s right, your car has a filter that retains impurities that are sucked in by the cooling system. In addition to dust, the filter also retains moisture, which accelerates the proliferation of bacteria and mites, which can cause damage to health. The quality of the air in the cabin depends directly on the integrity of the cabin filter.
• Fuel filter: A lot of people forget this part that is hidden under the floor, close to the fuel tank (in some cars inside the tank). It is responsible for not letting residues reach the injector nozzles and combustion chambers, which can compromise the operation of the engine. But when they get old and with an accumulation of dirt, they make it difficult to eat and the result is increased consumption. Follow the change recommendation established in the manual.