Here is a list of the top ten things people should not do to there cars.
1. Not reading the owner’s manual:
Believe it or not, there is a ton of great information in that little book.
2. Revving the engine on startup:
It has been established that 90% of the wear on the engine occurs during the first few seconds after startup, while there is little or no oil between the moving parts.
3. Riding the clutch:
This one can be one of the most expensive to support.
4. Riding the brakes:
Besides being inefficient and hard on the car, this bad habit can kill you.
5. Never checking the coolant:
A tiny leak is often easy to fix, neglected, it can cost you an engine. Which would you rather pay for?
6. Never checking tire pressure:
(Most people don’t even own a tire pressure gauge, or know what pressure to run in their tires.) It’s your money, and your life…
7. Not changing the oil and oil filter on a regular basis:
(This is the single best use of your auto care dollar. How often should you change your oil? I suggest every three months, no matter if you drive 500 miles or 10,000 miles. (Boy, bet I get a lot of mail about this one!))
8. Not bothering to learn anything about how their car works:
You don’t have to become a mechanic, but there are a few things that everyone should know before they are allowed to drive any car.
9. Ignoring the idiot lights:
(Guess why we call them “Idiot” lights)
10. Believing anything is really free:
Up here in Canada we have an company that has an interesting way of drumming up business. They periodically offer a ‘free brake inspection’. What they don’t mention is that if they find anything seriously wrong, they can ‘condemn’ your car and refuse to give it back to you until you agree to let them fix it or have it towed away. (Neither of these options is free)
