SPONSORED: Don’t make these bad car care habits part of your routine

Are you a stickler about keeping your car in top condition? If so, then good for you - not only will you have a reliable ride and the best possible performance, but you’ll also get more bang for your buck down the road as routine car care helps keep resale value high. However, sometimes drivers have the best of intentions but accidentally engage in bad car care habits that can actually cost them money down the road. Here are some habits from our Charlotte auto service techs that you should avoid if you want to keep your car in good shape.

5 bad car care habits to kick

#1: Keeping your trunk full of stuff.

We know - out of sight, out of mind, right? But mindlessly throwing junk into your car’s trunk can actually cost you in the long run. The extra weight can eat up your fuel efficiency and raise your fuel costs, and it can also put a strain on your car’s suspension and brakes as you drive on a day-to-day basis. Keep your N Charlotte Toyota’s trunk clean and organized with just the necessities.

#2: Not filling up your gas tank all the way.

Are you guilty of just throwing a couple of dollars at a time into the gas tank? It may seem cost-efficient, but it’s actually not. This car care mistake can cost you money by lowering fuel efficiency - all those extra trips to the pump negate any savings you may get by not filling up all at once. Additionally, keeping your gas tank full helps preserve your fuel pump and keep it running cooler, which means it’ll last longer and not need repairs or replacement very often.

#3: Shifting from reverse into drive too quickly.

Do you shift your N Charlotte Toyota from reverse into drive without missing a beat? This can actually damage your transmission! Before you change ANY gears, it’s best to ensure that your car is at a complete stop and THEN shift into your next gear.

#4: Not using your parking brake.

A lot of drivers think the parking brake is only for when you’re parked on a hill. Wrong! Using the parking brake regularly can actually cut your car care costs by preserving your brakes - it helps to distribute the car’s weight better so your main brakes don’t have to do all the work.

#5: Accelerating too quickly.

If you put the pedal to the metal, you may want to reconsider your driving habits. Accelerating too quickly in your N Charlotte Toyota can actually put your engine and drivetrain through the wringer, meaning more frequent maintenance and repairs. It can also eat into your fuel budget by reducing fuel efficiency, as well as wear your brakes out more quickly as they work harder to bring you to a safe stop.

Toyota of N Charlotte can help you kick bad car care habits to the curb

Have questions about routine car care and which habits you want to avoid? Call us! We’re open seven days a week at (704) 659-2025 and we’re conveniently located at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23.