These car-loving behaviors are quietly damaging your car

[PCauto] Many car owners are incredibly attentive when it comes to caring for their vehicles, yet some seemingly meticulous maintenance practices are actually causing hidden damage. In the realm of automotive care, scientific methods are far more critical than over-enthusiasm.

Here are some common maintenance misconceptions in daily life that every car owner should be aware of.

Excessive maintenance is a common pitfall for new car owners

Some car owners firmly believe that frequently changing the engine oil is beneficial for the engine. In reality, exceeding the manufacturer's recommended maintenance intervals may have the opposite effect.

New engine oil requires a certain mileage to fully unleash its cleaning properties. Replacing it prematurely is not only a waste of money but may also lead to abnormal oil pressure, potentially disrupting normal engine operation.

Overfilling the engine oil is equally harmful. If it exceeds the upper limit of the dipstick, it will increase the running resistance of the engine and, in severe cases, may lead to engine oil burning issues.

The way you wash your car directly affects the longevity of the paint

Washing a car under the scorching sun can cause rapid temperature changes on the paint surface, accelerating paint aging and dull the finish.

Frequent car washing is also ill-advised. A cleaning frequency of once or twice per month is most appropriate.

The choice of cleaning agent is equally crucial. Alkaline detergents like laundry powder can gradually corrode the clear coat, making professional pH-neutral car wash solutions the correct choice.

Using a high-pressure water gun directly on the paint surface or waxing in a circular motion can cause scratches. The correct method is to rinse at an angle and adopt a straight-line waxing technique.

Driving habits can also affect the lifespan of the vehicle

Extended idling not only increases fuel consumption but also worsens engine carbon buildup.

Some drivers habitually drive at high gears with low speeds, believing it saves fuel. In reality, this practice may actually lead to incomplete combustion and accelerate engine wear.

In automatic transmission vehicles, coasting in neutral can damage the transmission friction plates, while coasting in gear is the correct usage of modern electronic fuel injection engines.

Leaving the steering wheel turned when parked or regularly parking on slopes constantly stresses the steering and suspension systems, leading to premature component wear.

Car interior decorations also pose safety hazards

Full-coverage floor mats may jam the pedals or deform interior components, and Steering wheel covers can seriously interfere with proper airbag deployment.

Continuing to use electronic accessories for extended periods after turning off the engine will accelerate battery depletion and shorten its lifespan. These features, which seem to improve comfort, may actually pose safety risks.

Precision Control is Needed for Oil and Fluid Management

Some drivers make a habit of waiting until the fuel tank is nearly empty before refueling. However, they may not realize that the fuel pump relies on gasoline for cooling. Consistently running on low fuel can easily cause it to overheat and fail.

Similarly, blindly using fuel additives is another common misconception. Modern engine oils already contain sufficient anti-wear additives. For older vehicles, following the recommended maintenance schedule is all that's needed—no extra additives are necessary.

Substandard additives can clog the fuel system. Only when carbon buildup is confirmed should you purchase compatible products through authorized channels—this caution helps avoid unnecessary risks.

Long-term Vehicle Inactivity Can Also Cause Problems

The battery may drain due to self-discharge, tire contact surfaces can develop permanent deformation, and engine oil may gradually oxidize and lose effectiveness.It's recommended to start the vehicle and drive it for a distance weekly. This allows various systems to maintain normal operating conditions and helps prevent issues caused by prolonged inactivity.

What deserves even more attention is that many car owners tend to ignore warning lights or unusual noises. If these minor issues are left unaddressed, they may eventually escalate into significantly higher repair costs.

The essence of proper vehicle maintenance lies in adhering to the manufacturer's guidelines rather than relying on subjective assumptions.Each model has its specific usage requirements and maintenance schedule, and overprotecting or improper operations may backfire.

The true way to care for your car is to conduct reasonable maintenance based on the understanding of the vehicle's characteristics, so it can remain in optimal condition for the long term while avoiding unnecessary repair expenses.

The most effective approach to extending your vehicle's lifespan is to schedule regular professional inspections at authorized service centers and promptly address any signals your vehicle emits.