Every car owner wants a high-performing car. How you take care of your car will directly impact how well it runs. Unfortunately, not all car owners know how to properly take care of their vehicles, nor do they take the time to maintain their vehicles.
A study shows that 7.9% of car owners delay routine maintenance. Some of the primary reasons for this are as follows:
- lack of convenient time
- high repair costs
- the issue does not affect their car’s drivability
- can’t last long without their car
- parts not available
Failure to keep up with maintenance tasks is not the only way to damage your car’s performance. Other things you can do — or fail to do — will also hurt how well your vehicle runs.
The following are four examples of things you do that can ruin your car’s overall performance.
Treating Dyno Tuning as a DIY Project
This is the process of fine-tuning an engine to get the most power and efficiency out of it.
Experts use a dynamometer or dyno machine to tune an engine. The machine measures an engine’s power and torque output and can also adjust the air-fuel mixture, ignition timing, and other factors.
Dyno tuning requires specialized equipment and knowledge. Even with thorough research, you could potentially do more harm than good to your car’s engine if you don’t know what you’re doing.
It would be best to take your car to a reliable auto service center and invest in dyno performance tuning. With professional dyno tuning services, the experts can help diagnose any issues and make the necessary adjustments to improve your car’s performance. Experienced mechanics with the right experience and training will help ensure your car’s engine runs as efficiently as possible. Make sure to find experts that can offer accurate and efficient dyno tuning.
Not Changing the Oil Regularly
Cars need their oil changed every 3,000 miles or so. However, reports show that almost half of car owners in the U.S. doubt they can correctly conduct oil change. A quarter of respondents even think they cannot pick the right oil for the task.
Not changing your car’s oil regularly can cause a build-up of dirt and debris, clogging the engine and reducing efficiency. Over time, this can lead to engine damage and decreased performance. The same goes for using the wrong oil.
Consult your car’s manual to learn how to change your oil. This will tell you what type of oil is best for your vehicle. If you can’t find the time to do this yourself, then at least take your car for oil changing services regularly.
Using the Wrong Fuel Type
Cars require a specific type of fuel to run correctly. The most common types are regular unleaded, premium unleaded, and diesel. Using the wrong fuel for your car can damage the engine, leading to decreased performance and costly repairs.
Let’s say your car requires premium unleaded gasoline, but you mistakenly fill it up with regular unleaded fuel. The lower-octane regular unleaded gas will cause your car’s engine to knock. This knocking noise happens when the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders ignites too early. When this happens, it stresses the engine and can cause damage.
Stick to the type of fuel recommended in your car’s manual. If you’re unsure, ask a professional mechanic. They will be able to advise you on the best type of fuel your vehicle needs to perform at its best.
Ignoring Warning Signs
Your car will usually give you warning signs when something is wrong. These can be strange noises, dashboard lights, or performance changes. Ignoring these warning signs can lead to more serious problems and costly repairs down the road.
For example, if you notice your car’s engine is making a strange noise, it could indicate something is wrong. Your car may be telling you that it now has low oil levels. Or it could be something more serious like an engine damage.
If you ignore the warning signs and don’t get the problem fixed, it will likely get worse and could lead to engine failure. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, don’t ignore it. Take your car to the experts and have them take a look.
Bad habits are not only harmful to our health but can also damage our cars. If you want to keep your vehicle running smoothly, avoid things that can damage your car’s performance. This can include ignoring the warning signs, using the wrong fuel, skipping oil changes, and using the DIY approach for important tasks like dyno tuning. This way, you can avoid any major problems and keep your car on the road for longer.
