As a vehicle owner, you want to make sure your investment lasts. Proper maintenance and good driving habits can help you maintain your car’s good working condition. Consider these different ways you can prolong the life of your car, truck or SUV and stay safe on the road.
Your driving patterns matter
Your actions behind the wheel can affect your safety and the longevity of your car, truck or SUV. Safe driving habits are crucial to keep your car running for years. Check out the following risky driving habits and solutions to help you avoid accidents and car damage:
Hard braking
This is exactly what it sounds like. Failing to leave enough space between your car and the vehicle in front of you can put you at risk of hard braking or even a collision. Hard braking can wear down your brake pads and rotors. If you have a habit of hard braking frequently, you might need to have your brakes and rotors replaced often. To avoid costly repairs and keep the roads safe, always make sure there are several car lengths of empty space in front of you. Plus, add more distance as needed for wet, snowy or icy road conditions.
Weaving through traffic
Weaving through traffic is dangerous at any speed. You could cut someone off and force them to brake hard or you may accidentally sideswipe a vehicle while changing lanes. In extreme cases, weaving through traffic can cause you to lose control of your vehicle or roll it. Avoid these dangers by driving the speed limit and using your turn signal to indicate a lane change or turn. Experts recommend putting on your turn signal 100 feet before your lane change or turn in local traffic and 900 feet on the highway.
Hard acceleration
Similar to hard braking, hard acceleration is bad for your vehicle. Putting too much stress on your accelerator each time you leave a stop sign or stop light may harm your engine and transmission over time. To make your engine run smoother, accelerate at a gradual pace until you reach the speed limit.
Hard acceleration can also be dangerous in local traffic. If you reach a high speed too quickly, hard braking may be necessary at the next traffic light. Steady acceleration and braking are best practices for safe driving and to keep your car in good condition.
Driving with distractions
Eating, listening to loud music, talking and texting while driving are just a few distractions that can contribute to poor driving habits and even cause an accident. Focus on the road while you are behind the wheel to keep yourself, your passengers and other riders and drivers safe. When you limit distractions, you are less likely to practice hard braking, hard acceleration or other poor driving habits.
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3 maintenance tips to keep your car running like new
You don’t need to know much about vehicles to extend the life of your car. Whether this is your first car, or you’ve been driving for decades, use these three tips to handle car maintenance like a pro:
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1. Schedule routine maintenance at your trusted auto service center.
No matter what year, make or model vehicle you drive, your auto service provider can help you get on a routine maintenance schedule for oil changes, tire rotations, alignments and more.
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2. Take your car in for repairs as soon as you suspect an issue.
Quick action may save you hundreds of dollars in repairs, even if you aren’t sure what is wrong with your vehicle. New grinding noises, changes in your brakes, changes in your accelerator, electronic issues, etc. are all signs you need car maintenance or repairs. If you think the damage is severe, consider having your vehicle towed to your repair shop to avoid further damage.
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3. Add roadside assistance to your auto insurance policy.
In an emergency on the road, roadside assistance can offer you peace of mind. If you have engine trouble, it’s too dangerous to risk driving it to a nearby repair shop. If you get a flat tire, you can do damage to your wheel by driving it to an auto center. Add roadside assistance to your auto policy so you can keep your car in good condition for years ahead even when you need immediate repairs.
With the right resources, car maintenance can be easy for everyone. Talk to your Integrity independent agent today to learn how you can find a repair shop.
Keep your car running with help from Integrity
Choose auto insurance from Integrity to get the resources you need for safe driving and to keep your car in good condition. We offer customizable auto coverage to help you protect what matters most. Plus, our roadside assistance options cater to your traveling needs.
Talk to an Integrity independent agent today to learn more about our auto insurance coverage.
Coverages described herein may not be available in all states. Please contact one of our local independent agents for complete details on coverages and discounts. If the policy coverage descriptions herein conflict with the language in the policy, the language in the policy applies. The material provided above is for informational, educational and/or suggestion purposes only, and does not imply coverage. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO QUOTE ANY INDIVIDUAL PREMIUM RATE FOR THE INSURANCE HEREIN ADVERTISED. Applicable policies may be underwritten by Grange Insurance Company, Trustgard Insurance Company, Grange Indemnity Insurance Company, Grange Insurance Company of Michigan* and Grange Property & Casualty Insurance Company*, Integrity Insurance Company*, Integrity Property & Casualty Insurance Company*, Integrity Select Insurance Company*. *Not licensed in Pennsylvania
Sources:
American Automobile Association (AAA)
I Drive Safely