When you are driving your car, do you think about more than just getting where you need to go safely? Are you mindful of how you are operating your vehicle? You may not have realized it, but that can make a big difference when it comes to the life of your car’s engine. Although it is very important to be considerate of other drivers on the road, you should also be considerate of your car’s engine. Without a doubt, failing to treat your car’s engine with care can lead to costly repairs down the road.

Here are some simple driving tips you can follow to protect your car’s engine:

Avoid stop and start driving as much as possible. Your engine runs better and will last longer when it is running at a continuous speed. Imagine how your body would feel if you were in a foot race where you constantly alternated between a full sprint and a dead stop. Constant stops and starts are really hard on your vehicle’s engine. Drive your car on the highway when possible and try to keep your speed and RPMs at a consistent level.

Avoid short trips whenever you can. Cold starts are tough on your engine and your gas mileage. Combine short errands when possible to avoid wear and tear on your car’s engine.

Drive your car regularly. Cars that sit for periods of longer than a week or two can develop problems. If you plan to store your car for an extended period, you should consult your mechanic.

Accelerate slowly. If your car has an automatic transmission, release the gas slightly as you accelerate. It is easier on the car’s internal clutches to shift when you ease up on the gas pedal.

Avoid holding your steering wheel in an extreme right or left position for more than a few seconds when you are turning because that can damage your power-steering pump.

Shift your car into neutral at red lights to lessen strain on your engine and automatic transmission. If you don’t, your engine is still working to push your car even though it is stopped.

Be gentle with your car. Drive slowly until your car reaches operating temperature. This will reduce the strain on your engine while the oil is thicker. Plus, most of the wear and tear on the engine and drive train of your car occurs in the first ten to twenty minutes it is in operation.

Taking good care of your car will help it to run better and last longer. With their sophisticated engineering, German cars, in particular, will benefit from the driving tips listed here. Sometimes cars develop issues despite the best efforts of their owners. If you live in the Tucson, AZ, area and need repair and service for your BMW, Mercedes Benz, Audi, VW, Porsche, or other German automobile, contact European Auto Tech today. We are committed to providing the highest level of service and repair for German cars.