Did you know there are around 239.24 million licensed drivers across the U.S.? According to Hedges & Company, that accounts for around 9 in ten residents of legal driving age.
When drivers young and old pass their road tests and join the ranks of licensed drivers, they may still have much to learn. Some mistakes are worse than others. Consider these 16 common mistakes new drivers make that can do a number on their vehicles.
Ignoring Strange Noises
One mistake new drivers often make is ignoring odd sounds. Whether there’s a scraping sound under the car, a knocking sound under the hood, or a rattling sound from the suspension, drivers shouldn’t ignore anything. Go to a mechanic and get things sorted out.
Skipping Routine Maintenance
While there are some makes and models that hold up even when neglected by their owners, why tempt fate? Some new drivers ignore maintenance. That can lead to expensive repairs in short order. A little routine maintenance can go a long way.
Riding Their Brakes
Inexperienced drivers often ride their brakes. Instead of being aware of what’s happening around them and driving at the right speed, they might drive too fast. By so doing, they’ll frequently have to apply the brake. Riding the brakes creates extreme heat and causes premature wear.
Carrying Too Much Stuff
Another error some newbies make with their vehicles is overloading them. Yes, some cars, SUVs, or crossovers offer tons of space for the money. But that doesn’t mean new drivers must pack up every square inch from the floor to the ceiling. That’s only asking for problems.
Carrying too heavy a load can place undue stress on the braking system, overtax the suspension, and compromise maneuverability.
Overinflating or Underinflating Their Tires
Tires that are overinflated or underinflated can harm the vehicle’s suspension, reduce control, and cause uneven tread wear. Considering that the tires are the only thing connecting a vehicle to the road, drivers should respect the importance of proper tire car. But many new drivers take their tires for granted until there’s a problem.
Failing to Change Tires on Time
Yet another mistake some new drivers make is failing to replace their tires on time. When tread depth is at or less than 2/32nds of an inch, the tires aren’t safe to use. Fortunately, there are tread depth measuring tools available for dirt cheap. It’s best to keep one in the glove box.
Opting Not To Swap Tires Seasonally
Winter tires make a big difference during the cold weather season. According to one tire retailer, winter tires stop around six or seven feet sooner than all-season tires when the roads are covered in slow, sleet, or slush. New drivers might underestimate the difference winter tires make and may pay for it because of the increased risk of accidents.
Driving Over Speed Bumps Too Fast
When driving over speed bumps, the best advice is to reduce the speed. Failing to do that, as many new drivers do, can negatively impact the shocks, damage the undercarriage, and throw the alignment out of whack.
Ignoring the Dashboard
While not every symbol on the dashboard is a reason for concern, ignoring the dashboard altogether is a recipe for disaster. Many drivers ignore their dashboards, and some even go as far as to place a piece of tape on it to obscure a persistent error code.
But that’s asking for problems. New drivers should buy an OBDII scanner and check error codes. They’ll find out what the problems are and how serious the issues are.
Using Hot Water to Defrost Windshields
What could possibly go wrong if a driver throws a bucket of scalding hot water on a windshield? The answer is a shattered windshield. It’s a mistake something new drivers sometimes make. While there’s a chance the glass will hold up, why take the risk?
Failing to Rustproof
It’s surprising how many drivers don’t rustproof their vehicles. Rustproofing annually can help prevent rust from forming, growing, and shortening the longevity of vehicles. It’s unfortunate when an aging vehicle with a strong engine and transmission is taken off the road due to rust.
Ignoring Safety Recalls
According to one report, there were average of 1,000+ car recalls annually for the five years concluding in 2022. That worked out to around 27 daily. Some makes and models are more subject to recalls than others. But one thing drivers should never do is ignore these recalls. New drivers might file recall letters away and ignore them, which can take a toll on their cars.
Shifting Gears Before Stoping
Yet another problem newbies make that can get them and their vehicles in trouble is shifting from drive to reverse without stopping first. Doing this too often will cause unncessary wear and tear on the transmission and reduce its longevity. A new transmission can cost between $2,500 and $5,000. So, ruining a transmission can be a costly mistake.
Braking Aggressively
Aggressive braking is something new drivers sometimes do, and it can do a number on their vehicles. When drivers drive too fast or have slow reaction times, they might have to slam on the brakes. That will lower the longevity of their brakes, pads, and rotors. But harsh braking can also wear out the suspension, wheel bearings, and ball joints.
Ignoring Rust
The thing with rust is that it will spread. So, ignoring it won’t help. That’s one reason new drivers should rustproof their cars annually. If rust is already taking a toll, rustproofing can slow down the spread so vehicles last longer. Otherwise, rust can shorten a car’s lifespan.
Failing to Go to a Mechanic
Drivers who can do some maintenance and repairs independently can save money. But sometimes the solution is to visit a car mechanic. New drivers sometimes skip the mechanic altogether, which can make their vehicles unsafe and reduce their lifespans.
These Common Mistakes Can Cause a World of Trouble
If you’re a new driver, avoid these common errors that can take a toll on your car. Considering how much it can cost to get a new or used ride, you might as well take care of it.
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