Everyone has bad habits – nail biting, chewing with your mouth open, forgetting to change the toilet paper roll – but the worst habits are the ones that will cause damage to your property. A car is a huge investment; therefore, it’s very important to take good care of it so it will last for years to come. To avoid premature damage to your vehicle, our team at Empire Rent A Car has put together a list of bad habits to correct, if they apply to you!

1. Not Avoiding Potholes

No matter where you drive, potholes are a fact of life. Avoiding them is good for your car. If you’re not careful and you hit a pothole, you could puncture your tire, bend or crack your wheel, or even damage your tire’s sidewall or belts. Even a minor impact may knock your car out of alignment or cause damage to your shocks, struts, or suspension. So keep your eyes on the road and avoid as many potholes as you can. Otherwise, you will end up with costly repairs to your car.

2. Not Using Your Parking Brake

The only part of your vehicle that is specifically designed to keep your car stationary is your parking brake. Not using it is common, and far too many fail to do so because our cars do remain stationary when placed in the park gear. In reality, failing to use your parking brake puts a lot of stress and wear on your vehicle. So, to keep it in great condition for as long as possible, use your parking brake in every condition, not just on hills or bumpy roads.

3. Not Regularly Checking Your Car

Small issues are easy to fix and easy on the budget. When you have a serious problem, turn to the professionals. However, you are also going to want to check the car yourself. Start by checking the air pressure in your tires, then check the body of your vehicle for signs of rust or other issues, and finally check to make sure all the lights work properly. Getting in the habit of checking your car for problems can save you money down the road, and may even help avoid a ticket.

 

Your vehicle can last over a decade with proper care and safe driving habits. However, if you do have car trouble and need a rental car, our team at Empire Rent A Car has you covered. We serve New York City and the surrounding areas with an extensive fleet of affordable and reliable rental cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans, so contact us today at (800) 750-8782 or book online!