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Common Habits, Considered Positive, Can Accelerate Car Wear, Cause Damage and Losses When Done Excessively or Without Specialized Guidance. Discover What They Are.
The concern to maintain the car, keeping it looking new and functioning perfectly, drives millions of vehicle owners across Brazil.
However, many habits considered positive can generate damage to the automobile if practiced without proper guidance or in excess.
The adoption of these customs, often based on popular recommendations, can compromise parts and systems, leading to unexpected losses.
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Engine Cleaning: Understand the Risks of This Practice
Among the practices frequently adopted is engine cleaning, which, in theory, helps remove accumulated dirt and favors heat dissipation.
However, performing engine cleaning without technical knowledge can have serious consequences.
If water reaches electrical or electronic components, such as injection modules, wiring harnesses, and sensors, the risk of electrical failure and corrosion increases considerably.
Additionally, water infiltration can contaminate the engine oil, compromising its lubrication.
Experts recommend opting for steam or dry cleaning methods, which minimize contact with water and reduce damage risks.
The procedure should only be done in specialized and trusted workshops, never in a home or improvised manner.
Filling the Tank to the Brim: Risk to the Canister
Another widespread habit is to ask the attendant to fill the tank “to the brim.”
Many believe that by doing this, they are maximizing the tank capacity and avoiding frequent trips to the gas station.
However, this habit can damage the canister, a fundamental component for controlling the emission of toxic fuel vapors.
Excess fuel can saturate the system, resulting in failures and, eventually, the need for part replacement.
The manufacturers’ recommendation is clear: fill the vehicle until the automatic shut-off of the nozzle, avoiding any further topping.
This way, it’s possible to protect the canister and ensure the efficient operation of the evaporation system.
Frequent Polishing: Danger to the Vehicle’s Paint
Maintaining the shine of the bodywork is the objective of many drivers, but excessive polishing can cause premature wear of the clear coat and paint.
Although it is an effective alternative to eliminate minor scratches and revitalize the paint, the service should only be done when necessary and always by qualified professionals.
Frequent polishing can make the surface of the bodywork more fragile, facilitating the appearance of stains, loss of shine, and even corrosion.
To preserve the vehicle’s appearance, regular washes and periodic application of protective wax are sufficient.
This way, the wear of the protective layer is avoided, and the durability of the original paint is extended.
Cleaning the Fuel Injectors: Only When Necessary
The recommendation to clean the fuel injectors frequently appears during automotive inspections, promising to improve performance and fuel consumption.
However, cleaning is only indicated in specific cases, such as malfunction, increased consumption, or difficulty starting the vehicle.
Performing this procedure preventively, without proven necessity, can damage the injection system, as chemical products can wear out internal components.
According to technical guidelines and the manufacturers themselves, the best way to avoid clogging is to use high-quality fuel and adhere to the maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual.
The practice of cleaning without indication can be more harmful than beneficial for the car.
Using Additive Fuel: Be Careful with the Source
The habit of always filling up with additive fuel, even at trusted gas stations, should be evaluated with caution.
Although the additive promises to keep the fuel system clean and optimize performance, there are reports of establishments selling regular fuel as if it were additive, without guaranteeing the actual presence of additives.
Experts recommend that if the driver wishes to use additives, the ideal is to buy the product from recognized manufacturers and add it themselves, following the manual’s guidelines.
Modern vehicles, in fact, do not require continuous use of additives, as they come equipped with advanced electronic injection technologies.
Indiscriminate use may not yield the expected benefits and, in some cases, harm components of the fuel system.
Engine Decarbonization: When the Procedure Is Recommended
Engine decarbonization, often presented as a solution to eliminate residues and improve performance, should only be performed after a technical diagnosis.
Indiscriminate use of chemical products can cause damage to sensitive parts, such as rings, bearings, and valves, increasing maintenance costs.
In modern engines, deep cleaning is only indicated in the presence of clear symptoms of carbon buildup, such as loss of power or increased fuel consumption.
If necessary, the procedure should be carried out by qualified professionals and often requires partial disassembly of the engine to ensure effectiveness and safety.
Having a trusted mechanic’s oversight is essential to avoid losses.
Care and Habits: What Really Protects Your Car?
The search for the conservation and appreciation of the vehicle leads many drivers to adopt practices based on informal recommendations, without technical support.
Excessive care, far from ensuring the car’s health, can accelerate the wear of components and result in costly repairs.
According to data from IBGE, the national fleet continues to grow, and with it, the importance of qualified care.
Strictly following the owner’s manual, consulting specialized professionals, and respecting manufacturers’ recommendations are the best strategies to avoid pitfalls.
After all, have you reflected on whether the habits you maintain to care for your car actually help or, without realizing it, may be harming your vehicle? Have you faced problems from following popular tips? Share your experience and join the conversation!
Eu já,depois que coloquei gasolina aditivada,meu carro Mitsubishi eclipse cross fica acendendo a luz injeção,está dando código P0171.