What is the best way to drive your car to avoid damage or retain it's condition?

Perhaps the most important thing you can do is to change the oil, even more frequently than the manufacturer’s recommendation, and use a high-quality synthetic motor oil. After that, no rabbit starts or jump starts, no unnecessary high-revving, no unnecessary hard stops, treat the accelerator as if there is an egg under it. You needn’t worry about using the engine as a brake while going down a hill. It’s harder on the clutch to engage and disengage it like that all the time.

drive like you have an egg between your foot and the gas pedal.

My partner keeps telling me to make sure not to drive it like a “nana” and “thrash” it a bit. He says that if I put my foot down and give it gas, it will be a better car in the long run.

I am dubious about this concept and so far, two of you have said to be delicate with the accelerator (egg reference). So his method is a bad idea, right?

I am so frightened, this is my first new car and have sunk my savings into it. Just want to be nice to it!

He means not to lug the engine. This means shifting when you reach the recommended RPM and not earlier. So, in a way, he is right, and so are you. If it’s not clear what I mean, let me know and I will give you a fuller explanation.

Carefully.

Only as far as the end of your driveway… and even then with extreme caution.

Drive defensively. And don’t let other drivers goad you into driving aggressively. And don’t always trust that the drivers next to you will always be careful. Be careful but not timid. A hesitant driver is dangerous on the road. They are the ones who will push their breaks every 5 seconds. Oh, and when going from a ramp onto a highway, don’t let the guy behind you pressure you into jumping into a crowded lane because he’s impatient. If you have a yield sign and stop, he has to stop. Better he rear end you than you jump into a busy lane and cause several cars to crash.

@pdworkin – ahhh, this makes sense! Do you know wha the recommended RPM for each gear is by any chance?

Sorry to be a royal pain in the arse!

You should read the owner’s manual, but somewhere in the 3,000 RPM range is probably sufficient not to lug the engine. For passing, or in emergencies you can (after break-in) go right up to the redline, but that should not be your usual practice. Some people say you should drive at high revs (close to redline) once in a while to reduce carbon, but that advice was generally given in the time before catalytic converters made for a cleaner burn.

I agree with pdworkin – keep that oil changed regularly! I’ve got a Chevy that’s coming up to 200,000 miles. I hate that car and keep waiting for it to break down so I have an excuse to buy another one haha, but alas… my stepdad (who is also my mechanic) tells me that changing the oil as often as I do is what’s kept it rolling all these years.

Just drive within reason but don’t be paranoid…use your car for what it is intended, to drive!

Of course this is coming from renegade mountain woman…I have a luxury car that I have driven like a wild horse for the last 6 years…change the oil on schedule and it’s never failed on me yet. I love my car…Hi Ho Silver awaaaaaay…....

DON’T drive it like ya stole it!