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#1 |
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I'm always paranoid whenever I have to go on a long road trip (700 miles +) and usually around 85MPH.
I'm afraid it shortens the lifespan of the car dramatically and is causing damage to it. But I did read that cars take more wear and tear in city traffic compared to highway but a long road trip of 700 miles + is pretty extreme So in general, does driving really long cause damage to a car? Thanks |
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#2 |
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Normally, highway miles are easier on the car than city, but 85 mph is pretty fast. I guess it depends on the car... my Sebring at 85 is at a constant 3500-4000 rpm so it's tougher on that than it would be on a big V8.
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#3 |
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Joined: Jul 13th, 2008
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I'll bet you any money that 2000 miles on a proper highway do less damage to you car than, lets say a week of driving on smaller roads in east germany
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#4 |
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I LUV MY PRIUS!!!
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No, a long trip isn't bad for your vehicle. Given your car is well prepared (check fluids, tire pressures and stuff before you go), a 700 mile trip will be much better for your car than 700 miles worth of short trips and stop and go traffic.
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#5 |
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Joined: Aug 18th, 2005
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I think it depends on the car and the frequency of the long trips. Generally city traffic is harder on the drivetrain and other moving components because they are constantly in a stop/go situation. This sort of loading shortens the life of the components.
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#6 |
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Cool. Thanks for all the replies.
Seems like the stop/go is what's causing the most damage. 1) Is a constant 85MPH for hours non-stop harmful? 2) And I occasionally do brake on the interstate (from 85MPH to 60MPH and back to 85) Would this be the same as stop/go or not because I don't fully stop? Thanks (sorry for all this noob-ness. I just want to sure) |
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#7 |
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Joined: Jan 30th, 2005
Last Online: November 20th, 2009
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Car: '97 Renault Megane Coupe 5d 1.6e RT
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Continuous short trips wear your car more, because you need to start the engine more often and run on cold engine more, and also drivetrain parts get more abuse, like airmenair said, because you stop and get going again more often.
I would say driving 1000 miles in one trip is much more gentle to your car than 1000 miles of many short trips. On short trips everything in the car including the interior wears much more. Last edited by villej; August 18th, 2009 at 2:58 PM. |
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#8 |
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Joined: Feb 18th, 2007
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What??? I don't think I have ever driven any slower... apart from driving in towns...villages
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#9 | |
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I LUV MY PRIUS!!!
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Quote:
That's no problem, since you don't really use the brakes heavily changing from 85 to 60 mph.
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"We have to laugh at the Germans, because they're so riddled with guilt about their history, they can't laugh at themselves." - Jeremy Clarkson Got a question regarding Hi-Fi of any kind? Then check my general audio thread. |
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#10 |
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It won't do any harm... Driving from here to southern France... it's about 20km 100mph to the border, then cruise control to 85 for the next 1000km because they have a speedlimit... But well u have to stop occasionally to pay the toll... but the rest is 85mph..
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#11 |
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Ibiza-Proll
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I just read somewhere it is not good to keep the same rpm over long time, dunno if true. I try to keep it in a "rev field" of 500rpm when doing Autobahn runs (in my car, that is 4000-4500rpm
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#12 |
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#13 | |
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I don't know what car he is driving. But 80-85 mph is pretty much the standard speed of all European countries that have a speed limit.
So somehow the cars will be tested for that specific range. I even think that the overall setup for the suspension etc. has a special focus on that speed range. Assuming he's driving a car that is also exported to other countries... (or comes from others) Quote:
But look at the motors that have the highest livespan... like ship motors. They always run at the same relevation for decades...
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Last edited by idk; August 18th, 2009 at 3:09 PM. |
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#14 | |
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Thanks for the replies again
![]() Quote:
In "city highways", it's a little trickier
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#15 |
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Joined: Dec 10th, 2006
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What´s with the paranoia? It´s a car, it was designed for you to drive around in it.
Long distance trips are definitely better than short trips. Partly because there is less braking and accelerating involved, and because after setting off, all the parts and fluids are at operating temperature the whole time. And they don´t usually go below that even if you take a lot of bathroom/cigarette/lunch breaks. I´ve often driven long distances where I´ve had the throttle floored for hours, only slowing down every once in a while to accomodate the odd left-lane crawler or temporary speed limit. And while this is certainly harder on the car than keeping to a more economic and relaxed speed, it´s still better than starting it up for the short little trips to the supermarket.
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#16 | ||
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Quote:
Although, I did hear somewhere that new cars NEED to be pushed to the limit when you first get them. Like you have to step really hard on the pedal... Can someone shed more light on this? Quote:
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#17 |
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U also don't want to keep computers as cold as possible, because condensation of water will kill your components
The "correct" temperature is the key.... to hot is bad.. for computers and the car, to cold is also bad for both...
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#18 | |
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Quote:
http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/owning...r-new-car.html |
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#19 | |
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#20 |
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Driving long-distance is the best thing you can do to your car. Your engine oil is at optimum temperature, you don't vary your load or rpm all the time lowering stresses on the engine, you don't use the clutch much...
As long as your highway speed isn't close to the limiter then I don't see a reason why it could possibly be worse than the same distance driven in city/highway mix. I often drive the distance Munich-Düsseldorf (600km) at 200+kmh, the car isn't going to break because of it. Last edited by DarkReaper; August 18th, 2009 at 3:37 PM. |
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