AN expert mechanic has revealed the mistakes that could destroy your motor.
Scotty Kilmer posted a video on YouTube describing things that drivers used to do to their cars but “should never do today” because of the risk of causing serious damage.
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His first warning was not to disconnect the negative terminal on your car battery to check whether the alternator is charging properly.
Scotty said: “Back in the 1960s it was totally acceptable.
“If you took the negative battery terminal off and the car continued to run it would mean that the alternator was charging.
“Don’t do that on any modern car. By doing so you can destroy computer modules, you can get over voltage, surges.”
He advised motorists to get alternators checked by a professional mechanic.
Scotty then explained how to properly jump-start a modern car without damaging it.
The key point was connecting the negative end of the jump lead to any metal grounding on the car being jumped, rather than directly onto the battery.
This is to avoid the potential for a spark on your engine, which could ignite any petrol fumes lingering in the air.
However, drivers also shouldn’t let both cars run at the same time.
This common misconception leads to both vehicles’ alternators working in opposition to one another, wrecking the electronics.
Next up, Scotty warned against topping off your tank after your fuel pump shuts itself off while filling up.
He said: “That can damage your evap [evaporation] system…that filters the vapours from your engine.
“You can end up spilling raw gas into the evap system…in some cars that can cost you over a thousand bucks.”
He continued by saying that you shouldn’t drive until your car completely runs out of fuel.
This is because, where older cars were carbureted, newer models now have electronic fuel injectors.
If you run on empty, the fuel pump can be worn out as it tries to suck air into the engine, which could again land you with a $1,000 (£800) bill.
More handy tips included not adding any lubricant into your fuel tank, not overinflating tyres and making sure to use the right type of coolant for your engine.
Finally, Scotty emphasised using the correct oil for your car.
He explained that using too heavy an oil can lead to damage to the camshaft, variable valves and other engine parts.
He added: “It’s usually written on the fuel cap.
“If your car is working well on one oil, my advice is to stick to that oil for the life of the car.”
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