Why Short Trips Kill Engines Faster Than High Mileage ( Mechanic Explains )
About this episode
Short trips can be more harmful to engines than high mileage driving, a common misconception among vehicle owners. Niall MotorMouth Jenkins explains how frequent short trips lead to engine wear due to insufficient heating, resulting in oil contamination and sludge buildup. He shares anecdotes from his experience with vehicles, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance and servicing for low-mileage cars. The episode also touches on the significance of understanding maintenance schedules and how to keep your vehicle in optimal condition, regardless of its usage.
Many drivers believe low mileage means low wear - but in the real world, short trips destroys engines faster than high mileage driving.
" The cars that drive the least often cost the most" NMJ
In this episode, I explain why vehicles that sit, idle, and only make short trips often require more maintenance than fleet vehicles that rack up highway miles every day. From condensation and fuel dilution to oil contamination and exhaust moisture, short - trip driving creates problems most owners never see coming.
The takeaway is simple: treat your vehicle like s fleet vehicle. Stay ahead with proper maintenance, change your thinking, and you'll keep money in your pocket instead of handing it to repair shops. Mileage doesn't kill engines - neglect and misunderstanding do.
More episodes and ... project details & links available at Car Connection Business Network.com (ccbusnet.com) you'll find everything on our home page if you'd like to follow the build /repair work we do & connect with our program partners just click their logo and connect Thank You! Grab some Car Connection Motormouth Gear be part of the crew, proceeds go to Total Freedom Campuses for Addiction Canada & USA, lets help those struggling with addiction get a new life! Tnx for watching & listening Friends, Happy Healthy Motoring, Nile Motormouth Jenkins, Peace Patience Kindness Always, NMJ
PDI
"...without shipping pdi and freight and don't get me started on those three things..."
PDI means Pre-Delivery Inspection. It's a check done on a car before it's given to the buyer to make sure everything is working well.
PDI stands for Pre-Delivery Inspection, which is a thorough check performed on a vehicle before it is delivered to the customer. It ensures that the vehicle is in perfect condition and meets all safety and quality standards.
Toyota Corolla
"...own in your cup holder hand over the crayons the corollas yeah the crayola is over to uh skippy that's in y..."
The Toyota Corolla is a small car that many people buy because it's dependable and doesn't use much gas. It's a good choice for anyone looking for a simple and affordable way to get around, especially for new drivers or families.
The Toyota Corolla is a compact car known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability. It has been one of the best-selling cars worldwide for decades, making it a significant model in the automotive industry. Its reputation for longevity and low maintenance costs often makes it a popular choice for first-time car buyers and families alike.
Volkswagen Beetle
"...and i'm driving a beetle just saying i was a little cheesed off..."
The Volkswagen Beetle is a small car that looks very unique with its round shape. It's famous and has been around for a long time, originally made in the 1930s.
The Volkswagen Beetle is a compact car that has become an iconic symbol of automotive history, known for its distinctive rounded shape and rear-engine layout. It was originally designed in the 1930s and has gone through various iterations over the decades.
vehicle maintenance
"...if you stay ahead of the curve and ahead of vehicle maintenance like yesterday i talked about fleet service maintenance..."
Vehicle maintenance means taking care of your car so it runs well and lasts longer. This includes things like changing the oil and checking the brakes.
Vehicle maintenance refers to the regular upkeep and servicing of a car to ensure it operates efficiently and safely. This includes tasks like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections.
fleet service maintenance
"...if you adapt the mindset of fleet service maintenance every time you turn that key and drive that sucker to work and back you made money..."
Fleet service maintenance is how companies take care of many cars or trucks at once. They make sure all the vehicles are checked regularly so they don't break down.
Fleet service maintenance is a systematic approach to maintaining a group of vehicles, often used by businesses that rely on multiple cars or trucks. It focuses on regular inspections and timely repairs to minimize downtime and costs.
short trips
"...and talk about why short trips kill engines faster than high mileage and it it all ties back in..."
Short trips are when you drive your car for a little distance, like going to the store. Doing this often can be bad for your engine because it doesn't get hot enough to work well.
Short trips refer to driving distances that are typically less than 10 miles, which can be detrimental to engine health. Frequent short trips prevent the engine from reaching optimal operating temperature, leading to increased wear and tear.
maintenance schedule
"...this is why i created the car connection maintenance schedule kit all age groups..."
A maintenance schedule is like a checklist for taking care of your car. It tells you when to do things like oil changes and tire checks to keep your car running smoothly.
A maintenance schedule is a plan that outlines when specific services and inspections should be performed on a vehicle. Following this schedule helps ensure the vehicle remains in good condition and can prevent costly repairs in the future.
fleet maintenance
"...that's how it works that's how fleets and fleet maintenance works every vehicle has a tracking sheet what's been done and when when it's due for the brake inspection..."
Fleet maintenance is how companies take care of their vehicles to keep them running well. It involves checking and fixing cars regularly so they don't break down.
Fleet maintenance refers to the systematic approach to maintaining a company's fleet of vehicles, ensuring they are safe, reliable, and efficient. This includes regular inspections, servicing, and tracking of maintenance schedules to prevent breakdowns and extend vehicle lifespan.
Jeep Wrangler
"...we're building this 97 gtj wrangler that i i saved from the crusher and everything we've been doing is fleet maintenance..."
The Jeep Wrangler is a tough, off-road vehicle that people love for adventures. The 1997 version is known for being strong and easy to customize.
The Jeep Wrangler is a compact and mid-size four-wheel drive off-road vehicle known for its rugged design and versatility. The 1997 model is part of the TJ generation, which is popular among off-road enthusiasts for its solid axles and removable doors.
Rainbow Motors
"...thank you to rainbow motors and garage sales and service that you can trust up in scarborough..."
Rainbow Motors is a place where you can buy cars and get them serviced. They promise to sell good quality vehicles and take care of your car needs.
Rainbow Motors is a car dealership that offers sales and service for various vehicles. They emphasize trust and quality in their offerings.
extended warranties
"...you can also buy extended warranties on some of the vehicles that they sell..."
An extended warranty is like insurance for your car that helps pay for repairs after the regular warranty ends. It can save you money if something goes wrong.
Extended warranties are service contracts that provide additional coverage for repairs after the manufacturer's warranty expires. They can help protect against unexpected repair costs.
preventative maintenance
"...here's what i know and it circles back to preventative maintenance regularly scheduled maintenance and staying ahead of the curve..."
Preventative maintenance means taking care of your car regularly to stop problems before they happen. It's like going to the doctor for check-ups to stay healthy.
Preventative maintenance refers to regular maintenance tasks performed on a vehicle to prevent potential issues and ensure its longevity. This includes oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections to catch problems before they escalate.
curb appeal
"i don't care if it's worth a dollar ninety nine curbside with 600 k on it if it's been maintained..."
Curb appeal is how good a car looks from the outside. If a car looks nice, it can make people want to buy it, even if it has some problems under the hood.
Curb appeal refers to the attractiveness of a vehicle when viewed from the street. It can influence a buyer's first impression and perceived value of the vehicle, even if it has mechanical issues.
Toyota
"short trip vehicles i'll tell you what i have bought so many toyotas in my time never had a bad one almost 300 k and they've just been strong as on ox..."
Toyota is a car brand that many people trust because their cars are known to last a long time and be very reliable. Lots of people have good experiences with their Toyotas.
Toyota is a well-known automotive manufacturer recognized for producing reliable and durable vehicles. Many owners report high mileage and longevity from their Toyota cars, making them a popular choice for both personal and fleet use.
mechanicals
"...clean it out do the mechanicals wash it wax it and they come back they go..."
Mechanicals are the parts of a car that make it work, like the engine and brakes. Taking care of these parts is important to keep the car running well.
'Mechanicals' refers to the mechanical components of a vehicle, including the engine, transmission, brakes, and other systems that are essential for the car's operation. Proper maintenance of these parts is crucial for vehicle performance.
severe service
"...those vehicles are in ready severe service that's the category they're slotted in..."
Severe service means the vehicle is used in tough conditions, like driving short distances often or sitting unused for long periods. These vehicles need more regular check-ups to stay safe and reliable.
Severe service refers to a category of vehicle usage that involves extreme conditions, such as frequent short trips, heavy loads, or prolonged periods of inactivity. Vehicles in this category often require more frequent maintenance and inspections to ensure reliability and safety.
fleet vehicles
"...any fleet vehicles companies that have fleets that sometimes they have vehicles that do sit around for quite a while..."
Fleet vehicles are cars that companies use for work, like delivering goods or transporting employees. They often need special care because they are used a lot or in tough conditions.
Fleet vehicles are cars or trucks owned or leased by a business or organization for operational purposes, rather than for personal use. These vehicles are often used for tasks like deliveries, transportation, or service calls and may have specific maintenance needs based on their usage patterns.
Chevy Chevette
"...her name was Millie Millie owned a 1987 Chevy Chevette two door stick shift and she had a bum leg..."
The Chevy Chevette is a small car that was made by Chevrolet. It was known for being cheap to buy and easy to drive, which made it popular among people who needed a reliable vehicle without spending a lot of money.
The Chevy Chevette was a subcompact car produced by Chevrolet from 1976 to 1987, known for its economical design and practicality. It was popular for its affordability and simple mechanics, making it a common choice for budget-conscious buyers.
corrosion
"...the corrosion underneath they were flaky rusted they were icky icky underneath like lots of problems are coming because of the resties..."
Corrosion is when metal gets damaged by rust or other chemical reactions. It can make parts of a car weak and cause problems over time.
Corrosion refers to the gradual destruction of materials, usually metals, due to chemical reactions with their environment. In vehicles, corrosion often manifests as rust, which can compromise structural integrity and lead to costly repairs.
low mileage
"to keep your fleet vehicle going the other thing that happens is the low mileage is really tough on the engine and the reason being is and i'll tell you what i bought one i'll give you an example"
Low mileage means the car hasn't been driven much. While it sounds good, it can actually cause problems for the engine because it hasn't been used enough.
Low mileage refers to a vehicle that has been driven for a relatively short distance compared to others of its age. While it may seem advantageous, low mileage can lead to issues like engine wear due to lack of regular use.
engine wear
"with next to nothing on it for mileage why why bunged up inside with carbon and sludge the engine wore out from lack of driving it and the motor couldn't take that commute"
Engine wear is when parts of the engine get damaged over time from use. If a car isn't driven often, it can wear out faster than expected.
Engine wear refers to the gradual degradation of engine components due to friction, heat, and contaminants. Infrequent use can exacerbate this wear, leading to premature failure.
rust compound
"because you know after i cleaned it up it was you know a little rusty and crusty underneath but you know got some rust a good solid rust compound on there to slow it up"
A rust compound is a product that helps stop rust from forming on metal. It's used to protect cars, especially those that might get rusty over time.
A rust compound is a chemical solution used to prevent or slow down the formation of rust on metal surfaces. It's important for maintaining the integrity of vehicles, especially in areas prone to corrosion.
unburnt fuel
"...when you don't the oil becomes saturated with unburnt fuel and carbons and then it eats the bearings inside the motor..."
Unburnt fuel is fuel that hasn't been used properly in the engine. If too much of it builds up, it can cause damage to the engine over time.
Unburnt fuel refers to fuel that has not been completely combusted in the engine, which can lead to various problems, including engine wear and damage. It can saturate the oil and cause issues with engine bearings.
engine bearings
"...it eats the bearings inside the motor if you don't know what those are if you watch a bunch of videos..."
Engine bearings are parts inside the engine that help it move smoothly. If they get damaged, the engine can break down.
Engine bearings are critical components that allow the engine's moving parts to rotate smoothly. If the oil becomes contaminated, it can lead to wear and failure of these bearings, causing serious engine damage.
cylinder head
"...i pulled the cylinder head off sent that out to the machine shop to dion to look at and uh i went through the whole bottom end..."
The cylinder head is a part of the engine that helps control the intake of air and fuel and the exhaust of gases. It is important for the engine to work properly.
The cylinder head is a crucial component of an engine that houses the combustion chambers and valves. It plays a vital role in the engine's performance and efficiency.
engine oil
"...whoever had that jeep was changing the oil regularly like not extending oil changes on a low mileage vehicle bad so engine oil is going to become so contaminated..."
Engine oil is a liquid that helps keep the engine parts moving smoothly and prevents them from wearing out. It's important to change it regularly to keep the engine running well.
Engine oil lubricates the moving parts of an engine, reducing friction and wear. Regular oil changes are essential for maintaining engine health.
stay ahead of the curve
"...you got to service it more to stay ahead of the curve the curve being when everything piles up on it..."
Staying ahead of the curve means checking your car regularly to fix small problems before they become big and expensive issues.
'Stay ahead of the curve' in automotive maintenance means proactively addressing potential issues before they escalate into serious problems. This involves regular inspections and timely servicing to avoid costly repairs.
major repair bill
"...the curve being when everything piles up on it and now you're looking at a major repair bill..."
A major repair bill is when you have to pay a lot of money to fix your car because it has serious problems. This usually happens if the car hasn't been taken care of properly.
A major repair bill refers to the high costs associated with significant repairs needed on a vehicle, often due to neglect or lack of regular maintenance. These repairs can include engine overhauls, transmission replacements, or extensive bodywork.
oil change services
"...if you're driving little then that oil's got to come out sooner absolutely because it is going to be filthy rich with fuel and carbon and acids that eat the bearings out of the bottom end of the engine..."
An oil change is when you replace the old oil in your car's engine with new oil. This is important because old oil can get dirty and harm the engine over time.
Oil change services refer to the routine maintenance performed on a vehicle to replace old engine oil with fresh oil. Regular oil changes are crucial for maintaining engine health, as old oil can become contaminated with fuel, carbon, and acids that can damage engine components.
bearing surfaces
"...because the acids in the contaminated oil ate the bearing surfaces loosened up the motor and it let go..."
Bearing surfaces are parts inside the engine that help different pieces move smoothly. They need to be kept lubricated to avoid damage and keep the engine running well.
Bearing surfaces are the areas in an engine where moving parts, such as crankshafts and connecting rods, rotate or slide against each other. Proper lubrication is essential to prevent wear and damage to these surfaces, which can lead to engine failure.
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