Does Frequent Highway Driving Damage the Car?
2 Answers
Frequent highway driving does not damage the car. Here are the benefits of frequent highway driving: 1. Full engine combustion: When the highest gear is engaged, the engine speed ensures good combustion conditions, which can also help clean some carbon deposits and gum inside the engine valves and combustion chamber, promoting smoother operation of moving parts. 2. Removing minor carbon deposits: With sufficient engine speed, there is adequate oil pressure and splash lubrication effect, allowing the oil to better clean carbon deposits and impurities while providing lubrication for the engine.
As a regular highway driver, I believe it's not necessarily harmful to the car but can actually be beneficial, provided the vehicle is in good condition and properly maintained. Maintaining a steady engine speed on the highway helps burn off carbon deposits, avoiding excessive residue buildup from low-speed idling. However, prolonged high-load driving can increase wear and tear risks. For example, tires endure greater pressure at high speeds, making them more prone to aging—it's advisable to check tire pressure before hitting the highway. The braking system also wears out faster due to frequent high-speed deceleration. Once, I neglected coolant levels during a long trip, causing slight engine overheating. Since then, I've made it a habit to change the engine oil and inspect the cooling system every 5,000 kilometers. In terms of fuel consumption, cruising at a steady speed is more economical than stop-and-go city traffic, as long as you maintain an optimal speed. The most crucial aspect is regular maintenance, such as checking the cabin air filter, which can clog more easily due to high-speed airflow, affecting ventilation.
