I deliver pizza so I start my 2004 Honda Civic up 20-60 times per day. Am I ruining my car? What can I do to minimize any damage?
Answers from the Automotive Experts
Carol,
Using your vehicle on deliveries can be hard on the starting system, I recommend if your delivery time to the door is short, leave your car running if you feel safe enough for the time you deliver your pizzas. Multiple starts can wear down the starter and flywheel. Stay on top of your regular maintenance intervals, and be aware of your fluid conditions to maintain premium performance. Remember to have your tires rotated every oil change.
Hello Carol- you are not damaging the car but the starter will probably need to be replaced sooner than the average vehicle- also make sure you change your oil on a regular basis as you are doing short trip driving with a good quality synthetic or synthetic blend oil- hope this helps- thanks Super Girls Auto.
Carol,
All of this starting does take a toll on certain components of the vehicle, but I would not say that you are 'ruining' the car. This also is not the most fuel efficient scenario. Make sure you are keeping up with your maintenance schedule - especially oil changes, air filter and fuel filter. You may even want to consider having some services performed slightly sooner than recommended.