Obsessive compulsive car care habits

[ruthrj]

After start up I always allow the engine to "warm up" at least until the idle kicks down which on my '23 T is about 30 seconds. I bit longer in another car of mine. Always remembering that most engine wear occurs at start up so let everything get circulating before moving. I also use the parking brake every time I shift to park. OCD or just good habits??

I also wait for the revs to drop before shifting out of park. I was in a rush a few months ago, zoned out and made a boneheaded move by shifting to reverse almost immediately after starting the engine. I’ll tell you what, that’s not a mistake you make twice.

I tend to back my car in or pull through spaces now so I don’t have to reverse as much after startup.

Someone here had the same habit and their car got stuck in the garage when their parking brake switch wore out. I see no reason for the unnecessary wear on something that isn't needed.

Agreed, but I have the same issue. I 100% of the time engage the parking brake. Really no added benefit on level ground but I do it anyway. First vehicle was a 97 hardbody Nissan. I hardly trusted 1st gear on that manual in combination with the parking brake to do their jobs lol!

 

[N7turbo]

Never done that in my life and I've never had a car run away on me.

 

[ruthrj]

Never done that in my life and I've never had a car run away on me.

Learning more about myself, glad I opened this thread. Looking back it’s inherited OCD. Grandfather taught me to ALWAYS engage the parking brake prior to shutting off a manual, or before shifting to P no matter what. He built hot rods as a hobby and guess what his custom engraved sign said at car shows?

EYEBALLS DON’T LEAVE FINGERPRINTS

 

[SparkYellow]

I always pull the parking brake after shutting the engine off. What is the reason for pulling it before (for manual too)?

 

[wlong01]

Owning a black car has amplified my tendencies a bit lol. For example, let's say I wash the car the night before. The next morning at work, it rains. I find myself tempted to go out to the car at lunch and wipe the car down to prevent water spots lol. Or a few days after washing the car, there's a fine layer of dust or pollen that I can see. It comes off easily with a rinse from the garden hose, so sometimes I'll spray it down and then dry it.

Get a California duster. Makes short work of dust and pollen.

 

[N7turbo]

I always pull the parking brake after shutting the engine off. What is the reason for pulling it before (for manual too)?

If you let the car rest before engaging it, you aren't really using it.

 

[ruthrj]

I always pull the parking brake after shutting the engine off. What is the reason for pulling it before (for manual too)?

If you turn the parking brake on first before shifting to P (or putting a manual in 1) you ensure the weight of the vehicle is being held by the brakes and not the drivetrain/parking pawl. N7 nailed it.

You’ll achieve the same end result as long as your foot was on the brake pedal the whole time.

 

[SparkYellow]

If you turn the parking brake on first before shifting to P (or putting a manual in 1) you ensure the weight of the vehicle is being held by the brakes and not the drivetrain/parking pawl. N7 nailed it.

You’ll achieve the same end result as long as your foot was on the brake pedal the whole time.

Thank you both! Let's see how long it will take me to change the habit.

 

[Lazy2.5]

I'm very obsessive compulsive. i am always thinking about what sort of little adjustments i can make to it, such as tire pressure, modify or service something, etc. ill often just stare at it as im walking by.