How to deal with a car that feels heavy when driving
Have you ever experienced car problems such as being difficult to control or feeling heavier than usual? Of course, this is quite annoying. If this happens, it's a sign that Drivemate needs to handle a problem with the car's engine. However, you don't need to worry because here, we will discuss in detail what causes the car to feel heavy and how to overcome it.
Causes of Heavy Cars
In general, the car feels heavy due to bad driving habits that you may not be aware of. Here are some common causes that often occur:
Aggressive use of gas and brakes
Using the gas and brakes too aggressively can affect the performance of the car's brakes and suspension. When you suddenly pull the gas, the load and pressure will not be distributed properly. Likewise, when you frequently pull the brake suddenly, the brake components will wear out quickly. Two habits like these can reduce the car's performance so that the car feels heavy when driving.
Overload
Cars have been designed with the ability to carry a certain weight within their respective limits. When you use a car with a large number of passengers or loads that exceed the car's standard capacity, it is natural that your car may feel heavier than usual. Because, overloading makes the engine work extra, including the suspension, brakes, and even the car tires.
Rarely does maintenance
Just like other engines, car engines also need maintenance. If your car rarely gets routine maintenance, then that might be one of the reasons why driving feels harder. Simple car maintenance can be started by warming up the car every day. You also need to carry out routine maintenance by taking it to a repair shop at least once every 3-6 months
5 Ways to Deal with a Car That Feels Heavy
1. Check tire pressure
First, Drivemate can first check whether the air pressure in the tires is not too low or too high. Also check for leaks or damage that might affect the air pressure in your tires.
With the right tire air pressure, driving will be more comfortable. To find out the appropriate tire air pressure for each car, you can check the vehicle manual and also look at the instructions on the edge of the driver's car door. Also check the tires directly with a tire air pressure gauge.
2. Check the brake system
In addition to the pressure in the tires, also check the condition of the brakes. The method is quite easy, first turn off the car engine. Press and release the brake pedal several times. Press the pedal until it reaches maximum depth and hold for a few moments. Keep holding the pedal while starting the car engine. If there is an abnormal vibration or sound, it means you need to have it checked by a repair shop.
3. Check the transmission system
Transmission has a role in maximizing power and torque performance. If there is a problem with the transmission, the vehicle will feel heavy. To check whether the transmission is okay, you can check the clutch cable for the manual transmission. However, for automatic transmissions, you can check the torque converter and shifter. If you have difficulty shifting gears, immediately consult a repair shop.
4. Check the oil
Oil is a lubricant that allows the engine to move smoothly. With oil, friction on the engine will also be minimal. Therefore, Drivemate needs to check the oil regularly. Then, change the oil regularly according to the type. However, in general the oil can be changed after every 5,000 km – 10,000 km.
5. Check the suspension system
Suspension system plays an important role in load distribution on the car. The bushing is able to dampen vibrations, the absorber is a component that controls movement, and the linkage functions to maintain the stability of the car. So, if the suspension functions optimally, the feeling of heaviness while driving will decrease.
The heavy sensation when driving often makes Drivemate uncomfortable, right? However, with the tips including car inspection and maintenance above, your driving comfort will be guaranteed. If you want maximum comfort, you can use quality tire components from Dunlop. Come on, look for a selection of Dunlop tires that suit your favorite car here!