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HomeCars7 habits that destroy your racing car: beware of danger!

7 habits that destroy your racing car: beware of danger!

Do you dream of keeping your Ferrari sparkling for years to come? Make no mistake, certain everyday actions can drastically reduce its lifespan. Discover the 7 fatal mistakes to absolutely avoid to preserve your mechanical jewelry.

Lack of maintenance: the number one enemy of your supercar

Regular maintenance is essential for the longevity of your sports car. Manufacturers like Lamborghini or McLaren prescribe precise maintenance intervals, and it's not for nothing. Neglecting these recommendations can have disastrous consequences.

The oil change is particularly critical. On a Porsche 911 GT3, for example, oil plays a crucial role in cooling the engine, which is subjected to extreme stress. A late change can lead to premature wear of moving parts, or even engine failure.

Don't forget the other essential fluids either:

  • Cooling liquid
  • Brake fluid
  • Gearbox oil
  • Power steering fluid
  • On an Aston Martin Vantage, these fluids help maintain optimal vehicle performance. Neglecting them risks rapid deterioration of the mechanical components.

    Driving at low revs: the trap of a misplaced economy

    Contrary to popular belief, constantly driving at low revs is not beneficial for your supercar. The engines of these cars are designed to operate within a well-defined speed range.

    On a Ferrari F8 Tributo, for example, the twin-turbo V8 delivers its maximum torque between 3250 and 7000 rpm. Constantly using it under these speeds can lead to an accumulation of deposits in the combustion chambers and on the valves.

    This phenomenon is particularly marked on direct injection gasoline engines, very common in the world of sports cars. In the long term, these deposits can impair engine performance and reliability.

    To avoid this problem, do not hesitate to climb the towers regularly, respecting the warm-up period. A monthly outing on the track is ideal for โ€œcleaningโ€ the engine of your supercar.

    Cold start: mechanical torture to be banned

    Going into revs immediately after starting is one of the most harmful behaviors for your sports car. The engine of a Bugatti Chiron, with its 16 cylinders and 1500 horsepower, requires a warm-up time to reach its optimal operating temperature.

    During this phase, the engine oil has not yet reached all the mechanical components. Stressing the engine heavily at this time considerably increases wear on moving parts.

    Best practice is to start gently and avoid harsh acceleration during the first few minutes of driving. Your Koenigsegg Jesko will thank you for this attention.

    Driving on reserve: a danger for injection

    Systematically driving with a very low fuel level can cause significant damage to your supercar's injection system. In a Pagani Huayra, the bottom of the tank contains impurities which can be sucked up by the fuel pump when the level is too low.

    These particles can clog the injectors, disrupting engine operation and potentially leading to costly repairs. Additionally, the fuel pump, cooled by the gasoline itself, can overheat if it runs empty.

    To preserve your mechanical gem, avoid going below a quarter of the tank. This is all the more important on models equipped with high-performance engines, such as the Lotus Emira, which are very sensitive to the quality of the fuel supply.

    Shutting off the engine too quickly: the turbo in danger

    After a sporty journey, it is tempting to immediately turn off the engine once parked. However, this is a mistake that can be costly, especially on cars equipped with turbochargers.

    On a McLaren 720S, for example, the turbo spins at dizzying speeds, exceeding 200,000 rpm. After intensive use, it needs a few moments to cool down and lubricate properly.

    Shutting off the engine too quickly deprives the turbo of this cooling phase, which can lead to premature wear or even breakage. Good practice is to let the engine idle for one to two minutes before turning it off.

    This precaution is especially important on models with large turbos, such as the Nissan GT-R NISMO.

    Foot on the clutch: silent wear

    Keeping your foot on the clutch pedal all the time is a bad habit, even on modern supercars. Even if the pedal is only lightly depressed, this causes constant friction of the clutch plates.

    On a Chevrolet Corvette C8, for example, the clutch is a crucial component for transmitting power from the V8 to the rear wheels. Premature wear can lead to slipping and loss of performance.

    To preserve the clutch of your car, adopt these good practices:

  • Rest your left foot on the dedicated footrest
  • Avoid holding the clutch down at red lights
  • Shift into neutral during extended stops
  • Release the clutch gradually, especially when starting
  • These simple actions will significantly extend the life of your supercar's clutch.

    Neglected tires: the Achilles heel of your supercar

    Tires are the only point of contact between your car and the road. Their condition is therefore crucial for performance and safety. On an Audi R8 V10 Performance, the tires must withstand extreme lateral acceleration when cornering and transmit power efficiently to the ground.

    Incorrect pressure is the number one enemy of high performance tires. Under-inflation leads to premature wear and degradation of performance, while over-inflation reduces grip and comfort.

    Check your tire pressure at least once a month, and before each ride on the track. Remember to visually inspect the condition of the rubbers, looking for cuts or irregular wear.

    Finally, scrupulously respect the dimensions and load/speed indices recommended by the manufacturer. On a Lexus LFA, for example, the choice of tires has been the subject of specific development to optimize the performance of the naturally aspirated V10.

    By adopting these good maintenance and driving practices, you will preserve the performance and longevity of your supercar. Your passion for these exceptional cars will only be more lasting and satisfying.

    Keep these tips in mind and your supercar will thank you with years of intense fun on the road and track, while maintaining its exceptional performance.

    7 habits that destroy your racing car: beware of danger!

    SRQ Backlot