Even as Chicago drivers, we know the city can be tough on our cars. What many people don’t realize is that common habits make it even worse. These 10 everyday mistakes – from pothole hits to maintenance shortcuts – are quietly damaging vehicles across the Windy City.
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1. Driving Over Potholes
Chicago’s roads are famous (or infamous) for potholes, especially after winter thaws. Every time you slam into one, you risk bent rims, tire blowouts, or messed-up alignment. One Chicago driver hit a deep pothole and ended up paying nearly $1,200 to fix blown tires and suspension damage. Slow down when you see rough patches, and try to avoid the biggest holes whenever possible to protect your car’s wheels and suspension.
2. Ignoring Road Salt and Rust
Those salting crews make our streets safer, but road salt is corrosive to your car. Salt-laden slush can spray up into the undercarriage, eating away at exhaust parts, brake lines, and even body panels. Over time, this causes rust in places you can’t easily see. To combat this, wash your car frequently in winter (don’t forget underneath) and apply wax or protective undercoating before the snow flies. Keeping salt off your ride can prevent thousands of dollars in rust repairs down the road.
3. Skipping Tire Maintenance
With Chicago’s big temperature swings, tire pressure changes a lot. Driving on underinflated tires hurts fuel economy and traction, and increases the chance of a sudden blowout on rough streets. Worn or mismatched treads are another danger, especially in rain or snow. Make it a habit to check your tire pressure every month and replace tires when the tread is low. Regular rotation and balancing also help even out wear from stop-and-go city driving.
4. Hard Braking in Traffic
Chicago’s gridlock and stoplights can make hard stops inevitable, but slamming your brakes often really shakes up your car. Sudden braking generates heat that can warp rotors and wear out pads prematurely. It also jostles suspension components and engine mounts with a big shock each time. You’ll save your car stress by anticipating stops: leave extra space, coast to red lights instead of rushing, and brake smoothly. A gentler stop means less wear on brakes and a smoother ride for you.
5. Forgetting the Parking Brake on Hills
If you park on a slope and don’t set the parking brake, all the car’s weight rests on a small pin in the transmission (the parking pawl). Chicago has plenty of angled streets, and that extra stress can damage your transmission over time. Always pull the parking brake when you park, even on a slight incline. It’s a simple step that greatly reduces strain and can prevent a costly transmission repair later.
6. Letting Your Fuel Tank Run Low
Riding with a near-empty tank seems harmless, but it works your fuel pump harder. The fuel pump stays cool by sitting in liquid fuel. When levels are very low, the pump can overheat. Also, sediment at the bottom of the tank can clog the fuel filter. In chilly winters and hot summers, you’ll protect your pump by keeping at least a quarter tank of gas. This ensures reliable cooling and avoids fuel starvation.
7. Excessive Idling and Short Trips
Starting your car and immediately driving around in city traffic is fine, but long idling and lots of short trips can hurt your engine. Idling the car for many minutes in winter wastes gas and doesn’t fully warm up the engine parts. Similarly, one-mile drives don’t let the engine reach optimal temperature, so water vapor and fuel residue stay in the oil. Instead of long idling, try driving gently after a brief warm-up; the moving engine heats up faster and burns off condensation. Combining errands into one trip helps your engine reach full temperature and avoids repeated cold starts.
8. Overloading Your Car
Chicagoans love road trips and hauling gear, but carrying too much weight hurts your car. Heavy cargo – whether piled in the trunk or strapped on the roof – puts constant strain on springs, shocks, and tires. An overloaded suspension sags and wears out faster, and your brakes have to work much harder. Check your owner’s manual for the maximum load and try not to exceed it. Keeping cargo lighter not only protects suspension parts but also improves handling and fuel efficiency.
9. Neglecting Fluid Maintenance
City driving in Chicago’s traffic means your fluids get dirty faster than you think. Old engine oil turns to sludge, coolant can lose its ability to resist freezing or boiling, and old brake fluid can allow moisture to build up. Each of these issues can lead to overheating, brake failure, or engine damage at the worst possible time. Don’t skip scheduled fluid changes: fresh oil and coolant help your engine run cool, while clean brake and power steering fluid protect other systems. Regularly checking and topping off fluids keeps everything running smoothly.
10. Using Worn Windshield Wipers
Good visibility is a must on Chicago’s wet or snowy roads. If your wiper blades are cracked, bent, or skipping, they can’t clear rain, snow, or salt spray effectively – and worse, they might scratch the glass. A scratched or chipped windshield not only impairs your view but may require an expensive replacement. Replace wiper blades at least once a year (use winter blades in snowy months) and keep your washer fluid topped up. Clear visibility saves your vision – and your car – from avoidable damage.
Damage Severity and Repair Costs
| Habit | Minor Damage / Cost | Moderate Damage / Cost | Severe Damage / Cost |
| Driving Over Potholes | Tire punctures ($20–$50) | Wheel alignment (~$150) | Suspension/strut damage ($500+) |
| Road Salt Corrosion | Surface rust spots ($100) | Rusted panels ($500) | Frame/exhaust rot ($1000+) |
| Tire Neglect (Low/Old) | Tire plug ($20) | New tire ($150–$200) | Multiple tire/wheel damage ($500+) |
| Hard Braking | Worn brake pads ($100) | Warped rotors ($300–$400) | Brake system repairs ($500+) |
| Parking Brake Misuse | Stuck brake cable ($50) | Cable or lever repair ($150) | Transmission damage ($800+) |
| Running on Low Fuel | Overheated pump ($200) | Fuel pump replacement ($500) | Engine misfire ($1000+) |
| Excessive Idling / Short Trips | Battery drain ($100) | Oil sludge buildup ($300) | Engine wear/failure ($1000+) |
| Overloading Car | Sagging springs ($200) | Shock/strut replacement ($400) | Suspension rebuild ($1200+) |
| Ignoring Fluid Changes | Minor leaks ($50) | Overheat warning ($200) | Head gasket or worse ($1500+) |
| Worn Wipers | New blades ($20) | Windshield chips ($100) | Full windshield ($300+) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Should I use winter tires for driving in Chicago?
A: Absolutely. Chicago winters can be unpredictable, and winter tires provide much better grip on ice and snow. Their special rubber compound stays softer in cold weather, which means shorter stops and fewer slips. Even if you drive mostly city streets, swapping to a set of winter tires from late fall through early spring is one of the best ways to prevent fender-benders and wear on your car.
Q: How often should I wash my car in the winter?
A: Ideally, wash your car after every major snow or ice storm. That quick rinse removes road salt and keeps rust at bay. If that’s too frequent, aim for at least once a month in winter, focusing on wheels and underbody. Even a short drive-through wash on warmer winter days can help; keeping salt off the metal is far cheaper than repairing rust damage later.
Q: Are pothole damages covered by insurance in Chicago?
A: Hitting a pothole isn’t usually covered by basic insurance plans. Collision coverage might apply (minus your deductible), but many drivers end up paying out of pocket for pothole repairs. Some Chicago drivers try filing a city claim for road damage, but that process can take time. The best protection is safe driving: slow down at known trouble spots and always keep tires in good shape.
Q: How can I prevent rust on my car during Chicago winters?
A: Regular cleaning and protection are your best defense. Wash salt off your car frequently – especially the undercarriage and wheel wells – whenever you get a chance, above freezing. Applying a coat of wax before winter adds an extra barrier to the paint. You can also invest in an underbody spray treatment to shield metal parts. Parking in a garage or covered spot when possible reduces exposure to salty moisture and keeps rust from starting.
Protect Your Chicago Car with Insure on the Spot
Chicago drivers face unique challenges every day, and Insure on the Spot understands that better than anyone. Our local agents know how Lake Michigan’s weather and city streets can affect your car. We’re here to help you find the right coverage for Chicago’s roads. Give us a call at 773-202-5060 or get a Free Quote Online Today! Let our friendly, expert team show you how to protect your ride and save on insurance in the Windy City.