The daily grind wears on your vehicle way more than you might notice—until something fails. Learn more about what happens to your car on its daily commute through this post by Marlo Enterprises in Newark, NY.

You drive it every day—maybe without even thinking about it. You hop in, start the engine, crank your favorite playlist or podcast, and head out into the great unknown of morning traffic. But while you're daydreaming about your first coffee or silently resenting red lights, your car is taking a beating.

Daily commuting might feel like routine for you, but for your car, it’s a constant physical challenge. From bumpy roads to endless braking, your vehicle is enduring a whole lot more than just a leisurely drive from Point A to B.

Let’s break down what your car goes through during your “normal” commute—and why regular care is absolutely worth it.

Help your car endure its daily commute! Call Marlo Enterprises in Newark, NY at (315) 331-4642 or visit AMSOIL's online shop to maintain it perfectly.

What Your Car Endures on Your Daily Commute

1. Stop-and-Go \= Wear-and-Tear

If your commute includes traffic lights, school zones, or rush-hour bottlenecks (and let’s be real, it probably does), then your brakes and transmission are getting a daily workout.

Every time you slow down, stop, and speed back up, you're:

• Wearing down your brake pads and rotors
• Adding heat and stress to your transmission
• Burning more fuel than highway driving

Multiply that by 5 days a week, 50+ weeks a year, and you’re looking at thousands of tiny moments adding up to some serious wear.

Solution? Keep up with brake inspections and fluid checks. And if you hear grinding or feel sluggish shifts—don’t ignore it.

2. Potholes and Rough Roads: Your Suspension’s Worst Enemy

That satisfying “ka-thunk” you feel when hitting a pothole? Yeah, your suspension system isn’t a fan. Uneven pavement, speed bumps, and unexpected craters all conspire to throw your wheels out of alignment and stress your shocks and struts.

What that means:

• Tires wear unevenly
• Handling gets sloppy
• You’re in for a bumpy (and potentially dangerous) ride

Fix it: If your steering starts pulling to one side or the ride gets rougher than usual, it’s time for a suspension and alignment check.

3. Cold Starts and Short Trips Are Harder Than You Think

Starting your car in the morning (especially in colder weather) is when your engine is under the most strain. Add in a commute that’s only 10–15 minutes long, and your engine might not even reach full operating temperature.

This leads to:

• Increased engine wear over time
• Poor fuel economy
• Condensation buildup in the exhaust system (yep, rust’s best friend)

What to do: Let your engine warm up for a minute or two, especially in colder months. And make sure to schedule oil changes regularly to keep internal parts protected.

Have safe and smooth daily commutes with the continued use of AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil, the best synthetic oil in Newark, NY.

4. Your Tires Are Constantly Hustling

Think of your tires as your car’s sneakers—and your commute as a daily marathon. Whether you’re speeding on the highway or creeping through a parking lot, your tires are always working.

During a typical commute, your tires handle:

• Friction and heat buildup
• Debris from the road (nails, glass, gravel)
• Constant inflation pressure shifts due to temperature

Pro tip: Check tire pressure monthly and rotate your tires every 5,000–7,000 miles. Bonus: Properly inflated tires also help with fuel efficiency.

5. Climate Control Struggles Behind the Scenes

Cranking the A/C in summer or blasting heat in the winter? That comfort comes at a price. Your car’s HVAC system is doing its best to regulate your climate while drawing power from the engine and battery.

Add in extreme weather, and you’re looking at increased strain on:

• The blower motor
• Your refrigerant levels
• Cabin air filters (yes, those need replacing too)

Reminder: If your heat takes forever to kick in or your A/C smells funky, don’t suffer in silence—have it checked out before it quits on you completely.

6. Electronics, Sensors, and Alerts

Modern cars are packed with sensors monitoring everything from tire pressure to engine health. Each commute means these systems are constantly running diagnostics and adjusting performance.

When sensors or dashboard lights start acting up, it’s not just a tech glitch. It could mean:

• A failing battery
• Sensor corrosion or failure
• An issue with fuel efficiency or emissions

Best move: Don’t ignore warning lights, especially the check engine light. A quick scan can save you from a big repair bill later.

If you want to have an easier daily commute, you need to maintain your engine. Call Marlo Enterprises in Newark, NY at (315) 331-4642 or visit AMSOIL's online shop to place an order for the best products to keep a strong engine.