Severe use: NGK explains the impacts of short journeys on the vehicle and how to prevent them

Among the components most impacted by this type of driving are spark plugs, oxygen sensors and catalysts

São Paulo, abril de 2025 - The way motor vehicles are used has a direct impact on their durability and performance. Contrary to popular belief,, Short and frequent journeys, as daily commutes in large urban centers, feature a severe vehicle use. This is because, with the engine cold, Fuel consumption increases to compensate for low temperature, what, in a repeating cycle, favors the accumulation of residues that can compromise engine components.

To guide drivers who have this vehicle usage profile, NGK, Niterra brand specialized in ignition systems, highlights some measures to minimize the impacts of this form of driving.

1- Driving on highways periodically: Percorrer trechos de cerca de 10 km em velocidade constante, once or twice a month, Assists in burning accumulated waste. Nonetheless, if the accumulation is excessive, Disassembly may be required for deeper cleaning.

2- Use quality fuel: Non-standard fuels increase the formation of deposits in the engine, which can cause difficulties in cold start, irregular slow gait, Acceleration failures and noise when resuming speed in long gears.

3- Perform correct maintenance: It is essential to respect the maintenance plan recommended in the vehicle manual, considering the condition of severe use for those who only perform short routes. In such cases, maintenance intervals are often halved. In some situations, The review must be done by time of use, Even if the mileage is still low.

4- Avoid sudden acceleration and excessive revving: Driving with constant irregular patterns can further increase consumption and wear and tear on components. Strong over-revving and acceleration, With the engine still cold, out of its ideal working condition, pode acelerar o desgaste prematuro do motor.

Most affected components

Severe use related to short distances favors contamination of lubricating oil and spark plugs. In extreme cases, It can also compromise the oxygen sensors and the catalyst. During the cold phase of the engine, Injecting a larger amount of fuel intensifies lubricating oil contamination, increasing the flow of vapours to the intake manifold.

"The result is the accumulation of lubricating oil in the collector and the burning of these vapors generates residues that compromise the operation of oxygen sensors and catalysts, reducing your efficiency", explains Hiromori Mori, Niterra Technical Assistance Consultant.

When component replacement becomes necessary, Niterra, through the NGK and NTK brands, Provides high-performance parts for the ignition system, like candles, cables and coils, in addition to oxygen sensors accessible to the automotive aftermarket.