Stopping fast in a car with ABS is still bad for the brakes, right? I'm really paranoid about my brakes and I'm wondering how slow I should stop. Heck, I'm so paranoid about my car that I won't even pass 4 on RPMs when I accelerate.

What are some things I should or shouldn't do to keep the car in good condition?

 

Also, when shifting in an automatic, is it okay to shift fast through all of the gears to the one you want to get to, or are you supposed to go through them slowly?

 

Is 27,000 miles good for something that age too?

 

stopping fast in any car isn't too good for the brakes. do it once in cases of emergency, of course, but for everyday driving ... you'll shorten the life of your pads greatly.

just because you slam on your brakes every once in a while doesn't mean you'll destroy something too. honda cars are quality machines, it takes quite a bit of neglect to bust one of these.

 

Heh. Sorry I sound so stupid, but I know nothing about cars and I want my Honda to last.

 

How fast should you accelerate and what's a bad range for the RPMs?

I accidentally downshifted from D4 to D3 once and then D4 to Neutral once, how bad will that hurt your car?

Then another time, I didn't know I was in 2nd gear and I was going 60, also bad?

Then on another time again, I didn't know my car was on, so I turned the key again and it made this screeching noise...

So tell me, what will each situation do to the car?

 

dude...is this your first car? Is this the first time you've ever driven?
That screeching noise is from the starter. You kept the key turned in the start position to long....No biggy just kinda dont do it often cause it will mess up the starter eventually.

The car is automatic.Your not supposed to shift around.
Those are tow gears. If your driving normal just use D4.

I know people that use an auto tranny like a 5spd. Eventually it will mess it up.
Plus, if Accords were race cars Honda would design better OEM brakes.

 

What are some things I should or shouldn't do to keep the car in good condition?>>>

Keep up with regular routine maintenance such as changing the motor oil every 3-5,000 miles.

Stopping fast in a car with ABS is still bad for the brakes, right?>>>

How hard or soft you apply the brakes has no affect on the ABS system other than to avoid wheel lock-up when you slam them or try to stop on slippery road conditions. Slamming on your brakes will reduce the life of your pads, but is not necessarily harmful to the rest of the car. You'll do far more damage if you don't hit the brakes and run into a tree. Don't be afraid to use them.

Also, when shifting in an automatic, is it okay to shift fast through all of the gears>>>

Harmless.

and what's a bad range for the RPMs?>>>

Anything in the red zone. I believe the engine red-lines somewhere around 6500-7,000 rpms. The engine is designed and able to run up to anything below that point.

How fast should you accelerate>>>

Avoid fast take-offs (such as full throttle) which put strain on your drivetrain (transmission, etc.) But if your in an emergency situtation and you need to get out in a hurry, then don't be afraid to punch it. The car will survive, just don't abuse it's abilities.

Is 27,000 miles good for something that age too?>>>

Very low for the year. The average is 12,000 per year, which would put your car somewhere between 50-55,000 miles. Your car has below average mileage.

I accidentally downshifted from D4 to D3 once>>

How fast were you traveling?

and then D4 to Neutral once>>>

Harmless, but avoid throwing the car back into D4 from Neutral with the engine rpms up, this is an unwelcoming jolt to the transmission.

Then on another time again, I didn't know my car was on, so I turned the key again and it made this screeching noise>>

Few mistakes won't kill it, but if done enough times... you'll eventually tear up the starter motor.

So tell me, what will each situation do to the car?

Make you paranoid.

 

Yes, it's my first car and I've only been driving for about a year. The shifting around was accidental, my friend accidentally knudged it with her knee and it downshifted.

 

About 60 MPH. Thanks for being so patient with me and answering all of my questions.