Advice from a Mechanic: Why You Shouldn't Drive Over a Plastic Bag

As a mechanic, I've seen my fair share of unusual vehicle problems caused by seemingly innocuous objects. One item that frequently causes more trouble than you might expect is the humble plastic bag. It may not seem like a big deal, but driving over a plastic bag can lead to unexpected complications and potentially even damage your vehicle. In this blog post, I will share some insights into why you should avoid driving over plastic bags and offer advice on how to handle such situations.

1. Hazardous for Your Vehicle's Cooling System: One of the primary reasons to avoid driving over a plastic bag is its potential impact on your vehicle's cooling system. Most cars have a front-mounted radiator that cools the engine coolant. This radiator draws air from the front of the vehicle to dissipate heat. If a plastic bag gets stuck to the radiator, it can obstruct the airflow, causing your engine to overheat. In extreme cases, this can lead to engine damage and costly repairs.

2. Risk of Clogging the Intake System: Plastic bags are lightweight and can easily get sucked into your vehicle's intake system, especially if you're driving at higher speeds. The intake system draws in air for combustion in the engine. If a plastic bag enters the intake, it can obstruct the airflow, disrupting the air-to-fuel ratio and affecting engine performance. This can result in reduced power, decreased fuel efficiency, and potential engine misfires.

3. Potential Damage to Belts and Pulleys: Another concern when driving over a plastic bag is the risk of entanglement with belts and pulleys in the engine compartment. The belts in your vehicle's engine drive various components such as the alternator, power steering pump, and water pump. If a plastic bag wraps around a belt or gets caught in a pulley, it can cause the belt to slip or even break. This can lead to loss of power, electrical system failures, or, in the worst-case scenario, a sudden engine shutdown.

While a plastic bag may seem harmless, driving over one can have unintended consequences for your vehicle's cooling system, intake system, belts, and pulleys. Additionally, it's crucial to consider the environmental impact of plastic waste. As a responsible driver, it's advisable to avoid driving over plastic bags whenever possible. If you do encounter a plastic bag on the road, exercise caution and try to safely steer around it.