If you damage your car by driving through deep puddles or floodwater, good luck with the resale. It's pretty bad to buy a flood-damaged car with all of the modules and systems that can be compromised.

Know that if you’re test driving a used car, the same principles apply, but you’ll need to consider additional factors since any problems are likely no longer covered by warranty, Wong says.

Your car's alternator is one of the keys to what makes the vehicle run. So what happens if the alternator goes out while you're driving? Nothing good.

Combined with driving vibrations, heat significantly shortens battery lifespan. Tire Trouble: Temperature fluctuations directly affect tire pressure, leading to uneven wear and a shorter tire life.