Everyday Driving Habits That May Be Damaging Your Car Over Time

Like most of us, you rely on your car every day to get around. And you probably think you’re a good driver – especially if your driving licence is clean and your insurance premiums are low. But did you know that certain driving habits can slowly wear down your vehicle without you even noticing? Read on to find out which common mistakes to watch out for and how to avoid them to help extend your car’s life and prevent costly repairs.

Clutch-riding will cost you

Do you rest your foot on the clutch pedal? A lot of people do – it can just seem more convenient and efficient in stop-start traffic. And keeping your foot partially on the pedal might seem harmless. However, this habit does put unnecessary pressure on the clutch components. Over time, you’ll see premature wear and eventual failure, which can be costly to fix.

Keep an eye on dashboard warning lights

Think of dashboard warning lights as your car’s early alert system. It can be tempting to ignore oil pressure indicators or engine warning if they haven’t hit critical levels, but small issues can turn into major problems. Address the issue immediately to avoid an expensive car breakdown or putting yourself in danger on the road.

Avoid harsh braking and accelerating

It’s hard to avoid situations where you need to make sudden stops and starts, especially when driving in a city. But don’t make it an everyday habit. Harsh braking and acceleration put stresses on your car – you use more fuel, brakes wear out quicker, your engine is overworked, and your tyres won’t last very long. And it can rattle children or other people in the car. Driving smoothly will preserve your car, your wallet, and your passengers’ peace of mind.

Don’t race over potholes and bumps

No matter how sophisticated the suspension system of your car, if you hit potholes head-on without slowing or insist on speeding over speed bumps, you’ll throw off your wheel alignment and damage your suspension and tyres. It may seem harmless one or two times, but the impact will add up. Take the time to learn how to drive safely on potholed or bumpy roads.

Get tyres checked regularly

It can be easy to give your tyres a quick once-over and assume they’re fine. But if they’re underinflated or overinflated, or worn, this will reduce fuel efficiency and make your car harder to control. You could also be fined or fail the MOT if tyres are not up to legal standards, such as for tread depth. So, book regular checks and get replacements if necessary. Look up local services for a wide selection of affordable options across all kinds of tyres.

Keep an eye on the fuel light

If you run on empty, it’s not just about your car stopping. If you’re always topping up just as fuel levels get to below critical, this will damage your fuel pump and allow debris to clog the fuel filter. Keep your tank filled above a quarter at least to avoid both unnecessary repairs and being stalled in the middle of the road.

Don’t cold-rev the engine

If you have a morning habit of revving your engine before it’s properly warmed up, know that this will put unnecessary stress on vital components. Drive your car gently for a few minutes to get everything circulating smoothly.

Lighten your car’s load

Don’t use your car as a storage space. If you exceed your car’s weight capacity, this stresses the suspension, brakes, and tyres. It also means that the vehicle burns through more fuel and is more difficult to handle.

Even just a few small changes in your driving habits can make a big difference in your vehicle’s lifespan. A little care now will save you from big repairs later.