Owning a car is a significant investment, and whether you’re driving a family sedan, a luxury vehicle, or a 4×4, taking care of your vehicle can save you from costly repairs down the line.

While regular maintenance is essential, your driving habits play an equally crucial role in keeping your car in good condition. Some common practices might seem harmless but can cause long-term damage to your car’s engine, brakes, suspension, and other systems.

Here are 7 driving habits that can harm your vehicle, along with tips to keep it in tip-top shape.

7 Driving Habits That Can Harm Your Vehicle

1. Resting Your Hand on the Gearstick

While leaving one hand resting on the gearstick while driving might feel comfortable, this can cause unnecessary wear on your vehicle’s transmission system, especially if you drive a manual car. When you rest your hand on the gearstick, even with minimal pressure, it applies force to the selector fork, which can wear out over time. This habit may cause internal transmission parts to fail prematurely, leading to costly repairs or the need for a full transmission replacement.

What to do instead: Get into the habit of keeping both hands on the steering wheel or resting your free hand on your lap when you’re not changing gears. This will not only preserve your transmission but also improve your overall control of the car.

2. Riding the Clutch

If you drive a manual vehicle, riding the clutch is one of the quickest ways to wear it out. Riding the clutch refers to the act of keeping your foot partially engaged with the clutch pedal, even when it’s not necessary. Many drivers do this out of habit, particularly when waiting at a traffic light or while navigating stop-start traffic. The clutch’s main job is to engage and disengage the engine from the transmission, and riding it unnecessarily wears it out faster than normal.

What to do instead: When you’re stationary or driving at a consistent speed, ensure that your foot is off the clutch completely. Shift into neutral when waiting at traffic lights, and fully engage the clutch only when changing gears.

3. Revving the Engine When It’s Cold

Starting your car and immediately revving the engine can have long-term consequences on the health of your engine. When the engine is cold, the oil that lubricates the engine parts hasn’t fully circulated. Revving the engine forces it to work harder before it’s properly lubricated, which can cause unnecessary friction between moving parts and lead to premature wear and tear.

What to do instead: Allow your car to idle for a minute or so after starting it, especially in cold weather. This gives the engine time to warm up, and the oil can circulate properly, reducing the risk of damage.

4. Braking Hard or Excessively

Frequent hard braking can wreak havoc on your car’s braking system, particularly the brake pads and rotors. Not only does this wear down your brake pads quickly, but it can also cause your rotors to warp from the excessive heat generated by sudden stops. In addition, aggressive braking forces your car to stop abruptly, which can also damage the suspension and increase the risk of accidents.

What to do instead: Practice defensive driving by maintaining a safe distance from the car in front of you and anticipating traffic flow. Try to brake gradually rather than slamming on the brakes at the last minute. This reduces the wear on your brakes and improves fuel efficiency.

5. Driving with Low Fuel

Driving with a low fuel level might seem like an easy way to save time or money on petrol, but it can actually cause more harm than good in the long run. Modern vehicles have fuel pumps located inside the fuel tank, and the petrol acts as a coolant for the pump. When the tank is too low, the pump isn’t adequately cooled, which can cause it to overheat and fail prematurely. Additionally, driving on low fuel increases the likelihood of debris from the bottom of the fuel tank being drawn into the fuel pump, which can cause blockages or damage to the fuel system.

What to do instead: Aim to keep your fuel tank at least a quarter full at all times. Not only does this protect your fuel pump, but it also ensures you’re prepared for any unexpected long drives.

6. Ignoring Dashboard Warning Lights

Those little lights on your dashboard are there for a reason. Ignoring warning lights, especially ones related to your engine, oil, or brakes, can lead to serious damage. A flashing check engine light, for instance, could indicate a critical issue that needs immediate attention. Neglecting it could lead to costly repairs or even complete engine failure. Similarly, ignoring oil pressure or brake system warnings can result in major damage and safety hazards.

What to do instead: Pay attention to your car’s dashboard lights and never ignore them. If you’re unsure what a specific light means, refer to your car’s manual or have it checked by a professional mechanic as soon as possible.

7. Overloading Your Vehicle

Your car is designed to carry a specific amount of weight, and overloading it can put excess strain on several parts of the vehicle. Overloading can damage the suspension, lead to increased wear on the tyres, and cause the engine to work harder than it should. It can also make steering more difficult and increase stopping distances, compromising safety. Additionally, if you consistently overload your car, it can lead to a shorter lifespan for many key components.

What to do instead: Always check your car’s owner manual for its maximum load capacity, including passengers and cargo. Avoid exceeding this limit to prevent unnecessary strain on your car’s systems.

How to Avoid These Habits and Maintain Your Car

While some of these driving habits might seem trivial, over time, they can lead to expensive repairs or even complete system failures. Fortunately, avoiding these damaging habits is relatively easy with a little awareness and care. Here are a few additional tips to ensure your car stays in excellent condition:

1. Regular Maintenance: Stick to the recommended service schedule in your vehicle’s manual. Regular oil changes, brake inspections, and other routine maintenance tasks will ensure that small issues are caught before they become expensive problems.
2. Proper Tyre Care: Ensure your tyres are properly inflated and rotated regularly. Under-inflated tyres cause uneven wear and increase fuel consumption.
3. Fluid Checks: Make sure to regularly check and top off fluids, including engine oil, coolant, and brake fluid. This helps keep your car’s systems running smoothly and can prevent breakdowns.
4. Smooth Driving: Adopting a more relaxed and smooth driving style will not only make your car last longer but can also improve fuel efficiency and provide a safer driving experience.

Final Thoughts

Your car is one of your most valuable assets, and how you treat it will have a direct impact on its longevity and performance. By avoiding these seven damaging driving habits and practicing good vehicle maintenance, you can prevent unnecessary wear and tear, save on repair costs, and ensure your car runs smoothly for years to come.

Remember, it’s not just about driving from point A to B; it’s about keeping your vehicle safe, reliable, and in optimal condition for the road ahead.