10 mistakes we all make that shorten our car’s lifespan

Small adjustments to how you treat your precious daily driver can significantly extend its time on the road.

Done persistently, minute behaviours that are harsh on a vehicle will contribute to unnecessary wear and tear over time, which can lead to more frequent repairs and maintenance and a shorter shelflife.

“It’s all too easy to fall into bad habits when it comes to driving. However, these habits can have a much bigger impact on your car’s life than you might expect,” said MotorHappy, a supplier of motor management solutions.

The most common errors many motorists make that inadvertently harm their cars, according to MotorHappy, are detailed below.

Not allowing the engine to warm up

Instead of simply flipping it into gear and taking off immediately after starting the engine, it’s worth letting your car warm up for around a minute before driving to allow liquids to circulate thoroughly and the engine block to get a bit of heat.

This is beneficial for its health regardless of whether your car was built in the 1960s or the 2020s.

Older vehicles use carburettors, which means that the oil will need time to lubricate the components. As such, these autos require a generous warm-up time of around five minutes before you commence with your drive.

Modern cars feature fuel injectors and do not have to heat up for as long to get the fluids running, however, there’s virtually no downside to letting it idle for a short while before your morning commute, whereas the upside is significant.

Warming up the car is especially important in cold temperatures and after extended periods of immobility irrespective of age.

Going full throttle too soon

Even if you have given the engine a few seconds to wake up, harsh acceleration should be avoided for as long as possible.

A cold motor affects how much power and speed you get from your fuel, and the older the car, the longer the warm-up.

The rest of the non-moving components must also still get heat into them and may not perform at their best when chilly.

“The goal is to avoid sudden and high acceleration, especially if and when you’re travelling long distances,” said MotorHappy.

“Think of it like you’re stretching before a big race, most of us wouldn’t start sprinting without completing a warm-up. The same could be said for your vehicle.”

Driving on reserve

It’s wishful thinking to believe you are saving money by driving your car on reserve.

In fact, it is one of the worst habits you can have as it adds unneeded strain on the fuel pump and you risk sediment build-up in the tank being pulled into the motor.

This can lead to hose blockages, engine issues, and more.

“Always fill up before the light appears on your dash. Period,” said the experts.

Resting hands on the gear shift

With manual cars in particular, resting your hand on the gearshift whilst driving applies pressure to the gear components and accelerates the wear and tear of the transmission.

Therefore, frequently putting your palm on the shifter could lead to noisy cog swaps or even difficulty changing gears.

Riding the clutch

Riding a clutch refers to when you leave a bit of pressure on the pedal while moving forward or backward, meaning the clutch is only partially activated.

Manual drivers tend to do this when they’re creeping along in bumper-to-bumper congestion or waiting at a red light.

Admittedly, sometimes clutch riding can’t be avoided such as when you’re slowly reversing out of a parking spot, though if done too frequently, it can cause premature wear on the clutch disc, pressure plate, and release bearing.

Owing to the damages being self-inflicted, repairs may also not be covered under a warranty or service plan, and they’re unlikely to be cheap.

When stationary, even in traffic, neutral is your friend. A clutch should be treated like a light switch, it should either be on or off, nothing in between.

Driving through potholes

A frequent mistake road users make is driving straight through potholes or imperfections in the tarmac.

The impact from hitting these hazards at speed or an off angle throws out the alignment of your car’s wheels and damages the tyres and rims.

As the years go by, the shock will also cause uneven wear on the tyres and even weaken frame components.

“Every time your car hits a pothole, it’s like taking a hammer to your suspension,” said MotorHappy.

“This is why it’s important to get a wheel alignment if you’ve driven through a deep pothole.”

Taking on speed bumps at full tilt

Hitting a speed bump at a considerable pace can do irreversible damage to the shocks, steering components, and with lower cars, the bodywork.

It is more than just a wear-and-tear issue as well, as habitually driving fast over speed bumps can lead to costly part replacements.

Driving on misaligned wheels

Misaligned wheels can slowly result in multiple and often unexpected consequences, including:

• Uneven tyre wear
• Damaged suspension
• Reduced fuel efficiency
• Poor handling and jerking when you turn the steering wheel

If your vehicle still tracks straight and shows no sign of incorrect wheel alignment, consider having a routine alignment check every two to three years.

Not driving enough

Not driving your car for a long time is as bad for its mechanical health as not exercising is for its owner’s.

Due to lack of use, engine parts could become rusty and weaken over time, and the oil could degrade and cause sludge buildup in the motor.

Fortunately, you only have to aim for “at least 10 minutes of driving every two weeks” to ensure the parts are functioning and liquids circulating properly.

“It is also recommended that you take longer trips periodically, such as family road trips or weekend getaways, as this will help keep your engine in good condition,” said MotorHappy.

Skipping routine services

Routine check-ups are essential to maintain a car’s fitness.

These services ensure that all the parts in your ride are still functioning as they should and that it has all the fluids it needs to keep running smoothly.

“If you skip or miss your routine services, repairs will cost you more money down the line,” said MotorHappy.

“Double-check when your service is due, either on the mileage covered or the term, whichever comes first.”

It’s also wise to avoid employing the services of unaccredited mechanics, colloquially referred to as “backstreet mechanics.”

While they may seem to know their stuff, these technicians provide no assurance on the quality of their work, the type of parts being used, the quality of the equipment, or the environmental practices followed.

Additionally, if the shop doesn’t have the necessary registration and compliance you will have next to no recourse measures if something goes wrong during or after your vehicle is being repaired.

“Accreditation and compliance are the consumer’s guarantees that the job will be done correctly and according to stringent industry standards,” concludes MotorHappy.

“Be sure to research mechanics in your area and read up on customer reviews to make sure you’re dealing with a reputable shop. Ask around for recommendations and make sure to get multiple estimates before agreeing to any work.”