There are several common mistakes drivers make that can damage their cars.
While many of these mistakes may be small, they can quickly add up over a car’s lifespan, significantly shortening its time on the road.
According to MotorHappy, it’s easy to fall into bad driving habits that can have a bigger impact on its wellbeing than you might assume.
Riding the clutch
Riding the clutch is a common fault you’ll hear when taking your first driving lessons.
It refers to when a person applies a little bit of pressure to the clutch pedal in a manual car while moving forwards or backwards.
A little bit of clutch riding is inevitable, as it is commonly used when creeping along in heavy congestion or when slowly reversing out of a parking bay.
However, doing this frequently and at higher speeds can lead to premature wear on the clutch disc, pressure plate, and release bearing, as the pedal should either be fully pressed down or released entirely.
Failing to do so means the clutch is only partially engaged, which leads to wear and tear.
Since this damage is self-inflicted, it also tends to be something that won’t be covered by a warranty or service plan, and new clutches don’t come cheap.
Ignoring potholes
Another bad habit motorists have is to drive straight through potholes and other road imperfections.
Drivers will often do this with smaller hazards because it seems safer than swerving and driving in the oncoming lane to avoid a pothole, but even small holes can cause long-term damage.
The impact of hitting a pothole at speed or at a strange angle and throw off the wheel alignment and damage the car’s tyres and rims.
“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.”
Not slowing down for speed bumps
Speed bumps can be annoying, but they are an inescapable aspect of everyday driving, and failing to adequately slow down for one can lead to costly repairs.
Hitting one at speed can damage the car’s undercarriage, including the shocks and steering components.
Cars with a lower ride height can also damage the bodywork.
The tricky part is that speed bumps are not uniform in South Africa, as some are significantly larger and steeper than others.
Depending on your vehicle, it may be best to approach a speed bump at an angle to minimize the risk of it hitting the undercarriage.
Not using the car enough
Cars need to be “exercised” in order to function at peak efficiency, and failing to do so can lead to wear and tear.
Just like how a person risks injury if they suddenly jump into an intense workout after a long period of inactivity, an engine’s components can degrade over time and may cause problems if they are suddenly put through the wringer.
This is particularly relevant for things like the engine oil, which can experience sludge buildup if left alone for too long, which is why it is recommended that owners drive the car for at least 10 minutes every two weeks to ensure that all the fluids are 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 services
Services are vital to a car’s health and are an important factor when attempting to resell a model.
A routine service is meant to ensure that all aspects of your ride are functioning correctly, from topped-up fluids to the correct tyre tread and pressure.
Skipping on these small but important checkups may save time and money over the short term, but can lead to expensive repairs later down the line.
It’s also important that you go to an accredited dealer instead of a so-called backstreet mechanic to ensure that your car is taken care of and you aren’t being ripped off, according to MotorHappy.
“Accreditation and compliance are the consumer’s guarantees that the job will be done correctly and according to stringent industry standards.”
“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.”
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