There are five mistakes that most drivers regularly make which significantly shortens their car’s lifespan.
“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 Barend Smit, marketing director of MotorHappy, a supplier of motor management solutions.
Smit highlights the most common things drivers do that can inadvertently cause long-term damage to their vehicles.
Driving through potholes
The first and perhaps most obvious error that many road users make, especially in South Africa, is driving right through potholes without even attempting to avoid them.
The shock from hitting these hazards at speed or at a strange angle throws off the alignment of your car’s wheels and damages the tyre treads and rims. Over time, the jolting will 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 Smit. “This is why it’s important to get a wheel alignment if you’ve driven through a deep pothole.”
Not driving enough
Just like not exercising is bad for your health, not driving your car for extended periods of time is bad for its mechanical innards.
“Not driving your car can cause the engine parts to become rusty and weaken over time due to lack of use,” said Smit. If it’s standing still for a considerable amount of time, the oil could also degrade which leads to 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 Smit.
Resting hands on the gear shift
Particularly with manual cars, it is unwise to rest your hand on the gear shift whilst driving as it applies pressure to the gear components and unnecessary wear and tear.
Therefore, frequently putting your palm on the shifter could lead to noisy cog swaps or even difficulty changing gears.
Using back-street mechanics
Choosing a cheaper “back-street mechanic” for regular maintenance provides no assurance about the quality of the technicians working on the car, the type of parts being used, the quality of the equipment, or the environmental practices being 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,” said Smit.
“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.”
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.
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