Most people take care of their cars—get the oil changed, keep the tank full, maybe even wash it once in a while. But the truth is, a lot of the damage happens behind the wheel, during everyday driving.
The small habits you don’t think twice about can wear down your engine, brakes, suspension, and transmission faster than you’d expect. Here are the mistakes that slowly kill your car every time you hit the road.
Riding the brakes downhill
Resting your foot on the brake pedal while going downhill might feel safer, but it overheats your brake pads and rotors. That heat leads to warping, faster wear, and reduced stopping power. Instead, shift into a lower gear and let engine braking help control your speed. It gives your brakes a break—and keeps them working when you really need them.
Flooring it on a cold start
Engines need a few minutes to get oil circulating and reach the right operating temperature. Revving hard right after you start your car puts strain on parts that aren’t fully lubricated yet. Take it easy for the first few minutes of driving—gentle acceleration helps your engine last much longer.
Ignoring potholes and rough roads
Hitting potholes at full speed can damage your tires, alignment, and suspension. Even one big hit can bend a rim or throw your steering off. If you can’t avoid a pothole, slow down before hitting it. Regularly check your tire pressure and alignment if you drive on rough roads often—it can prevent costly repairs later.
Resting your hand on the gear shifter
Keeping your hand on the gear shifter while driving might seem harmless, but it can actually wear out internal parts of the transmission over time. The pressure adds unnecessary strain to the selector mechanism. Keep both hands on the wheel instead—your transmission will thank you for it.
Letting your tank run near empty
Running your car on fumes isn’t just risky—it’s bad for your fuel system. The fuel pump relies on gasoline for cooling and lubrication. When the tank is low, it draws in sediment from the bottom, which can clog filters and damage the pump. Try to refill once you hit a quarter tank to keep everything running smoothly.
Slamming the brakes
Hard braking wears out your brake pads, rotors, and tires faster than gradual stops. It also puts stress on suspension components over time. Pay attention to traffic flow and slow down early instead of waiting until the last second. It’s safer and helps your brakes last longer.
Ignoring the parking brake
Even with an automatic transmission, using the parking brake matters. Skipping it puts all the weight of your vehicle on a small metal pin called the parking pawl, which can wear or break over time. Engaging the parking brake takes pressure off the transmission and keeps your car more stable when parked.
Driving with too much weight
Extra weight from tools, gear, or junk in the trunk puts more strain on your engine, brakes, and tires. It also hurts fuel efficiency. Go through your car once in a while and remove anything you don’t actually need to haul around. Every hundred pounds can make a noticeable difference.
Ignoring warning lights
Dashboard lights don’t pop on for fun—they’re early warnings that something’s wrong. Ignoring them can turn small fixes into major repairs. Even a loose gas cap can trigger a check engine light, so always investigate. If you’re not sure what it means, get it scanned at a parts store before more damage builds up.
Taking short trips constantly
Frequent short drives don’t give your engine enough time to reach full temperature, which means moisture and fuel residues don’t burn off. Over time, that buildup can hurt performance and fuel economy. If most of your drives are under ten minutes, plan a longer one occasionally—it helps keep the engine clean and healthy.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
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