We all like to think we are good drivers. We follow the speed limits, check our blind spots, and park within the lines. But what if the way you drive is silently killing your car? It turns out that many common behaviors—things we do almost subconsciously behind the wheel—can accelerate wear and tear on your vehicle’s most expensive components. From the way you shift gears to how you handle speed bumps, small actions add up to big repair bills over time.
By identifying and correcting these bad habits, you can significantly extend the life of your vehicle and keep your hard-earned money in your pocket rather than at the mechanic. Here are eight driving habits that might be causing unnecessary damage to your car.
1. Resting Your Hand on the Gear Shifter
It feels natural, especially in manual transmission vehicles, to leave your hand resting on the gear stick between shifts. However, this seemingly innocent habit can cause premature wear to the transmission. The gear stick is connected to a selector fork, which is designed to contact the rotating collar only briefly during a gear change.
When you rest your hand on the stick, you apply pressure to the selector fork, causing it to rub against the rotating collar. This friction can wear down the fork and lead to sloppy gear shifts or even transmission failure. The fix is simple: keep both hands on the wheel at the “9 and 3” position, which gives you better control of the car anyway.
2. Riding the Brakes Downhill
When descending a long, steep hill, the instinct is to keep your foot lightly pressed on the brake pedal to control your speed. This practice, known as “riding the brakes,” generates immense heat. Overheating your braking system can cause the brake fluid to boil and the pads to glaze over, leading to a phenomenon called “brake fade,” where you lose stopping power almost entirely.
Instead of relying solely on your friction brakes, utilize engine braking. Shift into a lower gear (even in an automatic car) to let the engine’s resistance slow the vehicle down. This technique keeps your brakes cool and ready for when you really need them. If you suspect you’ve already worn them down, getting your brakes in Salem, Utah, inspected by a professional can prevent safety issues down the road.
3. Ignoring the Parking Brake
Many drivers of automatic vehicles assume that shifting into “Park” is enough to hold the car in place. While the parking pawl inside the transmission is strong, it is a small piece of metal not designed to hold the entire weight of the vehicle, especially on an incline. Relying only on the transmission places constant stress on the pawl and drivetrain components.
To protect your transmission, engage the parking brake (also known as the emergency brake) every time you park. The correct sequence is to come to a complete stop, keep your foot on the brake, engage the parking brake, and then shift into Park. This ensures the car’s weight rests on the brakes rather than the delicate transmission components.
4. Accelerating Too Hard Before the Engine Warms Up
Modern cars don’t need to idle for ten minutes before driving, but they still need time to reach optimal operating temperature. Oil is thicker when cold and doesn’t circulate as freely. If you floor the accelerator immediately after starting the car on a cold morning, you are forcing the engine to work hard without proper lubrication.
This causes significant friction on pistons, rings, and bearings. A good rule of thumb is to drive gently for the first five to ten minutes of your journey. Keep the RPMs low until the temperature gauge moves into the normal operating range. Your engine will reward you with better longevity and fuel efficiency.
5. Shifting from Reverse to Drive Without Stopping
In a rush to leave a parking spot, many drivers shift from Reverse to Drive while the car is still rolling backward. This habit puts a massive strain on the transmission band. The transmission is forced to act as a brake to stop the car’s backward momentum before it can propel it forward.
This shock to the drivetrain can damage the gears, the driveshaft, and the CV joints. Always come to a complete full stop before changing direction. It only takes an extra second, but it saves your transmission from expensive, avoidable damage.
6. Hitting Potholes and Speed Bumps at Speed
Suspension systems are tough, but they aren’t invincible. Hitting a pothole or speed bump without slowing down compresses the suspension springs and shocks violently. This can bend control arms, knock the wheels out of alignment, and damage tires or rims.
While you can’t always avoid potholes, you can minimize the damage. Keep your eyes scanning the road ahead so you can slow down or safely maneuver around hazards. When approaching speed bumps, slow down to a crawl before your front wheels make contact. Your suspension—and your passengers—will thank you.
7. Running the Fuel Tank to Empty
Waiting until the fuel light comes on before refueling might seem like a way to maximize efficiency, but it actually hurts your fuel pump. In most modern cars, the fuel pump is located inside the gas tank and uses the gasoline itself for cooling and lubrication.
When you constantly drive with a low tank, the pump is exposed to air, which can cause it to overheat and fail prematurely. Additionally, sediment often settles at the bottom of the fuel tank. Running the tank dry can pull this debris into the pump and fuel filter, causing clogs. Try to keep your tank at least a quarter full to keep the system healthy.
8. Revving the Engine Before Turning It Off
Some drivers have a habit of giving the engine one last rev before turning the key off. This is a holdover from the days of carbureted engines and is completely unnecessary for modern fuel-injected cars. In fact, it can be harmful.
Revving the engine spins up the turbo (if equipped) and other internal components. When you immediately cut the ignition, the oil pump stops, starving these still-spinning parts of lubrication. This leads to dry friction and increased wear. Simply let the engine idle for a few seconds before shutting it down to ensure everything is properly lubricated and cooled.
Keeping Your Car Road-Ready
Bad habits can be hard to break, but the savings on maintenance costs make it worth the effort. By treating your vehicle with a little more mechanical sympathy, you ensure it stays reliable for years to come. If you’re unsure about the current state of your vehicle or have been guilty of a few of these habits, it’s never too late to get a check-up. Schedule an inspection today to catch any potential issues before they become major repairs.
