Resting Your Hand on the Gear Shift

Imagine driving through a downpour with wipers that smear water around like a toddler finger-painting on a foggy window. It’s not just inconvenient; it’s dangerous. Do yourself and everyone on the road a favor by swapping those tired blades for fresh ones before your windshield becomes Monet’s "Untitled Chaos." Cheap fix, clear view, happier you.
Over time, this bad habit can lead to premature wear and tear on your transmission’s components, which isn’t just a bummer for your car, but also for your wallet. Transmission repairs are the stuff of nightmares (and empty bank accounts). Keep your hands on the wheel where they belong, and leave the gear shift alone unless you're, you know, shifting gears.
Driving Over Potholes

Picture this: you're cruising along, smiling to the tune of your favorite song, and then BAM! Your coffee hits the roof, and your car’s suspension just wrote you a breakup letter. Potholes might look harmless, but they’re like tiny craters of doom for your car. Smashing into one at full speed is the automotive equivalent of stepping on a LEGO barefoot. No one escapes unscathed.
Hitting potholes can wreak havoc on your tires, suspension, and alignment, leaving your car limping along with uneven wear and wobbling wheels. Before you know it, you’re shelling out cash to fix problems you didn’t even know existed. Slow down, steer clear, and protect your ride. Otherwise, you might end up with a car that spends more time in the shop than on the road.
Riding on Empty

Running your car on fumes might make you feel like a rebel without a gas station, but your fuel pump isn’t impressed. It’s like asking the last slice of pizza to feed a group of six – it’s not going to end well. Driving on empty doesn’t just leave you stranded on the side of the road; it can lead to a fried fuel pump or debris clogging your engine. And unlike you, your engine does not thrive on a "whatever gets me through the day" diet.
Think of your fuel tank as your car's stomach, and running it dry is like skipping meals all week and expecting full energy at the gym. Over time, you’ll pay for this risky behavior with costly repairs or, worse, an untimely roadside breakdown that’ll haunt your group chat forever. Kick the habit, and treat your car to a full tank now and then. Trust us, your wallet (and your dignity) will thank you.
Slamming Doors

Think of your car doors as your car’s elbows—they’re vital, but they don’t like being slammed into things. Every time you angrily shove that door closed like it owes you money, you’re slowly loosening the hinges, flattening the seals, and making your car frame cry silent, metallic tears. Slam too often, and one day, your door might not close at all, leaving you driving around like you’re in a convertible with oddly-shaped doors.
Besides, slamming doors doesn’t just ruin your car; it ruins your vibe. Nobody wants to be the door-slammer in the parking lot. Be gentle! Your car will stay intact, and you’ll avoid starring in your neighbor's videos titled, “Why Is This Person Slamming Their Car Door At 6 a.m.?” Win-win.
Ignoring Strange Noises

You know that weird clunking, whining, or downright alien sound your car is making? No, it’s not trying to communicate with extraterrestrials. It’s more like your car’s version of a desperate cry for help. Ignoring these strange noises is like hearing your smoke alarm go off and hoping it’s just practicing its singing voice. Spoiler alert: it’s not. Those squeals, thuds, and groans often signal problems like failing brakes or a cranky engine, and turning up the radio to drown them out doesn’t count as a fix.
Every mile you drive with that "clankety, clank" is another step closer to a repair bill that could singlehandedly fund a small vacation. Think brake pads worn down to the bone or bearings plotting their early retirement. Trust us, listening to your car’s symphony of misery can save you from a very expensive encore. Address that noise now, or risk starring in the “How Did My Car Die?” drama.
Forgetting to Replace Windshield Wipers

Here’s a plot twist no one saw coming (literally): old windshield wipers. Neglect them long enough, and every rainy day will feel like you’re watching life through an abstract art filter. Worn-out wipers don’t just streak or squeak; they can scratch your windshield, making what should be a quick fix into a pricey glass replacement nightmare.
Imagine driving through a downpour with wipers that smear water around like a toddler finger-painting on a foggy window. It’s not just inconvenient; it’s dangerous. Do yourself and everyone on the road a favor by swapping those tired blades for fresh ones before your windshield becomes Monet’s "Untitled Chaos." Cheap fix, clear view, happier you.
Using the Wrong Coolant Mixture

Coolant might look like liquid candy, but it’s not as forgiving if you mess up the recipe. Mixing the wrong types or ratios can turn your car’s cooling system into a science experiment gone horribly wrong. Overheating, corrosion, and engine damage are just a few of the “bad grades” you’ll end up with from this chemistry fail.
Your car’s engine needs this magic potion to stay cool and run smoothly, so don’t play mad scientist with it. Think of coolant like Gatorade for your engine; the right blend keeps everything hydrated and happy. The wrong mix? Well, it’s like serving soda to a marathon runner. Stick to the manual’s instructions, and save the freestyle blending for your smoothies.
Ignoring Dashboard Warning Lights

Those little glowing symbols on your dashboard aren’t there just to add flair to your car’s interior. Whether it’s a check engine light or the tire pressure warning, ignoring them is like seeing smoke coming from your kitchen and choosing to finish your Netflix episode before investigating. Spoiler alert: bad idea.
Sure, you might be thinking, “It seems fine to me” as you blissfully cruise along, but those warnings are your car’s version of texting you in ALL CAPS. Ignoring them might turn a small issue, like low oil, into a giant headache involving seized engines or other mechanical meltdowns. Trust us, when your car's shouting for help, it’s best to listen.
Driving Too Fast Over Speed Bumps

Speed bumps aren’t there to test your suspension’s resilience, but some of you treat them like ramps in a stunt show. Flying over these harmless humps at high speed can take your undercarriage from pristine to “ouch!” in no time. It’s basically like forcing your car to do burpees at full speed—not good for anyone involved.
Your suspension, alignment, and even your vehicle’s frame can suffer from your lead foot’s love affair with speed bumps. Those little bumps are yelling, “Slow down!” in an unusually polite way. Respect them, take it easy, and save your speed for the highway. Otherwise, your mechanic might start sending you thank-you notes.
Topping Off Your Gas Tank

Topping off your gas tank might seem like a harmless habit, but it can actually be doing more harm than good. When you pump gas past the automatic shut-off point, you risk overfilling the tank, which can cause fuel to spill into the vapor recovery system. This system is designed to catch fuel vapors, and if it gets flooded, it could lead to expensive repairs.
Overfilling can also cause damage to the charcoal canister, a key part of your car’s emissions system. Plus, the excess fuel can create pressure in the tank, which may lead to engine problems. So, next time you’re at the pump, resist the urge to add that extra gallon and save yourself some headaches down the road.
Parking With Your Wheels Turned

Sure, leaving your car parked with the wheels turned might feel like a slick James Bond move, but in reality, it’s the vehicular equivalent of sleeping in a bad posture. It puts unnecessary strain on your power steering system, turning those high-tech components into worn-out overachievers. It’s like your car’s steering went to the gym without a warm-up and woke up sore.
Over time, this habit can speed up wear and tear on your tires and steering. And if you’re parked on a slope? Hello, added stress to the entire parking brake! Straighten those wheels before walking away. Your car will thank you with fewer visits to the repair shop and many more miles of drama-free adventures.
Ignoring Regular Oil Changes

Skipping regular oil changes might seem like an easy way to save time or money, but it can seriously damage your car in the long run. Engine oil is essential for lubricating your car’s moving parts, preventing friction, and keeping everything running smoothly. Over time, oil breaks down and gets dirty, losing its effectiveness.
If you ignore oil changes, the oil will become sludge-like, increasing friction and heat, which can lead to engine wear, overheating, or even complete failure. Regular oil changes help your engine run efficiently, improve fuel economy, and extend your car's lifespan.
Resting Your Foot on the Brake Pedal

It might seem like no big deal, but resting your foot on the brake pedal while driving can cause unnecessary wear on your car. Even when you're not actively braking, the brake light system remains engaged, generating heat and slowly wearing down brake pads.
Over time, this can lead to reduced braking efficiency and faster pad wear. Additionally, constant pressure can strain the braking system, leading to overheating and potentially damaging the brake components. It’s a small habit that many drivers overlook, but it can cost you in the long run.
Not Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure

Driving with improperly inflated tires is one of the easiest ways to shorten your car’s lifespan, and it’s often overlooked. Under-inflated tires create more rolling resistance, meaning your engine has to work harder, leading to decreased fuel efficiency and increased wear on the tires.
On the other hand, over-inflated tires can cause a rough ride and increase the risk of a blowout. Both scenarios can lead to uneven tire wear, which affects handling and safety. Regularly checking and maintaining your tire pressure not only helps you save on gas, but it also extends tire life and keeps you safer on the road.
Using Cheap Fuel

It’s tempting to go for the cheapest fuel at the pump, but using low-quality gas can harm your car in the long run. While it might save you a few cents per gallon now, cheap fuel often contains lower-quality additives that can leave behind deposits in your engine, reducing performance over time.
These deposits can clog fuel injectors and harm your engine’s efficiency, leading to poor acceleration, rough idling, or even engine misfires. In some cases, using fuel with the wrong octane rating can cause knocking, which can seriously damage your engine.
To keep your car running smoothly, it’s worth investing in higher-quality fuel that meets your manufacturer’s recommendations, your engine will run better, and you’ll avoid costly repairs down the road.
Overloading Your Car

It’s easy to think your car can handle a little extra weight, especially when you’re hauling gear or heading out on a road trip. But overloading your car can put a serious strain on its components. When your vehicle is too heavy, it affects the suspension, brakes, and tires, causing them to wear out faster.
Overloading can also reduce your car’s fuel efficiency, as the engine has to work harder to move the extra weight. In extreme cases, it could even cause damage to the transmission or lead to overheating. Always check your car’s weight limits and avoid packing more than it can safely handle.
Driving With the Parking Brake On

It’s a rookie mistake, but driving with the parking brake on is more common than you might think, and it can do some serious damage. Even if it’s only partially engaged, the parking brake puts extra strain on your car’s braking system.
This friction causes unnecessary wear on the brake pads and can lead to overheating, which affects the performance of your brakes over time. In some cases, it can also damage the brake cables, rotors, and the parking brake mechanism itself. If you notice the parking brake warning light still on after you've started driving, pull over and release it immediately.
Hard Acceleration and Sudden Braking

We’ve all been guilty of speeding up too quickly or slamming on the brakes in the heat of the moment. But constant hard acceleration and sudden braking can take a toll on your car. These aggressive driving habits cause unnecessary strain on your engine, transmission, and braking system, leading to quicker wear and tear.
Hard acceleration pushes the engine harder than it needs to be, while sudden braking causes excessive wear on brake pads and rotors. Over time, this can reduce your vehicle’s overall performance and lead to costly repairs. Smooth driving not only improves your car’s longevity but also helps with fuel efficiency.
Skipping Routine Fluid Checks

Skipping routine fluid checks may seem like a time-saver, but it’s a shortcut that can cost you dearly. Fluids like transmission fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid keep your car running smoothly, lubricating moving parts and preventing overheating. Letting these fluids run low or become dirty can lead to serious mechanical issues.
For example, low coolant can cause your engine to overheat, while old brake fluid can compromise your stopping power. Ignoring fluid checks can lead to breakdowns or costly repairs that could have been easily prevented with regular maintenance. Taking a few minutes to check fluid levels and change them when necessary helps keep your car running efficiently and extends its lifespan.
Not Cleaning Your Car Regularly

Skipping regular car washes might seem like no big deal, but neglecting to clean your car can actually lead to long-term damage. Dirt, salt, and grime build up on your car’s exterior, causing scratches and potentially eating away at the paint over time.
Salt, in particular, can be especially harmful, promoting rust and corrosion, especially in areas where road salt is used in winter. Inside, crumbs, dirt, and spills can lead to wear and tear on upholstery and surfaces. Regular cleaning not only keeps your car looking great, but it also protects its value and keeps parts like the undercarriage and wheels from getting damaged.
Neglecting the Air Filter

Neglecting to replace your car’s air filter might seem insignificant, but it can seriously affect your engine’s performance. The air filter plays a crucial role in preventing dirt, debris, and other particles from entering the engine, allowing it to breathe easily.
When the filter becomes clogged or dirty, it restricts airflow, which can lead to reduced engine efficiency, poor fuel economy, and even engine misfires. In extreme cases, a neglected air filter can cause long-term engine damage. Thankfully, changing the air filter is an easy and inexpensive task that can save you from costly repairs.
Letting the Engine Warm Up for Too Long

While it’s tempting to let your car warm up for a few minutes on a cold morning, keeping the engine running too long can actually do more harm than good. Modern engines are designed to warm up efficiently while driving, not idling.
When you let your car idle, it wastes fuel and increases engine wear because the oil doesn’t circulate effectively until the engine is under load. Prolonged idling can also lead to carbon buildup, which can affect engine performance. It’s better to start the engine and drive gently for the first few minutes, allowing it to warm up naturally.
This not only saves fuel but also reduces unnecessary wear and tear.
Using the Wrong Type of Motor Oil

Using the wrong type of motor oil can lead to serious engine problems. Every car is designed to work with a specific oil viscosity, which helps to lubricate the engine’s moving parts effectively. If you use oil that’s too thick or too thin for your car, it won’t flow properly, potentially causing poor engine performance, increased wear, and overheating.
Using the wrong oil can also affect fuel efficiency and lead to higher emissions. Always check your owner’s manual to ensure you’re using the correct oil for your vehicle. Opting for the right oil might cost a bit more upfront, but it’ll help your engine run smoothly and last longer, saving you from costly repairs down the road.
Not Replacing Worn-Out Brake Pads

Ignoring worn-out brake pads is a dangerous habit that can seriously compromise your car's safety and performance. Brake pads are designed to create friction against the rotors, allowing your car to stop effectively. Over time, they wear down and become less effective. If you wait too long to replace them, it can lead to further damage, like scoring the rotors, which can be costly to repair.
Worn-out pads also increase the risk of brake failure, especially in emergency situations. Not to mention, driving with worn brake pads leads to longer stopping distances and more strain on your braking system. If you hear squeaking or grinding noises, it's time to get them replaced before you end up in a sticky situation!
Leaving Your Car in Direct Sunlight

Leaving your car in direct sunlight for extended periods may seem harmless, but it can cause long-term damage. The sun’s rays can fade and crack your car’s paint, making it look worn out and reducing its resale value. Inside, the heat can warp or fade the dashboard, seats, and interior trim, leading to costly repairs.
The intense heat can also affect your tires, causing them to degrade more quickly, and put extra strain on the air conditioning system. To protect your car, try parking in shaded areas or using a sunshade when you can. If you don’t have access to covered parking, consider investing in a car cover to shield your vehicle from the sun’s damaging effects.
Not Changing Tires

Your car tires are one of the most fundamental parts of your car; without them, how could you drive? So, it makes sense that if you fail to change your tires, you’re diminishing your car's life. There are several consequences that come from not changing tires.
There are chances of reduced safety, increased risks, and potential damage to the car. Tires that have passed their limit have less traction, which is a blaring sign of danger. Without a good grip on the road, your tires may give out on you, and you’ll be in a scary and dangerous situation.
Weighing it Down

If you don’t know, your vehicle’s owner’s manual has information about its loading capability. It may not seem like a big deal, but how much you’re putting in or on your car can weigh it down and cause some potential future troubles. Excess weight can affect your car's performance, stability, and safety.
Ultimately, weighing down your car can strain the engine, brakes, and tires, which can lead to premature wear and increased fuel consumption. Excess weight can also stress the interior of your car. If you need to pack your car with an excess amount of items, be sure to refer to the manual so you don’t weigh it down to the point you affect the car as a whole.
Smoking

It is no doubt that smoking in general is bad for your health. But what you may not know is that it’s bad for your car's longevity and sustained maintenance. If you smoke in your car, you’re exposing the vehicle’s parts to prolonged nicotine odor. The smoke and unpleasant smell linger.
Tar and nicotine can build up on surfaces, which would make the inside of your car unappealing to the eye and hard to clean. Smoke can also get into the air ventilation systems, creating issues within the heating and cooling system. Marijuana isn’t excluded from this either. Similar to cigarette smoke, smoke from cannabis can stick to surfaces, imbue an everlasting smell in the car, and discolor surfaces as well.
Eating in the Car

Learning that eating in your car can be harmful to the car’s performance is probably a nightmare for many. Drive-thrus are made for convenience and eating in your car; that’s why they’re so appealing! Unfortunately, complications can arise when you consume food in your car.
Of course, there’s the potential for spills and stains, but odors can also linger. When you eat food inside your car, you bring in new smells that will stick to the interior surface. Lingering unpleasant smells, stains, and damage from food make a car difficult to clean and impact the resale value.
Letting it Freeze

Driving in the cold winter months is always a pain. As soon as you step outside, you instantly want to warm up again. Just as you need warmth during harsh, wintry weather, so does your car. Letting your car freeze refers to simply driving your car as soon as you start it without giving it the proper time to warm up.
Cold temperatures can cause oil to thicken, which makes it harder for the oil pump to do its job and can lead to engine damage. A weakened battery and blocked fuel lines can also come from cold temperatures and not letting the car warm up before you head onto the road. Turning the car on thirty seconds to a minute before you leave is a good way to warm the car up.
Running on Fumes

Sometimes you don’t feel like stopping for gas, and you tell yourself you have just enough to make it to your destination and back. You’re running on fumes, but at least you avoided a stop at the gas station and money leaving your wallet. I’m sure many have been in this situation, but it’s important to know that driving your car on its last leg of gas is actually harmful.
According to eceurowerks.com, running on fumes ruins several components of your car. It ruins your fuel pump, sediment is brought into the engine, which can damage the engine, clog the fuel filter and injectors, and you can become a roadside hazard. No one wants that!
Not Driving it Enough

You probably wouldn’t have guessed that not driving your car enough can cause it to deteriorate. I’m sure many believe they’re prolonging their vehicle’s lifespan by keeping it parked in their driveway. If your car sits immobile for too long, it can develop some problems.
The car battery will lose its charge over time, eventually drain completely, and require a jumpstart. Tires can develop flat spots and lose their much-needed tension for the road. Brakes can develop rust if they’re not used enough. It’s safe to say driving your car every once in a while is necessary, even if it's just around the block!
Shifting Gears While the Car is Still Rolling

Sometimes you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to consider the repercussions of little everyday things you do. If you’re running late for work, you’re not going to think about what could happen to your vehicle when you put it into drive while you’re still rolling in reverse. You have things to do!
I hate to break the news, but shifting gears before coming to a complete stop is not the best for your car. This can lead to premature wear and tear on the transmission, leading to gears coughing out their last breath. It’s also bad for the engine, since the gears are still in motion, and then you're suddenly asking them to stop.
Revving the Engine While it's Cold

When it’s a cold Winter’s day and you have to wake up to head to work, one goal you probably have is to warm up the car so you won’t be freezing on the drive. Therefore, revving your car engine to battle the biting cold may seem like the right move to make, but it is, in fact, not.
Doing this is actually harmful because the oil that protects the engine hasn’t warmed up yet; that is, it isn’t warm or thinned out yet. Important car parts haven’t been lubricated, which can lead to wear and tear. Instead of revving, allow the engine to warm up naturally to ensure no damage is done.
Using the Wrong Cleaning Products

Washing your car is a great and easy way to maintain its integrity. If your car has detail work, you probably prioritize cleaning the vehicle so it stays spick and span. However, you may not know you're using the wrong cleaning products, and this just backfires on everything you were trying to do in the first place.
Windex, for instance, is a known cleaning product that everyone thinks is reliable and effective for basically every glass and window surface. However, if you have a tinted windshield, you’re doing it wrong. You’re likely to stain or discolor the tint, and according to autoglassandtinshop.com, the ammonia from the cleaning product can discolor or peel the tint, and even cause the windshield to crack over time. A simple cleaner that is no doubt reliable is water!
Ignoring Bumps and Bruises

If you get into a small fender bender, but no one is hurt and your car only gets a small bump from the accident, you likely brush off the whole thing, thinking there’s nothing to worry about. I hate to burst your bubble, but there is indeed something to worry about.
While the scratches on your vehicle appear minuscule and irrelevant, they can lead to secondary issues as time goes on. Water and rust can fester and make repairs you didn’t think you needed even more expensive. Not to mention, the longer you wait to call your insurance company about a small bruise or scratch on your car, the harder it will be to succeed.
Braking too Late (and too Hard)

This fact is probably one that everyone is aware of. Breaking too hard and fast will inevitably create bumps and bruises on the car, but it’s better than running into another car, pedestrian, or structure on the side of the road. Sometimes, breaking fast and hard is needed to avoid a crash or a tragic accident.
Despite this, it can still be damaging to your car. Breaking fast requires the brakes to work faster and in a very short amount of time. This can lead to flimsy brake pads and rotors, and shortened lifespan of the brakes, and a hindered ability for the car to brake effectively. If you’re able, breaking gradually is the best option for security and safety!
Driving it too Much

Just as it’s bad not to drive your car enough, it’s also harmful to drive your car too much. Cars are more fragile than you think, and they need careful handling. Driving it too much doesn’t include driving your car every day, and rather, it's related to starting and stopping your vehicle several times in one day.
If you’re running errands, you’ll be stopping at several places in a short amount of time, so turning on your car and parking before the engine can warm up and the fluids can circulate is harmful. Running errands can be annoying, and you may want to be done as soon as possible, but if you can, try to lend some time to your car’s engine so it can warm up and not overheat.
Aged Spark Plugs

Spark plugs have a significant role in your car’s performance: they kickstart the combustion process that gets your engine going. If they’re weary and old, they can cause misfires and stalling. If the spark plugs aren’t firing properly, they can affect fuel efficiency and cause lower gas mileage.
Decreased acceleration is another unpleasant consequence of aged spark plugs. Hard starts can result from spark plugs that have exceeded their lifespan. It’s always good to keep your car updated as best you can, and just like it’s important to change your tires, your spark plugs require the same care and maintenance.
Ignoring Rust

There’s a saying you may have heard -- rust is cancer on a car. It weakens and erodes many factors of a car’s foundation. Rust eats away the structural integrity, affects mechanical systems, damages the paint, and can spread to other parts of the car. Just like cancer, rust is corrosive and eats away at a car’s structure and integrity.
Not only does rust affect a vehicle’s appearance and mechanics, but it also devalues its resale potential. It makes the car look neglected, which turns away buyers. Lastly, rust leads to expensive repairs. If you ever see a hint of rust on your car, do yourself a favor and get that checked out before it spreads like a virus!
