Drivers often unknowingly practice bad habits that can have a negative impact on their vehicles. These habits not only reduce the life of the car, but can also lead to costly repairs and increased running costs. The key to protecting your vehicle is to be aware of what behaviours are most damaging behind the wheel.

Driving habits such as hard braking, fast acceleration and ignoring regular maintenance are just some of the practices that can significantly affect the condition of a car. Every driver should be aware of how their driving habits affect not only their wallet, but also their safety on the road. Knowing and avoiding these harmful practices can extend the life of your vehicle and improve your overall driving experience.

1. Shifting into neutral with automatic gearbox

Shifting into neutral with automatic gearboxes can damage the vehicle. Many drivers think they are saving fuel, but this habit often leads to higher fuel consumption and wear and tear on the gearbox. Automatic transmissions are designed to work continuously with the engine, and shifting into neutral disrupts this cooperation.

Shifting into neutral can be detrimental to the transmission because in this mode the oil in the system is not pumped and therefore not cooled. This leads to an increase in temperature in the transmission, which can cause wear and damage to internal components. Toyota therefore recommends avoiding frequent shifting into neutral to prevent unnecessary overheating and wear on the transmission

It is not recommended to use neutral even when stopped at traffic lights or in traffic. Rather, it is advisable to keep the vehicle in "D" (drive) mode to minimize wear and maintain optimum oil pressure in the system. This protects the engine and transmission from unnecessary wear and reduces the risk of costly repairs.

2. Frequent driving up to the reserve

Frequent driving to reserve can seriously damage the vehicle's fuel pump. Fuel pumps need a certain amount of fuel to cool and lubricate, and when the level drops too low, they can't function properly. This increases the risk of the pump overheating, leading to costly repairs or replacement.

Data suggests that keeping at least a quarter of the tank full helps prevent these problems. However, some drivers don't realize the importance of this practice, which can lead to subsequent pump problems. Another factor to watch out for is sediment and debris that settles at the bottom of the tank. When the level is low, this debris can enter the fuel system, fouling the injectors and filters.

This simple care not only prolongs the life of the pump, but also ensures efficient fuel consumption. It reduces the risk of inconvenience caused by fuel shortages on the road and contributes to the overall efficiency of the vehicle.

3. Hard braking and accelerating

Heavy braking causes significant wear on brake pads and discs. Vehicles require more frequent replacements of these components, leading to unnecessary expenditure. In addition, excessive braking reduces the efficiency of the braking system, which can compromise road safety. A good way forward would be to plan your braking ahead of time, thus minimising wear and tear.

Rapid acceleration, known as aggressive acceleration, causes increased stress on the engine and transmission. This behaviour accelerates wear and tear and increases fuel consumption. Vehicles where drivers regularly accelerate rapidly consume more fuel and have higher emissions of pollutants. Gentle acceleration not only prolongs engine life but also optimises fuel consumption.

4. Irregular service interval

Irregular service intervals have a significant impact on the functionality and service life of the vehicle. Scheduled service inspections allow early identification and resolution of problems. Failure to observe these intervals can cost the driver unnecessary repair costs.

• Neglecting to change the oil: Failure to comply with the specified engine oil change intervals increases engine wear. Old engine oil loses viscosity and cannot effectively lubricate engine components, leading to increased friction.
• Ignoring the brake check: Irregular inspections can overlook wear on brake pads and discs, which increases the risk of brake failure when in contact with the vehicle.
• Underestimating tyre maintenance: Tyre care is one of the common proven methods to extend the life of your vehicle. Rapid wear and excessive tread wear increase the risk of punctures. regular checks of tyre pressure and condition prevent these problems.

5. Touching the clutch while driving

Touching the clutch while driving causes excessive wear. When the clutch pedal is pressed gently, friction between the clutch discs increases, leading to faster wear and the need for replacement. Drivers often leave their foot on the clutch in traffic or after shifting gears, which shortens clutch life. The clutch should not be under any pressure when not in use to ensure proper function and durability.

6. Cold engine cranking

Cold cranking is one of the common habits that drivers often practice. When starting the engine cold (especially in winter), all components such as oil are not yet heated and have not reached their optimum viscosity. If excessive dialling occurs immediately after starting, individual engine parts wear out more quickly.

A cold engine does not have sufficient lubricating oil dispersion, which impairs its protective properties. This increases the risk of damage to pistons, cylinders and other parts. Experts recommend waiting a few minutes for the engine to reach operating temperature. Doing so helps prevent premature repairs and ensure a longer vehicle life.

An unheated engine also has higher fuel consumption. If drivers avoid cold cranking the engine, they not only reduce the likelihood of wear and tear, but also help to save fuel and reduce emissions. Proper engine handling contributes to longer and more reliable engine performance.

7. Not cooling the turbo after driving

The turbo is a sensitive engine component. After intensive driving, its temperature can rise significantly. If the driver stops the engine without allowing it to cool down gradually, there is a risk of damage and increased risk of turbo seizure. Hot oil can carbonise and cause deposits that prevent the oil from flowing properly. This results in accelerated wear of bearings and internal parts.

If the engine is shut down without cooling, the turbo continues to spin due to inertia, but lacks oil supply for proper lubrication and cooling. Drivers should let the engine idle for a few minutes after driving to maintain thermal balance and protect the turbo from excessive wear.

8. Incorrect Tyre Pressure

Incorrect tyre pressure significantly affects the driveability and durability of the vehicle. Under-inflated tyres increase rolling resistance, leading to higher fuel consumption and faster tread wear. On the other hand, over-inflated tyres reduce the contact patch with the road, which impairs stability and increases braking distances.

The importance of correct tyre pressure is not just about saving fuel and reducing wear. With incorrect tyre pressure, the risk of tyre blowouts while driving increases, which can be critical at higher speeds. Experts recommend checking tyre pressure at least once a month and before longer journeys, with the correct pressure readings found on the inside of the driver's door or in the vehicle's owner's manual.

Unlike many other faults that can often go unnoticed, incorrect tyre pressure is easy to detect and easy to fix. Regular pressure checking also helps to extend tyre life by up to 20%, representing significant savings.

9. Refuelling poor quality fuel

Using poor quality fuel can seriously damage the engine as it often contains impurities and unsuitable additives. These clog the fuel system and lead to irregular combustion, which increases fuel consumption and wear on engine parts. Accumulated carbon deposits impair piston and valve movement, reducing compression and engine performance. It is therefore recommended to fill up at proven service stations that offer quality fuel to prevent engine problems.

10. Standstill without shifting into neutral (Manual gearbox)

Standing at an intersection with the clutch held and the gear engaged puts a strain on the clutch mechanism and accelerates wear on the clutch plates. It also puts pressure on the transmission, which can lead to shifting problems. Experts therefore recommend shifting into neutral and releasing the clutch when stationary for long periods of time to extend component life and improve smoothness.

Bonus tip: Standing with the wheels turned to the stop

Parking the vehicle with the wheels turned to the stop can cause excessive wear on the steering mechanism. If the driver leaves the vehicle with the wheels fully rotated, additional pressure is put on the power steering and tie rods. This pressure can lead to premature damage over time. In extreme cases, the components can be deformed due to the constant tension.

Prolonged standing with the wheels in this position increases the risk of hydraulic fluid leakage through worn seals. This leakage can also cause a reduction in the efficiency of the power steering system.

Experts recommend turning the wheels slightly to the opposite side after spinning to equalize the pressure in the system, or parking with the wheels aligned.