Bad Driving Habits That Are Damaging Your Car (and Your Wallet)

We all have our own ways of doing things; it’s part of human nature, and usually, there’s nothing wrong with it. However, when it comes to driving, certain habits can gradually deteriorate your car's condition. While some are relatively harmless, others can cause significant damage to your vehicle and, of course, your bank account.

Keep Your Foot on the Footrest

This is perhaps the most common habit on this list. Some drivers tend to keep their foot resting on the clutch pedal while driving to prevent the engine from stalling. This "vice" or bad habit can lead to a failure of the clutch release bearing (also known as the throw-out bearing).

What exactly is the release bearing? It is a special bearing that we engage every time we press the clutch. This bearing pushes the clutch pressure plate to separate and release the disc—essentially disengaging the engine from the gearbox. If you drive a modern car, the bearing might withstand the pressure better, but if your car is a bit older, you could easily end up in the repair shop.

Do Not Switch to Neutral While Moving

This bad habit specifically affects cars with automatic transmissions. There is a common myth that putting the car in neutral (N) while going downhill saves fuel. Not only is this false, but it can also send your car to the workshop.

Strictly speaking, selecting "N" while moving doesn't immediately break anything. The problem occurs when you switch back to "D" (Drive). Automatic gearboxes are not designed to engage "Drive" while the vehicle is cruising at high speeds, which can cause internal stress and wear.

Stop Using the Gearstick as an Armrest

Many drivers use the gear shifter as a place to rest their arm. This habit exerts constant pressure on the internal mechanisms of the gearbox, leading to premature wear of the synchronizers and bearings. In the long run, this translates into vibrations and a lack of precision when changing gears.

Driving on "Reserve" (Low Fuel)

If you are someone who waits until the last second to refuel, you should know that habitually driving on reserve significantly damages the fuel pump. The pump has to work much harder to suction fuel from the bottom of the tank. Furthermore, sediment tends to accumulate at the bottom of the fuel tank over time. By running on empty, you risk sucking up that sediment, which can clog and damage your fuel injectors.

Ignoring Tyre Pressure

Tyres are a fundamental part of your car, as they are the only component in direct contact with the road. You should never risk driving with low tyre pressure. Under-inflated tyres wear out much faster and increase the risk of a blowout. Additionally, low pressure reduces grip, making the car much more likely to skid on rainy days.