Your car's worst enemy might be you – find out why in this story

We all love our cars, right? They're our trusty companions on road trips, daily commutes, and everything in between. 

But here's the thing: sometimes, without even realising it, we might be treating our four-wheeled friends a bit rough. You probably wouldn't know you're doing anything wrong until suddenly, you're visiting the workshop more often than your favourite coffee shop.

So, how do you keep your car working happily for years to come? How do you maintain its reliability without breaking the bank on constant repairs? Well, just everyday habits could make a big difference. By following these tips, you could save yourself from those extra, unexpected trips to the service centre and keep your car running well for longer.

1. Your engine’s pre-drive ritual

In a rush to get somewhere? Hold on a second! Your engine needs a moment to wake up before you hit the road. 

Jumping in, starting the engine, and immediately driving off doesn't give the functional lubricants enough time to reach the right temperature and circulate properly. Whether your car has been parked overnight or just for a few hours, it needs a brief warm-up period to function at its best. So next time, take a few minutes (by driving slowly) to let your engine oil reach its optimal temperature. Your car will thank you with a sweeter, more efficient performance.

2. Keep your tyres rolling evenly

Your tyres wear out at different rates, with the front tyres typically taking more of the load due to the engine's weight and steering forces. Regularly rotating your tyres - ideally every 10,000 kilometres - helps distribute the tyre wear evenly, ensuring consistent grip and extending the life of your tyres.

Uneven tread wear affects your car's handling and braking performance, so make tyre rotation a regular part of your maintenance routine for safer, smoother driving.

3. Speed bumps are not your personal launch pads

As a driver, speed bumps can be frustrating, but they're there for a reason. Racing over them can seriously damage your car's suspension system. Your shock absorbers are designed to handle bumps and dips, but not at high speeds.

Taking it slow over speed bumps gives your suspension enough time to compress and absorb the bump, preventing unnecessary wear and tear on your undercarriage components. So, ease up and let your car handle those bumps gently.

4. Stop, then park

In your rush to save time, never shift to 'P' while your car is still moving, or else it could damage your transmission. When you put your car in 'P' (Park), a lever locks into a toothed wheel to keep your car from rolling. Doing this while moving puts a lot of stress on these parts - definitely not good for your car. It could lead to costly gearbox repairs.

5. Your car needs regular exercise too

Leaving your car parked for extended periods can lead to a host of issues, from a dead battery to deteriorating tyres. Your car needs regular use to stay in good mechanical condition. 

If you're going to be away for a while (such as a week or longer), arrange for someone to drive your car occasionally. At the very least, take it for a spin once a week to keep the battery charged and the parts lubricated. Regular use will help prevent problems and keep your car operating smoothly. 

6. Scheduled servicing is your car’s best friend

Skipping regular servicing might save you time and money in the short term, but it could lead to bigger, costlier problems down the road. 

Regular maintenance helps identify and fix small issues before they become major repairs. It also ensures that your car's various systems are working efficiently, thereby improving performance and safety. So, don't neglect those service appointments - your car's longevity depends on it.