9 Things You Should Never Do to Your Car, as Told by a Car Mechanic

Car maintenance can be costly. There are certain driving habits that may seem harmless at first, but could burn a substantial hole in your pocket. Knowing and avoiding these will reduce maintenance costs and help you keep your car running at its best for longer.

We got talking to Cadi, a car mechanic who has shared her insight into the common mistakes she witnesses every day and which set thousands of unsuspecting consumers back financially.

1. Delaying the Recommended Maintenance

Your car comes with a handy little book with maintenance guidelines depending on the age of and mileage on your car. It might be that the manufacturer recommends you have a check-up and service after every 10,000 km of driving. If you’re in doubt, your mechanic can schedule routine maintenance based on the right guidelines. However, you’d be surprised how many people neglect to follow these guidelines. We’re busy people and it can be difficult to make the time to take your car in for a service. However, in doing so, you’re delaying the inevitable event that your car will break down at the worst time.

Failing to follow these guidelines could mean paying a much heftier price on more complex repairs — if you haven’t already, dig out your maintenance book and see when you’re next due a service.

It’s also really important to make sure you buy your car accessories from a reputable dealer such as ExteriorAccs to make sure you buy the best quality.

2. Riding on the Clutch

Using the clutch to edge your car forward when you’re stuck in traffic is a bad habit many of us are guilty of. It’s convenient and you may think you’re even saving fuel, because you’re not actually using the accelerator to move forward. But doing this causes premature deterioration of your clutch plate, which can result in it completely failing. A clutch replacement in the UK will set you back around £446 — a decent investment — so the next time you’re thinking about riding the clutch, think again.

3. Attaching Your Ignition Key to Too Many Other Keys

Keeping your ignition key on a chain with all your other keys is a matter of convenience. You’re far less likely to lose a large set of keys and, it’ll save you running the risk of misplacing your ignition key. But too much weight on your ignition key can cause damage. It’s wise to keep your other keys — the keys to your home, your safe — not to mention your fancy keyrings, on a separate key chain.

4. Ignoring Dashboard Warning Lights

Whenever warning lights show up on your dashboard, you need to take them seriously. It’s easy to think that a problem isn’t serious because your car is still functioning normally, but the lights are there for a reason. For most cars, a green or blue light indicates that a certain function is activated. If you see a yellow or orange light, it means that something needs checking or servicing. As you’d expect, a red light indicates a serious problem. If this is the case, you should stop driving and find a car mechanic near you as soon as possible.

5. Not Changing Air Filters Regularly

Contrary to what you might think, you don’t have to wait for your next service to change your car’s air filter. The air filter keeps your engine running smoothly and your fuel efficiency high, so it’s a good idea to change it regularly. This is especially the case if you regularly drive off road or in dusty areas. Changing your air filter can reduce the risk of serious engine problems and, with prices as low as £5 for certain car models, you have no excuse not to change your air filter every 10,000 km (or less for off road and dirt terrains).

6. Not Catering to Your Car’s Engine Oil Needs

The primary function of engine oil is to lubricate the moving parts of your engine. Contact between moving parts in the engine leads to wear and tear and excessive heat. How often you need to change your engine oil will be highlighted in the maintenance book you got from your manufacturer. Some cars use quite thin oil, meaning you’ll need to change the oil approximately every 5000km. Thicker, more synthetic oil will last longer. Changing your oil on a regular basis is one of the most effective methods of extending the life of your engine, so don’t be tempted to take shortcuts.

7. Overfilling the Engine with Oil

When replacing the engine oil in your car, overfilling it can cause a number of issues, including smoke emissions and car failure. Always use the dipstick as a guide, this has an indicator to ensure you don’t overdo it. Remember to wait for your engine to cool down before measuring or adding oil. Not only is it safer, but you’ll be able to fill your engine more accurately.

8. Forgetting to Wash Your Car

This one sounds very superficial, but washing your car regularly can help preserve your car’s value. There always comes a time where we need to part with our precious, faithful vehicle and you want to ensure you get the best price. During the winter, washing your car is vital to prevent road salt from corroding your car’s surface. A thorough wash and it’ll look as good as new.

9. Having an Unqualified Friend Work on Your Car

We all have that one friend who’s “great with cars”. While good to know, you should always take your car to a professional. Should an amateur mechanic cause further damage, you might have to pay out a hefty sum. A car mechanic can fix your problem with little fuss and you’ll save money in the long-run. To get the best deal and find someone you can trust, take your time, compare prices of qualified car mechanics and call two or three before making your final decision.

 

*This is a collaborative post.