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Everyday habits that could be damaging your vehicle

Mar 11, 2025 Dewald Ranft, Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA),


Everyday habits that could be damaging your vehicle

 

Many drivers unknowingly engage in daily habits that could be shortening their vehicle’s lifespan and leading to costly repairs. According to Dewald Ranft, Chairman of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), simple maintenance and driving adjustments can make a significant difference in the longevity and reliability of a vehicle.

 

“Your car is one of your biggest investments, and how you care for it directly impacts its performance and durability,” says Ranft. “Ignoring routine servicing, revving a cold engine, or even something as simple as riding the brakes can accelerate wear and tear, leading to expensive repairs.”

 

Ranft highlights some of the most common habits that could be causing hidden damage to vehicles:

•   Skipping scheduled services and repairs: Missing regular maintenance allows minor issues to escalate into major problems. Booking servicing at an MIWA-accredited workshop ensures that potential faults are identified early.

•   Ignoring tyre maintenance: Poor wheel alignment, incorrect tyre pressure, and worn-out treads impact both safety and fuel efficiency.

•   Riding the brakes: Keeping your foot on the brake while driving downhill or braking too hard generates excessive heat, leading to faster wear of brake pads and rotors.

•   Revving a cold engine: With winter around the corner remember accelerating aggressively before the engine has warmed up increases internal friction and stresses key components.

•   Driving with low fuel: Running on near-empty can cause damage to the fuel pump and clog fuel injectors, reducing efficiency and performance.

•   Neglecting oil changes: Old or degraded engine oil fails to lubricate properly, leading to increased wear on the engine.

•   Speeding through potholes: Hitting potholes at high speed can damage tyres, rims, and suspension components, leading to costly repairs.

•   Using poor-quality parts and fluids: Cheap or incompatible parts can compromise performance and increase breakdown risk. Always opt for high-quality, vehicle-specific components.

 

Ranft stresses the importance of proactive maintenance: “Taking care of your vehicle doesn’t just save you money in the long run—it also enhances safety and reliability. Small, everyday actions make a significant difference.” Regular check-ups at MIWA-accredited workshops help prevent minor issues from escalating, ensuring that vehicles remain in optimal condition for years to come.

MIWA is a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI).

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