Our South African roads are notoriously tough on cars, but your driving habits and maintenance routines might be doing even more harm than potholes or traffic jams. Small, persistent mistakes can lead to unnecessary wear and tear, more frequent repairs, and ultimately, a shorter lifespan for your vehicle. Here’s a detailed look at 10 common mistakes we South African drivers make and how to avoid them.
#1: Ignoring engine warm-up
Starting your car and driving off immediately is tempting, especially on a busy morning, but it’s bad for your engine. Whether you drive an older car with a carburetor or a modern fuel-injected vehicle, letting the engine warm up for a minute or two helps distribute oil evenly and reduces strain on components.
In colder South African regions like the Drakensberg, this step is even more critical. A warmed-up engine ensures smoother performance and prolongs the life of essential parts.
#2: Driving on reserve fuel
Running your car on a near-empty tank can damage the fuel pump and increase the risk of sediment buildup in the tank entering the engine. With fluctuating fuel prices in South Africa, this is a common mistake drivers make to save money.
Solution: Refill your tank before the warning light comes on. Keeping at least a quarter tank of fuel reduces strain on the fuel system and protects vital components.
#3: Riding the clutch
Manual cars are popular in South Africa for their affordability and reliability, but improper clutch usage can lead to costly repairs. Riding the clutch—keeping light pressure on the pedal—causes unnecessary wear on the clutch plate and release bearing.
Avoid this by:
- Using neutral at traffic lights.
- Fully engaging or disengaging the clutch while driving.
Replacing a clutch can cost thousands of rands, so treat it with care.
#4: Hitting potholes
Potholes are a plague on South African roads, and driving through them without slowing down can damage your car’s suspension, tyres, and alignment. Over time, repeated hits can weaken the frame and lead to uneven tyre wear.
Pro tip:
- Slow down when approaching potholes.
- If you hit a deep pothole, have your wheel alignment checked to avoid further damage.
#5: Taking speed bumps too fast
Speed bumps are designed to slow you down, but hitting them at speed can damage your car’s shocks, suspension, and even bodywork. For lower cars like hatchbacks and sedans, this mistake can be especially costly.
Solution: Approach speed bumps at a crawl to protect your car from unnecessary harm.
#6: Neglecting routine maintenance
Skipping scheduled services might save money in the short term, but it leads to more expensive problems later. Routine maintenance ensures your engine oil is fresh, your filters are clean, and your car is running efficiently.
Tips for South African drivers:
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals, usually measured in kilometres or time.
- Stick to accredited mechanics for quality assurance.
#7: Driving too little
Surprisingly, not driving your car often enough can cause just as much harm as overuse. Rust, sludge buildup, and battery drain are common issues for vehicles left unused for long periods. In South Africa, where many households own a secondary vehicle, this is a frequent oversight.
Preventative measures:
- Drive your car at least once every two weeks for 15-20 minutes.
- Take longer trips occasionally to keep all systems functioning optimally.
#8: Driving on misaligned wheels
Wheel misalignment can result from hitting potholes, curb collisions, or general wear and tear. Misalignment leads to uneven tyre wear, poor fuel efficiency, and jerky handling.
Action plan:
- Perform wheel alignment checks every 12-18 months, or immediately after a significant road incident.
- Monitor tyre wear patterns for signs of alignment issues.
#9: Resting your hand on the gear shift
Many South African drivers of manual cars have the habit of resting their hand on the gear lever. This seemingly harmless action puts pressure on the gear linkages, causing premature wear on the transmission.
Break the habit: Keep both hands on the steering wheel while driving and only touch the gear shift when changing gears.
#10: Not protecting against South African road hazards
Driving habits often adapt to local conditions, but failing to protect your car against uniquely South African challenges can shorten its lifespan. Examples include:
- Skipping routine checks after dirt-road driving, which can clog filters and damage suspension.
- Overloading vehicles, especially during holiday trips, which strains the engine and tyres.
Practical advice:
- Clean your car regularly to remove dust and debris.
- Stick to load limits to preserve your car’s mechanical integrity.
Conclusion: Care today, savings tomorrow
Your car is one of your most valuable assets, and small changes in your habits can make a big difference in its longevity. Whether it’s driving carefully on South Africa’s rugged roads, keeping up with maintenance schedules, or breaking bad habits like riding the clutch, these adjustments can save you money and keep your car running smoothly for years to come.
For more tips on taking care of your car, visit UsedCarReview.co.za, your trusted source for all things automotive in South Africa.
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