Five common habits that will destroy your car's engine and cause a big repair bill

Maintaining a healthy engine is essential for the longevity, performance and efficiency of your vehicle. It’s not very hard to maintain the engine in healthy condition, by following a few simple and effective methods will result in proper maintenance. However, there are several common habits that, if left unchecked, which can result in significant repair bills.From neglecting routine maintenance to disregarding warning signs of potential issues, these destructive habits can lead to costly repairs that could have been avoided with proper care and attention. In this article, let’s take a look at five such habits that every car owner should be aware of to keep the engine healthy and prevent unnecessary expenses.

Not changing engine oil and filter
Neglecting regular oil changes poses a significant threat to your car's engine. Engine oil, crucial for reducing friction and heat in engine parts, deteriorates without regular changes. This leads to increased wear and tear on components, potentially resulting in costly repairs. Along with changing the engine oil, it’s very important to replace the engine air filter so that the engine breathes properly.

Ignoring overheating issues
Ignoring overheating issues also jeopardizes engine health. Various factors, including coolant leaks or malfunctioning thermostats, can trigger overheating, causing damage to critical components like the cylinder head and pistons. Such repairs can be financially burdensome, sometimes necessitating a complete engine rebuild.
Revving engine when cold

Circulating the engine oil takes a minute or two as soon as the engine starts, which is very important to give it time without disturbing the car. Recklessly revving the engine when the engine is cold will cause wear on crucial components, such as piston rings and cylinder walls. This behaviour prevents proper lubrication, heightening friction and potential damage. This will also pressurize the drivetrain and it is best for you to gradually accelerate and decelerate your car for enhanced longevity of the engine.

Neglecting routine maintenance
Neglecting routine maintenance exacerbates engine problems. Tasks like checking and replacing air filters, and changing engine oil, oil filters, spark plugs, and timing belts are vital for engine longevity. Failure to perform these tasks can lead to reduced performance and can even cause engine failure.


Driving with one foot always on the clutch pedal, also known as "riding the clutch," can have several disadvantages and adverse effects on both the vehicle and the driver as it applies mild and constant pressure resulting in faster wear and lower fuel-efficiency. This can also lead to clutch slippage, reduced performance, and ultimately, expensive repairs or replacements.
Apart from these five tips, you should also keep an eye on the different warning signs on the instrument cluster. Ignoring these signals will cause deeper mechanical damage inside. By avoiding these common habits and prioritizing proper maintenance and care for your car's engine, you can help prolong its lifespan and avoid expensive repair bills.