Many South Africans are unknowingly shortening their vehicles’ lifespans through poor maintenance habits and everyday driving behaviours.

According to Pieter Niemand, national director of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), a combination of neglect, misinformation, and cost-cutting shortcuts is leading to avoidable and often expensive damage.

“As reputable mechanics, we see the same issues repeatedly. Motorists can add years to the life of their vehicles simply by adopting better driving habits and sticking to the correct maintenance schedule,” says Niemand.

Below, MIWA outlines some of the most common, and sometimes surprising, mistakes motorists make, along with practical tips to protect their vehicles.

Not understanding the vehicle’s maintenance schedule

Many motorists underestimate the importance of regular, scheduled maintenance. Insurance covers breakages; no maintenance, delaying routine checks, or using unqualified service providers often leads to further damage.

Niemand stresses that every driver should know how to check basic fluid levels and always choose a reputable, accredited workshop.

MIWA tip: Never skip a service just because the car “sounds fine”.

Ignoring warning lights and dash messages

Disregarding cluster warnings is one of the most costly mistakes drivers make. Continuing to drive with flashing engine lights can result in significant engine or gearbox failure, fuel system damage, or compromised braking.

MIWA tip: If the light is flashing, treat it as an emergency and stop driving immediately.

Choosing the cheapest workshop or DIY fixes

Cheaper is not always better. MIWA-accredited workshops follow strict compliance, safety, diagnostic, and training standards. Unregulated workshops often lack the tools or expertise to work on modern, electronically controlled systems.

MIWA tip: Look for MIWA and RMI branding and certification for peace of mind.

Skipping oil changes or using poor-quality oil

“Your engine oil is the lifeblood of your car,” says Niemand. Using the wrong oil grade or inferior products can lead to sludge buildup, overheating, premature wear, and turbocharger damage.

MIWA tip: Always follow manufacturer specifications – never ‘thumb-suck’.

Driving aggressively from a cold start

Revving hard when the engine is still cold is highly damaging. Cold oil does not lubricate effectively, leading to timing chain stretch, piston ring wear, and early turbo problems.

MIWA tip: Allow 30 to 60 seconds of gentle driving before increasing speed.

Riding the clutch and poor gearbox habits

“The driver, not the gearbox, causes many gearbox failures,” says Niemand. Resting a foot on the clutch, holding the car on an incline, or forcing gear changes causes unnecessary friction and overheating.

Running the fuel tank too low

Fuel cools and lubricates the pump. Constantly running below a quarter tank can damage injectors and fuel pumps and draw debris into the system: repairs that are increasingly costly in modern vehicles.

Neglecting filters and belts

Air filters, fuel filters, and timing belts are essential to engine health. Failure to replace them at the proper intervals can lead to poor performance or catastrophic engine failure.

MIWA tip: Never use inferior-quality filters that may collapse or fail.

Incorrect tyre pressure and wheel neglect

Low tyre pressure and poor wheel alignment affect far more than tyres; they put strain on suspension, steering components, wheel bearings and CV joints.

MIWA tip: Check tyre pressure monthly and align wheels twice a year.

Overloading the vehicle

Constantly carrying loads beyond the vehicle’s design capacity places excessive stress on suspension, brakes, tyres, and even the gearbox. “Your vehicle was engineered for a specific payload. Consistently exceeding it shortens its lifespan dramatically,” says Niemand.

Neglecting cooling system maintenance

Overheating is a major cause of engine failure. Using plain water instead of proper coolant, ignoring leaks, or failing to replace coolant at recommended intervals puts engines at high risk.

MIWA tip: A correct antifreeze/coolant mix is vital in South Africa’s climate.

Poor driving style

Smooth driving is one of the simplest ways to protect vehicle components. Harsh acceleration, sudden braking, and inconsistent speeds increase wear across the engine, brakes, and drivetrain.

“Good driving habits are the cheapest form of preventative maintenance,” notes Niemand.

Niemand concludes: “Motorists can significantly extend the life of their vehicles by adopting better driving habits and following the correct maintenance schedule. A reputable MIWA-accredited workshop is always the best partner to help you care for your car properly.”