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), an association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), a combination of neglect, misinformation, and cost-cutting shortcuts is causing avoidable, 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,” said Niemand.Below, MIWA outlined 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 scheduleMany motorists underestimate the importance of regular, scheduled maintenance. Insurance covers breakages, no maintenance, and delaying routine checks or using unqualified service providers often leads to further damage.Niemand stressed 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”.
ALSO READ: EMPD – Collect impounded cars
Ignoring warning lights and dashboard messagesDisregarding cluster warnings is one of the most costly mistakes drivers make. Continuing to drive with flashing engine lights can result in major 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 fixesCheaper 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,” said 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 startRevving hard when the engine is still cold is extremely damaging. Cold oil does not lubricate effectively, leading to timing chain stretch, piston ring wear, and early turbo problems.MIWA Tip: Allow 30 – 60 seconds of gentle driving before increasing speed.Riding the clutch and poor gearbox habits“Many gearbox failures are caused by the driver, not the gearbox,” said 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 lowFuel 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 beltsAir 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.
ALSO READ: Motorists beware of being caught in fraudulent tow truck scams
Incorrect tyre pressure and wheel neglectLow 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 vehicleConstantly 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,” said Niemand.Neglecting cooling system maintenanceOverheating 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 styleSmooth 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,” noted Niemand.Niemand concluded that motorists can significantly extend the life of their vehicles by adopting better driving habits and following the proper maintenance schedule. A reputable MIWA-accredited workshop is always the best partner for properly caring for your car.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!