Even without having to deal with the added cost of repairing damage, running your car is pretty expensive. Finance, insurance, fuel, road tax and MOTs all add up to take a heavy toll on your bank account, so having to fork out a little extra to fund repairs is the last thing you’ll need.

Unfortunately, many drivers have bad habits that make damage likely to occur. Many of these damaging driving mistakes are avoidable, but too many drivers don’t know about the impact their driving behaviour can have. Here are just some of the most common bad driving habits to avoid to save you a visit to the garage.

Hitting Potholes and Kerbs/Speeding Over Speed Bumps

Your suspension is an integral part of your vehicle, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride. But potholes, kerbs and speed bumps all put your suspension at risk, especially if you hit them at speed.

Keep an eye on the road ahead to avoid potholes and try to avoid mounting or hitting the kerb too often. Likewise, you should never hit a speed bump at speed.

Your suspension may not break the first time you hit a pothole, kerb or speed bump at speed, and it may not break the second time, but eventually it will give out and you’ll be hit with a hefty repair bill.

Ignoring Your Vehicle’s Fluid Levels

When fuel is running low, it’s easy to put off filling the tank if you find it hard to part with your cash. However, ignoring your vehicle’s low fuel level is detrimental to its health. Fuel contaminants that collect in the bottom of your fuel tank are drained as it runs on empty and these can block your fuel filter and damage your engine.

But you shouldn’t just focus on the fuel gauge. Other areas of interest include the engine oil, water and windscreen wiper fluid levels. Keep these topped up to ensure your engine runs smoothly and you don’t scratch your windscreen.

Neglecting Your Tyres

Taking care of your tyres is crucial to the continued good health of your vehicle. Your tyres need to have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm and must have the correct pressure at all times to ensure good traction and effective braking. Regularly check your tyres to ensure they’re still up to scratch.

Overloading Your Vehicle

You should try to avoid overloading your vehicle and putting undue strain on the suspension for unnecessary and extended periods of time.

Check the manual to make sure you haven’t exceeded the maximum load, as doing so could damage the brakes, clutch, tyres and suspension.

Riding the Clutch and Brakes

If you have no intention of slowing down or changing gears, your should keep your feet well away from the brake and clutch pedals. Riding the clutch or brakes will wear down your engine’s rotor or your brake pedals, making expensive repairs necessary to ensure you can drive safely on the road.

Instead, you should only brake when you intend to slow down, and use the clutch when you want to change gear.

The best way to keep your car healthy is to drive it with care, but sometimes even your best isn’t enough. When your car runs into problems, you’ll need a team you can rely on to get you back on the road in no time at all – you’ll need Universal Tyres.

With over 90 years of experience working in the motoring industry, and with branches throughout South England, our friendly team will work tirelessly to ensure your car is restored to its prime again. Contact us today to find out more.