Beware: These Driving Habits can Damage Your Car

The average car lasts approximately 12 years. But if you want to get this much use of out of your automobile, you'll need to avoid making the following driving mistakes.

Riding the Brakes

What does it mean to "ride the brakes" exactly? This term refers to driving with your foot hovering over the brake pedal, hitting it an unnecessary amount of times. When you ride the brakes such as this, it tends to wear down your brake pads more quickly. So, leave your foot off the brake unless you actually need to brake.

Changing Transmission While Moving

Don't make the mistake of changing your car's transmission while the car is moving. Even if your car allows you to change the transmission while moving, doing so can damage it. And if you're familiar with automotive repairs, you probably know that fixing a transmission isn't cheap. Wait until your car is stopped before changing the transmission to protect against damage.

Driving with the Parking Brake Engaged

It's always a good idea to engage the parking brake when parked on a sloped or otherwise elevated incline. However, you should disengage the parking brake before driving off; otherwise, you could inadvertently damage your car. Driving with the parking brake -- even for just a few miles -- can warp the drum or disc. And in severe cases, the brakes can so hot that it cracks the lining between the pads and brake shoes. The bottom line is that you should never drive with the parking brake engaged.

Neglecting Basic Maintenance

If you want your car to continue driving -- and driving safely -- you'll need to perform some basic maintenance. Neglecting to change the oil, transmission fluid, timing belt, etc., can have a lasting impact on your car's performance. Refer to your car's owner's manual for more information about what maintenance is required and when.

So, which bad driving habits are you guilty of making?