Six driving mistakes we all do that can cost drivers £2,000 in car repairs

22 May 2023 , 14:09

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Driving experts have put together a list of six driving errors that could be costing you thousands (Image: Getty Images)

Motorists have been warned about six driving errors that could be causing excess damage worth thousands in repairs.

The bad habits are likely ones all drivers are guilty of doing at some point, but failing to take heed could cost up to £2,000 to get fixed.

Car experts at Leasecar.uk have put together a list of driving mistakes that might affect a vehicle's performance and lifespan.

These include damage to the clutch, gearbox and transmission.

Resting hand on gearstick

It might sound harmless, but resting your hand on the gearstick can lead to unnecessary damage to your car's transmission.

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The action risks forcing the selector fork against the rotating collar, causing wear or even a break.

It can also mean wear to the gearbox.

Going from drive to reverse

Another action that can cause damage to the gearbox is changing gears too quickly.

When opting to reverse, for example, the vehicle must first be brought to a complete stop, or the transmission is put at unnecessary risk.

And it's expensive to repair.

Driving in wrong gear

One of the first things new learners are taught is how to listen to the sounds a car makes when it's time to change gear.

Driving in the wrong one is a common error motorists make, but many don't realise how much damage it can do.

It puts pressure and too much strain on the engine.

Putting car in gear at traffic light

Staying in gear at a red light can cause havoc with the clutch.

Many drivers hold down the clutch and brake while waiting for the lights to turn to green.

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But instead they should put the handbrake on and take the car out of gear.

Driving with low fuel

Letting the fuel run down to the point the warning light is on can be a major factor in damaging a vehicle.

Driving with low fuel can destroy the engine and cause damage to the fuel filter and catalytic converter.

Replacing the latter can cost £1,000.

Resting feet on clutch

Resting a foot on the clutch while driving is an easy mistake.

However, it creates friction that will eventually lead to failure.

The average cost to replace a clutch is around £500-600, or could even rise to £1,000.

Ryan Merrifield