Are you making these common car mistakes? Mechanics warn these errors could drain your wallet!
- Replies 0
Let’s face it—most of us have a love-hate relationship with our cars. We rely on them for everything from the weekly grocery run to those spontaneous road trips up the coast, but when it comes to maintenance, many of us are guilty of letting things slide.
After all, who hasn’t ignored a warning light or stretched out a service interval just a little too long?
But according to seasoned Sydney mechanic Talal Almasri, these seemingly small oversights could end up costing you thousands—and a whole lot of stress.
So, what are the most common car mistakes Aussies make, and how can you avoid them? Grab a cuppa, settle in, and let’s take a look at the expert advice that could save your car—and your bank account.
1. Playing ‘Fuel Roulette’—Why Running on Empty is a Risky Game
We’ve all been there: the fuel light’s been on for a while, but you reckon you can squeeze a few more kilometres out of the tank before filling up.
Talal Almasri warns that this is one of the most common and costly mistakes drivers make. Letting your fuel tank drop below a quarter full isn’t just a gamble with your schedule—it’s a gamble with your car’s health.
Why? Over time, dirt and sediment settle at the bottom of your fuel tank, especially if you’ve used lower-quality fuels like E10 or Unleaded 91.
When you run low, your fuel pump has to work harder and can suck up this gunk, potentially clogging the system and causing expensive damage. Plus, a low tank means the fuel pump isn’t properly cooled, increasing the risk of overheating and failure.
And don’t trust your dashboard’s 'distance to empty' reading—it’s just an estimate. Talal has seen plenty of drivers stranded on the side of the road, caught out by an optimistic gauge.
His advice? Top up before you hit a quarter tank, and consider using a higher-grade fuel like Unleaded 98 every now and then to help keep your system clean.
2. Skipping or Delaying Services—A False Economy
It’s easy to put off a service, especially if your car seems to be running fine. But Talal stresses that regular servicing is the single most important thing you can do to keep your car running smoothly for years to come. The golden rule: service your car every six months or 10,000km, whichever comes first.
In earlier news: Urgent recall raises serious safety concerns for popular SUV owners
Even if you’re not clocking up the kilometres—say, you only drive to the shops once a week—the oil in your engine still ages and loses its effectiveness.
Old oil can turn to sludge, leading to poor lubrication, increased wear, and eventually, costly engine repairs. And there’s no 'safe' amount of time to delay a service—every engine is different, and the longer you wait, the greater the risk.
3. Cold Starts—Don’t Rush Off in Winter
On chilly mornings, it’s tempting to jump in, start the engine, and drive off straight away. But Talal recommends giving your engine a minute or two to warm up, especially in winter.
This allows the oil to circulate and properly lubricate the engine, reducing wear on vital components like pistons. A little patience now can mean a lot less trouble down the track.
4. Tyre Neglect—Pressure, Rotation, and Alignment Matter
Tyres are your car’s only contact with the road, yet they’re often overlooked. Driving on underinflated or overinflated tyres not only reduces fuel efficiency but also causes uneven wear, meaning you’ll need to replace them sooner.
Don’t just rely on the numbers printed on the tyre—always check your car’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
And don’t forget about tyre rotation and wheel alignment. Failing to rotate your tyres or check alignment can affect handling, suspension, and safety. Make it a habit to check your tyres regularly—your wallet (and your safety) will thank you.
5. Skipping the Car Wash—It’s More Than Just Looks
We all like a shiny car, but regular cleaning is about more than appearances. Dirt, road salt, and grime can build up, especially in the undercarriage and wheel wells, leading to rust and corrosion.
Over time, this can compromise the structural integrity of your car and damage important parts like brake lines and the exhaust system. A quick wash every few weeks, especially after driving on salty or muddy roads, can make a big difference.
A little regular care goes a long way. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll not only save money but also enjoy a safer, more reliable ride—whether you’re heading to the shops, visiting the grandkids, or exploring Australia’s beautiful backroads.
Read more: 'It costs me peanuts': How this 95-year-old outsmarted fuel bills
Have you ever been caught out by one of these car mistakes? Or do you have your own maintenance tips to share with the Seniors Discount Club community? We’d love to hear your stories and advice in the comments below! Let’s help each other keep our cars running smoothly for years to come.
After all, who hasn’t ignored a warning light or stretched out a service interval just a little too long?
But according to seasoned Sydney mechanic Talal Almasri, these seemingly small oversights could end up costing you thousands—and a whole lot of stress.
So, what are the most common car mistakes Aussies make, and how can you avoid them? Grab a cuppa, settle in, and let’s take a look at the expert advice that could save your car—and your bank account.
1. Playing ‘Fuel Roulette’—Why Running on Empty is a Risky Game
We’ve all been there: the fuel light’s been on for a while, but you reckon you can squeeze a few more kilometres out of the tank before filling up.
Talal Almasri warns that this is one of the most common and costly mistakes drivers make. Letting your fuel tank drop below a quarter full isn’t just a gamble with your schedule—it’s a gamble with your car’s health.
Why? Over time, dirt and sediment settle at the bottom of your fuel tank, especially if you’ve used lower-quality fuels like E10 or Unleaded 91.
Letting your fuel tank drop below a quarter full can damage the fuel pump, as dirt from the bottom of the tank may enter the system – it’s better to keep the tank at least a quarter full and use higher quality fuel every now and then. Image source: Jon Flobrant / Unsplash.
When you run low, your fuel pump has to work harder and can suck up this gunk, potentially clogging the system and causing expensive damage. Plus, a low tank means the fuel pump isn’t properly cooled, increasing the risk of overheating and failure.
And don’t trust your dashboard’s 'distance to empty' reading—it’s just an estimate. Talal has seen plenty of drivers stranded on the side of the road, caught out by an optimistic gauge.
His advice? Top up before you hit a quarter tank, and consider using a higher-grade fuel like Unleaded 98 every now and then to help keep your system clean.
2. Skipping or Delaying Services—A False Economy
It’s easy to put off a service, especially if your car seems to be running fine. But Talal stresses that regular servicing is the single most important thing you can do to keep your car running smoothly for years to come. The golden rule: service your car every six months or 10,000km, whichever comes first.
In earlier news: Urgent recall raises serious safety concerns for popular SUV owners
Even if you’re not clocking up the kilometres—say, you only drive to the shops once a week—the oil in your engine still ages and loses its effectiveness.
Old oil can turn to sludge, leading to poor lubrication, increased wear, and eventually, costly engine repairs. And there’s no 'safe' amount of time to delay a service—every engine is different, and the longer you wait, the greater the risk.
3. Cold Starts—Don’t Rush Off in Winter
On chilly mornings, it’s tempting to jump in, start the engine, and drive off straight away. But Talal recommends giving your engine a minute or two to warm up, especially in winter.
This allows the oil to circulate and properly lubricate the engine, reducing wear on vital components like pistons. A little patience now can mean a lot less trouble down the track.
4. Tyre Neglect—Pressure, Rotation, and Alignment Matter
Tyres are your car’s only contact with the road, yet they’re often overlooked. Driving on underinflated or overinflated tyres not only reduces fuel efficiency but also causes uneven wear, meaning you’ll need to replace them sooner.
Don’t just rely on the numbers printed on the tyre—always check your car’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
And don’t forget about tyre rotation and wheel alignment. Failing to rotate your tyres or check alignment can affect handling, suspension, and safety. Make it a habit to check your tyres regularly—your wallet (and your safety) will thank you.
5. Skipping the Car Wash—It’s More Than Just Looks
We all like a shiny car, but regular cleaning is about more than appearances. Dirt, road salt, and grime can build up, especially in the undercarriage and wheel wells, leading to rust and corrosion.
Over time, this can compromise the structural integrity of your car and damage important parts like brake lines and the exhaust system. A quick wash every few weeks, especially after driving on salty or muddy roads, can make a big difference.
A little regular care goes a long way. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll not only save money but also enjoy a safer, more reliable ride—whether you’re heading to the shops, visiting the grandkids, or exploring Australia’s beautiful backroads.
Read more: 'It costs me peanuts': How this 95-year-old outsmarted fuel bills
Have you ever been caught out by one of these car mistakes? Or do you have your own maintenance tips to share with the Seniors Discount Club community? We’d love to hear your stories and advice in the comments below! Let’s help each other keep our cars running smoothly for years to come.
