Many South Africans are unknowingly shortening the lifespan of their vehicles through poor maintenance habits and everyday driving behaviour.
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This is according to Pieter Niemand, National Director of the Motor Industry Workshop Association (MIWA).
Avoidable damage
Niemand says a combination of neglect, misinformation and cost-cutting shortcuts is leading to avoidable – and often expensive – vehicle 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,” he said.
MIWA has highlighted some of the most common – and sometimes surprising – mistakes South Africa’s motorists make, along with tips to help protect vehicles and avoid unnecessary repairs.
1. Skipping or misunderstanding maintenance schedules
Many drivers underestimate the importance of regular servicing. Delaying routine maintenance or using unqualified service providers often leads to long-term damage that insurance will not cover.
Tip: Never skip a service just because the car “sounds fine”.
2. Ignoring warning lights
Disregarding dashboard warning lights is one of the most costly mistakes motorists make. Driving with flashing engine or system alerts can result in major engine, gearbox or braking failures.
Tip: If a warning light is flashing, treat it as an emergency and stop driving immediately.
3. Choosing the cheapest repair option
Niemand warns that cheaper is not always better. MIWA-accredited workshops adhere to strict safety, diagnostic and training standards, while unregulated workshops may lack the expertise and tools needed for modern vehicles.
Tip: Look for MIWA and RMI accreditation for peace of mind.
4. Skipping oil changes or using poor-quality oil
“Your engine oil is the lifeblood of your car,” says Niemand. Incorrect oil grades or inferior products can cause sludge build-up, overheating, premature wear and turbocharger damage.
Tip: Always follow manufacturer oil specifications.
5. Driving hard from a cold start
Revving an engine aggressively before it warms up causes significant wear, as cold oil does not lubricate components effectively.
Tip: Drive gently for the first 30 to 60 seconds after starting.
6. Poor clutch and gearbox habits
Resting a foot on the clutch, holding a vehicle on inclines, or forcing gear changes creates excessive friction and heat, leading to premature gearbox failure.
“Many gearbox failures are caused by the driver, not the gearbox,” Niemand said.
7. Running the fuel tank too low
Fuel helps cool and lubricate the fuel pump.
Regularly driving with less than a quarter tank can damage pumps and injectors and draw debris into the system.
8. Neglecting filters and belts
Air filters, fuel filters and timing belts play a critical role in engine health. Failing to replace them on time can result in poor performance or catastrophic engine failure.
Tip: Never use inferior-quality filters that may collapse or fail.
9. Incorrect tyre pressure and wheel alignment
Underinflated tyres and poor wheel alignment place strain on suspension, steering components and wheel bearings.
Tip: Check tyre pressure monthly and align wheels at least twice a year.
10. Overloading vehicles
Consistently exceeding a vehicle’s designed payload places excessive stress on brakes, suspension, tyres and gearboxes.
“Your vehicle was engineered for a specific payload. Constant overloading dramatically shortens its lifespan,” Niemand said.
11. Neglecting cooling system maintenance
Overheating remains one of the leading causes of engine failure. Using plain water instead of proper coolant, ignoring leaks or skipping coolant changes increases risk.
Tip: Use the correct antifreeze and coolant mixture, especially in South Africa’s climate.
12. Poor driving style
Harsh acceleration, sudden braking and inconsistent speeds increase wear on engines, brakes and drivetrains.
“Good driving habits are the cheapest form of preventative maintenance,” Niemand noted.
Extend your car’s life
Niemand concluded that motorists can significantly extend the life of their vehicles by following the correct maintenance schedule and adopting smoother driving habits.
“A reputable MIWA-accredited workshop is always the best partner to help you care for your car properly,” he said.
