Are You Your Car's Worst Enemy? How Driving Habits Affect Breakdowns | MyMechanic
Habit 1: The Aggressive Accelerator
You see a clear stretch of highway and you floor it, accelerating hard, only to brake sharply for a slower car ahead. This “pedal to the metal” approach is thrilling, but it’s also brutal on your vehicle.
The Damage: It puts maximum strain on your engine, transmission, and driveshafts. It also generates excessive heat, stressing your cooling system and burning through fuel.
The Likely RSA Call: Overheating engine, transmission issues, or even a snapped drive belt.
Habit 2: The Warning Light Ignorer
A little light appears on your dashboard—the engine temperature is creeping up, or the oil pressure light flickers. You think, “I’ll just make it to the next town.” This is one of the most dangerous habits a driver can have.
The Damage: A warning light is your car’s cry for help. Ignoring an overheating warning can lead to a warped cylinder head, costing you thousands in repairs. Ignoring an oil light can seize your entire engine.
The Likely RSA Call: A tow truck for a catastrophically damaged engine that is now completely immobile.
Habit 3: The Pothole Hunter
You’re driving fast on a federal road and not actively scanning the road surface ahead. You hit a deep pothole with a jarring thud. You might think everything is fine, but you could have caused serious damage.
The Damage: A hard impact can cause an immediate tyre blowout, damage your wheel rim, or, worse, bend a suspension component, affecting your car’s alignment and safety.
The Likely RSA Call: A flat tyre that needs changing in an unsafe spot, or a tow because the car is no longer safe to drive.
Habit 4: The Gear Grinder / Clutch Rider (Manual Cars)
For those who drive a manual, resting your foot on the clutch pedal or making rough, jerky gear changes puts unnecessary wear on the clutch plate. This is especially true in slow-moving city traffic.
The Damage: You can prematurely wear out your clutch, leading to it slipping or failing entirely.
The Likely RSA Call: A tow truck, because when a clutch fails, the car isn’t going anywhere.
Good Habits and a Great RSA: The Perfect Combination
Driving smoothly, anticipating traffic, scanning the road ahead, and listening to your car are the best ways to prevent a breakdown. Good habits dramatically reduce the risk of failure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Roadside Assistance?
Combine good driving habits with the ultimate safety net. MyMechanic's Roadside Assistance is the essential service for every smart and prepared driver in Malaysia.
