The MyGuy Automotive experts offer some great driving tips and habits. Learn how to prevent an expensive car repair bill.

Most things you own will last longer if you take care of them and treat them well. Your car is no exception to this rule. While neglecting your car may seem harmless in the short term, regular neglect and mistreatment will add up and will reduce your car’s lifespan. To keep your car running longer and stronger, avoid these five harmful habits.

1. Delaying regular maintenance

Regularly maintaining your car is vital to your car’s longevity. Regular maintenance, according to the experts, should include:

• oil and filter replacement
• transmission fluid
• air filter
• brake pad care

Every vehicle manufacturer specifies a different maintenance routine, which can be found in your owner’s manual. We all tend to have very busy schedules, but the experts suggest that you take the time to have your car checked out routinely. It is a small investment of time and money, but it can save you tons of headaches and expenses later down the road, with the cost of a new engine or transmission.

2. Ignoring dash warning lights

If you have an illuminated warning indicator light on your dash panel, it’s important to address the problem immediately. If you don’t know what the light means, check your owner’s manual or call your mechanic. Dash warning lights can alert you to some very serious problems such as:

• Coolant leak- which can cause your engine to overheat. A simple preventative repair can often prevent a large problem down the line.

3. Shifting while moving

The transmission is one of the most complex and expensive parts in your car and it’s important to use is as it was intended. Be careful not to shift from drive to reverse or vice versa while the car is still moving. This “jerky” shifting places excess strain on the transmission’s internal gears and can instantly destroy it.

4. Jerky driving

We all know someone who accelerates wildly on every straightaway only to brake hard at a traffic light or stop sign. This type of driving won’t destroy your car immediately, but will cause your engine, transmission and to deteriorate much more quickly than intended. Cars that have been abused will have premature fluid leaks, broken seals and mechanical problems.

5. Putting off tire replacement

Tires for some cars can be expensive, so replacing them is an unwelcome cost. Driving on bald tires is very risky, however.

• If a tire blows out while you’re driving, you can lose control of your vehicle and have a serious accident.
• Driving with bald tires in the rain, the risk of hydroplaning goes up tremendously.
• A new set of tires may seem pricey, but probably costs less than your car, and even less than your insurance deductible.