For years, I treated my car like a loyal companion that would just “handle it”—no matter what I threw at it. A few missed oil changes? It’ll be fine. Ignoring that blinking light for another week? Not urgent. Accelerating onto the freeway like I was in a chase scene? Probably unnecessary, but thrilling.
Eventually, reality caught up with me. A hefty repair bill and an engine that had seen better days taught me what I should’ve known all along: cars are machines, not magic. And what we do—or don’t do—daily makes a long-term difference.
The good news? Engine wear doesn’t usually happen all at once. It’s the quiet habits—the small, often overlooked actions—that can cause cumulative damage. And once you understand them, you can make smart, preventative changes without becoming a mechanic.
Here are 8 habits that might be slowly wearing down your car’s engine—and what to do instead.
1. Skipping Oil Changes (or Pushing Them Too Far)
This one’s no surprise—but it still happens a lot.
Motor oil keeps your engine’s moving parts lubricated, reduces heat, and prevents friction damage. Over time, that oil breaks down, collects debris, and loses effectiveness. When you delay oil changes, you’re essentially asking your engine to operate under stress.
What it does: Dirty or low oil increases internal wear, reduces efficiency, and—if left too long—can lead to catastrophic engine failure.
What to do instead: Follow your manufacturer’s recommended oil change interval (typically every 5,000–7,500 miles for newer cars using synthetic oil). And don’t just go by the sticker—check the oil level monthly.
Pro tip: Get familiar with your dipstick. It takes less than 2 minutes and could save you thousands.
2. Revving the Engine When It’s Cold
We get it—it’s cold, you’re in a rush, and you want the car to sound alive. But revving a cold engine is one of the easiest ways to shorten its life.
When an engine is cold, the oil hasn't fully circulated yet. Revving puts immediate stress on parts that aren’t properly lubricated.
What it does: Increases wear on components like the pistons, valves, and crankshaft, especially in colder temperatures.
What to do instead: Let your engine idle for 30 seconds to a minute before driving—just enough time for the oil to flow. Then drive gently until the temperature gauge begins to rise.
3. Riding the Clutch (Manual Drivers, This One’s for You)
If you drive stick, this habit can creep in without realizing it—resting your foot lightly on the clutch pedal or keeping it engaged at stops.
It may feel harmless, but partial clutch engagement increases friction between the clutch disc and flywheel, which accelerates wear.
What it does: Damages the clutch system and indirectly stresses the engine by interrupting smooth power delivery.
What to do instead: Fully engage or disengage the clutch. At stops, use neutral and engage the clutch only when you’re ready to move.
4. Neglecting the Air Filter
Think of your air filter as your engine’s lungs. Dirty air filters restrict airflow, making your engine work harder to draw in the oxygen it needs to combust fuel efficiently.
What it does: Reduces fuel efficiency, impacts engine performance, and can cause misfires over time.
What to do instead: Replace the air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles—or more often if you drive in dusty areas. It’s usually inexpensive and can often be done without tools.
5. Frequent Short Trips (Especially in Cold Weather)
It sounds counterintuitive—how could driving less wear down your engine?
Here’s how: short trips don’t give your engine enough time to reach optimal operating temperature. That means oil doesn’t fully circulate, moisture isn’t burned off, and combustion byproducts can build up.
What it does: Increases carbon deposits, fuel dilution, and water buildup in the oil system—leading to sludge.
What to do instead: Combine errands when possible to give your engine time to warm up properly. And don’t skip oil changes just because you don’t drive far—go by time or mileage.
6. Ignoring Warning Lights (Especially the Check Engine Light)
We’ve all done it—seen the light, shrugged it off, and hoped it would go away. But warning lights are your car’s way of asking for help, not making small talk.
The check engine light could signal anything from a loose gas cap to serious engine misfires.
What it does: Ignoring engine-related alerts could lead to long-term damage, decreased performance, or failing emissions systems.
What to do instead: Use an OBD-II scanner (affordable and easy to use) or go to a trusted mechanic for a diagnostic. Even if the car feels fine, the engine may be under strain.
7. Using the Wrong Type of Fuel
Not all engines are designed to run on regular gas—some require premium, and using the wrong octane can cause knock (premature fuel combustion), which stresses engine components.
On the flip side, putting premium in a car that doesn’t need it? That just burns your wallet.
What it does: Incorrect fuel can affect ignition timing, cause knocking, and decrease long-term performance.
What to do instead: Check your owner’s manual and follow the octane rating recommendation. If it says “premium recommended” (not required), you can usually use regular—but avoid hard acceleration to prevent knock.
8. Hard Accelerations and Sudden Stops (Constantly)
A little spirited driving now and then isn’t the issue—it’s turning every green light into a drag race and every red light into an emergency stop that hurts over time.
Frequent aggressive driving strains the engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension system. It also burns more fuel and contributes to faster wear of nearly every system under the hood.
What it does: Causes high RPM stress, heats up engine components rapidly, and can lead to premature part failure.
What to do instead: Accelerate smoothly, coast when you can, and give your engine time to respond. It’s not just good for your car—it’s also better for fuel economy and stress levels.
It’s About Habits, Not Just Repairs
No one expects you to baby your engine every second. But being aware of the quiet, everyday habits that slowly wear it down is the first step in avoiding long-term damage—and expensive repairs.
Think of it like investing: small, consistent actions make the biggest impact over time. Treat your engine with care, and it will pay you back in years of reliable performance.
Smart Moves
- Fact: According to AAA, neglecting basic vehicle maintenance (like oil changes and filter replacement) causes over $1,200 in avoidable engine-related repairs on average per year.
- Question: When was the last time you checked your oil level manually—not just relied on your dashboard alerts?
- Fact: Cold starts increase engine wear by as much as 60% compared to fully warmed engines, especially in winter.
- Question: Have you ever read your owner’s manual all the way through? (Most include specific driving habits to avoid for engine longevity.)
- Fact: Replacing a damaged engine can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000—often more than the value of an aging vehicle.
Your Engine Notices—Even If You Don’t
Your car’s engine isn’t being dramatic—it’s just responding to how you treat it.
That tap on the gas when the engine’s cold, the extra 1,000 miles between oil changes, the slow creep of a clogged air filter—it all adds up. But here’s the upside: most engine damage is preventable. And you don’t need to be a gearhead to take care of it.
Think of these eight habits like low-effort upgrades to your car care routine. They don’t require expensive tools or major changes—just a bit more awareness and a commitment to breaking up with bad habits before they break your engine.
Want to keep your ride running strong for the long haul? Start small. The engine will thank you—quietly, and consistently.
