By DCB Editorial, July 23, 2025
Having a car offers practical benefits, but it can also be both fun and headache-inducing. On the fun side, there’s nothing better than having a well-oiled vehicle (literally) at your disposal, ready to take you wherever you want to go, whenever you want. On the less-than-fun side, there are breakdowns, frequent trips to the petrol pump, and understanding that your prized asset is depreciating every time it has an issue.
Happily, many of the headache-inducing aspects of car ownership can be avoided with a little know-how and by avoiding some of the common mistakes that car owners, particularly new car owners, tend to make over and over again.
Delaying Repairs
Humans can ignore slight issues with their bodies for a few days because there’s a chance that everything will resolve itself. But cars are not living organisms. If your vehicle has an issue, then it’s highly unlikely that it’ll fix itself, and the more you continue to drive, the more likely it will be that you’ll cause more significant damage. If your warning light is on, or you’re hearing a new and strange sound coming from the engine, make an appointment at a local garage.
Thinking All Garages Are The Same
And talking of garages: remember, they’re not all the same! Many car owners assume that they can take their vehicle to any nearby garage to be fixed, but that’s not automatically the case. As with everything else, there are good garages and bad garages. A good garage will have access to expert diagnostic tools, use manufacturer-approved parts for repairs, and have plenty of five-star reviews. A bad garage will, well, have the opposite of those things. As a car owner, it’s in your interest to figure out which local garage is the best around. That’ll give you peace of mind that your car is in safe hands and should help prevent more costly repair work in the future.
Aggressive Driving
Accelerating too quickly and braking harshly is a pretty rough way to handle what should be considered a prized possession! Aggressive driving can cause premature wear and tear to your vehicle’s inner components, and plus, it can be extremely hazardous to your MPG (miles per gallon) rate. By being mindful of how you’re driving and taking it easier, you’ll be doing right by both your vehicle and your bank balance.
Only Taking Short Trips
Many drivers automatically get behind the wheel when they have somewhere to be. However, if all of those trips are short — say, under ten minutes — then you may inadvertently be causing harm to your vehicle. Cars need time to reach the temperature they need to function correctly, and the battery can also be affected if it doesn’t have enough time to fully recharge during the journey.
So if you’re only using your car for short trips, then we’d recommend getting a bicycle or taking the bus instead, both of which are much better for the environment. If you can’t avoid taking those trips, then look at taking a few longer journeys to give your car the time it needs to work its magic.