Starting up and flooring it straight away is one of the worst things you can do. Cold oil doesn’t lubricate properly yet. Give your engine 30–60 seconds to warm up, and drive gently until it reaches normal operating temperature.

Driving on fumes might seem harmless, but it lets dirt and debris in your tank reach the fuel pump and injectors — clogging them up. Plus, the fuel pump relies on petrol for cooling. Consistently running near empty can burn it out early.

That check engine light isn’t just decoration! Many drivers delay diagnosis until it’s too late. Small problems quickly snowball into major damage — especially with ignition, sensors, or cooling system issues.

Frequently hauling heavy loads or towing beyond your car’s limit puts extra stress on your engine, transmission and brakes. This can overheat parts, increase wear and tear, and shorten your petrol engine’s life.

Sudden hard acceleration and harsh braking don’t just waste fuel — they hammer your engine and drivetrain unnecessarily. Gentle driving is far kinder to your engine, gearbox, and wallet.

Putting in the wrong octane petrol or poor-quality fuel can cause knocking, poor combustion and carbon buildup. Always use the grade recommended by your car’s manufacturer.

A clogged air filter chokes your engine of oxygen. Less oxygen means inefficient combustion, more fuel used, and carbon deposits. Check and replace your air filter as per your service manual — it’s cheap protection.

Overheating is an engine’s worst nightmare. Check coolant levels, inspect hoses for leaks, and ensure the radiator and water pump are in good condition. A blown head gasket can cost thousands!

Driving too long in a high gear at low speeds strains the engine, causing it to lug — leading to carbon buildup and extra wear. Likewise, over-revving in too low a gear wastes fuel and overheats the engine. Learn to shift smoothly for your engine’s health.