{"id":510,"date":"2026-06-07T14:37:11","date_gmt":"2026-06-07T14:37:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rideandtech.com\/blog\/?p=510"},"modified":"2026-06-07T14:39:45","modified_gmt":"2026-06-07T14:39:45","slug":"5-driving-mistakes-that-can-cost-you-money","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rideandtech.com\/blog\/5-driving-mistakes-that-can-cost-you-money\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Driving Mistakes That Can Cost You Money and Damage Your Car"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_84 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-transparent ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/rideandtech.com\/blog\/5-driving-mistakes-that-can-cost-you-money\/#Watch_the_Video\" >Watch the Video<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/rideandtech.com\/blog\/5-driving-mistakes-that-can-cost-you-money\/#1_Resting_Your_Foot_on_the_Clutch\" >1. Resting Your Foot on the Clutch<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/rideandtech.com\/blog\/5-driving-mistakes-that-can-cost-you-money\/#2_Driving_on_Low_Fuel\" >2. Driving on Low Fuel<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/rideandtech.com\/blog\/5-driving-mistakes-that-can-cost-you-money\/#3_Ignoring_Tire_Pressure\" >3. Ignoring Tire Pressure<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/rideandtech.com\/blog\/5-driving-mistakes-that-can-cost-you-money\/#4_Driving_Hard_on_a_Cold_Engine\" >4. Driving Hard on a Cold Engine<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/rideandtech.com\/blog\/5-driving-mistakes-that-can-cost-you-money\/#5_Ignoring_Engine_Oil_Condition\" >5. Ignoring Engine Oil Condition<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/rideandtech.com\/blog\/5-driving-mistakes-that-can-cost-you-money\/#Why_These_Driving_Habits_Matter\" >Why These Driving Habits Matter<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/rideandtech.com\/blog\/5-driving-mistakes-that-can-cost-you-money\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/rideandtech.com\/blog\/5-driving-mistakes-that-can-cost-you-money\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/rideandtech.com\/blog\/5-driving-mistakes-that-can-cost-you-money\/#Does_resting_your_foot_on_the_clutch_really_damage_it\" >Does resting your foot on the clutch really damage it?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/rideandtech.com\/blog\/5-driving-mistakes-that-can-cost-you-money\/#Is_it_bad_to_drive_with_very_low_fuel\" >Is it bad to drive with very low fuel?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/rideandtech.com\/blog\/5-driving-mistakes-that-can-cost-you-money\/#How_often_should_tire_pressure_be_checked\" >How often should tire pressure be checked?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/rideandtech.com\/blog\/5-driving-mistakes-that-can-cost-you-money\/#How_long_should_I_wait_before_driving_a_cold_engine\" >How long should I wait before driving a cold engine?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/rideandtech.com\/blog\/5-driving-mistakes-that-can-cost-you-money\/#How_often_should_engine_oil_be_changed\" >How often should engine oil be changed?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many drivers unknowingly develop habits that can reduce vehicle life, increase maintenance costs, and lead to expensive repairs. While modern cars are built to be reliable, poor driving habits can still cause unnecessary wear and tear over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this edition of Ride &amp; Tech Car Hacks, we look at five common driving mistakes that could be costing you money without you even realizing it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Watch_the_Video\"><\/span><strong>Watch the Video<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"5 Driving Mistakes That Can Cost You Money | Car Hacks Episode 1\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/S7KZVo0cJo4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Resting_Your_Foot_on_the_Clutch\"><\/span><strong>1. Resting Your Foot on the Clutch<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many drivers have a habit of keeping their foot lightly resting on the clutch pedal while driving. Although it may seem harmless, this creates constant pressure on clutch components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Over time, clutch riding can lead to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Premature clutch wear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduced clutch life<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expensive replacement costs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best practice is to completely remove your foot from the clutch pedal when it is not being used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Driving_on_Low_Fuel\"><\/span><strong>2. Driving on Low Fuel<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Driving with the fuel gauge near empty on a regular basis can be harmful to your vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fuel helps cool and lubricate the fuel pump. When <a href=\"https:\/\/www.team-bhp.com\/news\/car-fuel-gauges-difference-between-indicated-actual-fuel-levels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">fuel levels<\/a> remain consistently low, the fuel pump may work harder than intended. In addition, sediment that settles at the bottom of the fuel tank can sometimes affect fuel system components over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To avoid potential issues, try to refill your vehicle before the fuel level becomes critically low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Ignoring_Tire_Pressure\"><\/span><strong>3. Ignoring Tire Pressure<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Incorrect tire pressure is one of the most common yet overlooked vehicle maintenance issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Driving with underinflated or overinflated tires can result in:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Uneven tire wear<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduced fuel efficiency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Poor handling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased stopping distance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Checking tire pressure regularly takes only a few minutes and can significantly improve safety and tire life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Also Read:<\/strong> <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/rideandtech.com\/blog\/fastest-hypercars-in-the-world-2026\/\">Top 5 Fastest Hypercars in the World (2026): The Race Beyond 500 KM\/H <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Driving_Hard_on_a_Cold_Engine\"><\/span><strong>4. Driving Hard on a Cold Engine<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many drivers accelerate aggressively immediately after starting the engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When an engine is cold, the oil has not yet fully circulated through all internal components. Driving aggressively during this period increases stress on the engine and can contribute to long-term wear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Allow your vehicle a short warm-up period and drive gently for the first few minutes, especially during colder weather.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Ignoring_Engine_Oil_Condition\"><\/span><strong>5. Ignoring Engine Oil Condition<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Engine oil is critical for lubricating and protecting internal engine components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Old or contaminated oil may lose its effectiveness, increasing friction and wear inside the engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Warning signs include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dark and dirty oil<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased engine noise<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Oil warning lights<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduced engine performance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Following the manufacturer&#8217;s recommended oil change intervals is one of the simplest ways to protect your engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_These_Driving_Habits_Matter\"><\/span><strong>Why These Driving Habits Matter<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Small driving mistakes often go unnoticed because they do not cause immediate problems. However, over months and years, these habits can significantly increase maintenance costs and reduce vehicle reliability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By avoiding these common mistakes, drivers can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Extend vehicle life<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improve safety<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduce repair expenses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maintain better fuel efficiency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improve overall driving experience<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Good driving habits play an important role in keeping your vehicle reliable and cost-effective to own. Avoiding these five common mistakes can help prevent unnecessary repairs and keep your car running smoothly for years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you&#8217;re a new driver or an experienced car owner, paying attention to these simple habits can make a big difference in long-term vehicle health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At Ride &amp; Tech, we&#8217;ll continue sharing practical car hacks, maintenance tips, and automotive insights to help you drive smarter and save money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_resting_your_foot_on_the_clutch_really_damage_it\"><\/span><strong>Does resting your foot on the clutch really damage it?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. Continuous pressure on the clutch system can increase wear and reduce clutch life over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_it_bad_to_drive_with_very_low_fuel\"><\/span><strong>Is it bad to drive with very low fuel?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Occasionally doing so is unlikely to cause immediate damage, but regularly driving on low fuel can place additional stress on the fuel system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_often_should_tire_pressure_be_checked\"><\/span><strong>How often should tire pressure be checked?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most experts recommend checking tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_long_should_I_wait_before_driving_a_cold_engine\"><\/span><strong>How long should I wait before driving a cold engine?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Modern vehicles do not require lengthy warm-ups. Driving gently for the first few minutes is generally sufficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_often_should_engine_oil_be_changed\"><\/span><strong>How often should engine oil be changed?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Oil change intervals vary by vehicle and oil type. Always follow the recommendations in your owner&#8217;s manual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For in-depth stories, reviews and the latest updates from the world of automobiles and technology, head over to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/rideandtech.com\/blog\/\">Ride and Tech<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Many drivers unknowingly develop habits that can reduce vehicle life, increase maintenance costs, and lead to expensive repairs. While modern cars are built to be reliable, poor driving habits can still cause unnecessary wear and tear over time. In this edition of Ride &amp; Tech Car Hacks, we look at five common driving mistakes that &#8230; <a title=\"5 Driving Mistakes That Can Cost You Money and Damage Your Car\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/rideandtech.com\/blog\/5-driving-mistakes-that-can-cost-you-money\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about 5 Driving Mistakes That Can Cost You Money and Damage Your Car\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":511,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[524],"tags":[541,528,526,542,527,532,533,540,535,538,529,530,525,537,534,539,523,536,543,531],"class_list":["post-510","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-car-hacks","tag-automotive-tips","tag-car-care-tips","tag-car-hacks","tag-car-maintenance","tag-car-maintenance-tips","tag-car-ownership-tips","tag-car-repair-tips","tag-car-safety-tips","tag-clutch-care","tag-cold-engine-driving","tag-common-driving-mistakes","tag-driving-habits","tag-driving-mistakes","tag-engine-oil-maintenance","tag-fuel-saving-tips","tag-low-fuel-driving","tag-ride-and-tech","tag-tire-pressure-tips","tag-vehicle-care","tag-vehicle-maintenance"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rideandtech.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/510","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rideandtech.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rideandtech.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rideandtech.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rideandtech.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=510"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/rideandtech.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/510\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":512,"href":"https:\/\/rideandtech.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/510\/revisions\/512"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rideandtech.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/511"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rideandtech.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=510"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rideandtech.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=510"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rideandtech.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=510"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}