Most car owners in Kenya, particularly those who are new to car ownership, dream of owning a vehicle that will run smoothly for years. Yet many unknowingly engage in everyday habits that gradually destroy engines, transmissions, and other critical components.
What may seem like harmless shortcuts or routine actions can quietly reduce a car’s lifespan, resulting in the need for frequent repairs and increasing costs over time.
According to car experts, understanding the science behind these six habits is key to keeping a vehicle reliable and ensuring it provides years of faithful service.
1. Wrong Oil Use
Neglecting oil changes is one of the biggest threats to a car’s engine. Engine oil has many functions, the most important of which are lubricating moving parts, reducing friction, absorbing heat and preventing wear.
Over time, oil loses its viscosity and becomes contaminated with dirt and metal particles. This means the engine has to work harder, which can lead to overheating, excessive wear and, eventually, failure. Using the wrong oil type also amplifies this risk.
Additionally, the quality of fuel and oil plays a significant role in maintaining a vehicle's health. For example, poor-grade fuel may contain impurities that clog injectors, while low-quality oil may not reduce friction or carry heat away from engine parts effectively.
Using substandard consumables repeatedly accelerates wear, reduces efficiency and can lead to expensive repairs.
2. Tyre Maintenance
When a car is in motion, underinflated tyres create more rolling resistance, forcing the engine to exert extra power. This increases fuel consumption and accelerates wear.
Misaligned wheels lead to uneven tyre wear and put strain on suspension components. Worn tyres reduce braking efficiency and stability, which indirectly affects the engine as it compensates for uneven loads. Therefore, it is important to regularly check your tyres and alignment to avoid these risks.
3. Excess Engine Idling
Many drivers, especially those used to older cars with outdated systems, tend to idle their engines excessively, believing it is harmless or necessary for warming up the car. However, the truth is that modern engines are designed to reach their optimal temperature quickly through gentle driving rather than prolonged idling.
Excessive idling leads to incomplete fuel combustion and carbon buildup in valves and spark plugs, resulting in higher fuel consumption and ultimately shortening engine life.
Another important consideration, especially at this time of year, is short driving distances, given that some cars will be parked until January, when owners resume work.
Short trips without allowing the engine enough time to reach its optimal operating temperature can cause wear and tear. Engines that are cold and run for only a few minutes experience incomplete fuel combustion, which leaves carbon deposits on valves and pistons.
Over time, these deposits can reduce engine efficiency, increase fuel consumption and reduce the vehicle’s lifespan.
4. Overloading
This is particularly relevant during the festive season, when Kenyans travel from the countryside to urban centres with goods from home. It is important to note that additional weight from passengers or cargo puts extra strain on the suspension, brakes, and engine.
This can result in premature failure of the shock absorbers, warped brake discs and engine overheating, as the vehicle struggles to move heavier loads.
5. Ignoring Servicing and Replacements
These are simple habits that many drivers probably learned in driving school but choose to ignore. However, replacing air filters, fuel filters, spark plugs and coolant ensures the engine runs efficiently.
While skipping these checks may seem convenient, it can allow minor issues, such as clogged injectors or overheating, to develop into costly mechanical failures.
6. Accelerator Habits
Some drivers rev the engine when it is cold, believing it will warm up more quickly. However, experts say that cold engine oil is thicker and cannot lubricate moving parts properly.
Accelerating aggressively under these conditions increases friction, which gradually damages pistons, bearings and cylinders over time. This ultimately shortens the engine’s lifespan, leaving you in need of a repair service such as Kirinyaga Road, Otis Yard or whatever clinic you take your machine to.
Harsh acceleration, sudden braking and speeding also put high stress on the engine, transmission, brakes and tyres. Smooth acceleration, anticipating traffic flow and maintaining steady speeds, on the other hand, reduce strain, increase fuel efficiency and prolong the life of major components.
