A CAR repair expert has revealed the worst driving habits that could cost drivers up to £600.
Motorists were warned that these common mistakes can lead to cars breaking down earlier and costing more to get back on the road.
GettyAndrew Jervis’ top tip is to avoid riding your clutch at traffic lights[/caption]
Andrew Jervis, CEO of car repair platform ClickMechanic, told MailOnline: “Many of us are guilty of bad driving habits but most won’t know that this can actually cost us money by prematurely wearing out parts.”
He explained a number of money-draining mishaps that vehicle owners make.
First of all, he warned against keeping your clutch engaged at traffic lights.
While it can be tempting to stay on the biting point and be able to spring forward as soon as the lights change, it can wear out your gearbox prematurely.
This could mean you need a partial or full replacement, costing around £600.
Similarly, resting your hand on the gear stick could lead to lazy gear changes, causing further damage.
Late or hard braking is another no-no.
The brake discs and pads are some of the most important parts of your car and wearing them down can cause you to fail your MOT and be costly to repair.
Braking too late or with too much force could see them needing replacement before their time, at an average cost of £284.
Andrews final tip is driving advice as old as the internal combustion engine itself: do not hit potholes.
Dropping into these dents in the tarmac, as well as taking speed bumps too fast, can seriously damage your vehicle’s suspension.
Given the cold, wet winter we have had, potholes are on the up so drivers should look out for blemishes in the road surface.
A damaged suspension is another MOT failure and a replacement can cost up to £215.
In the midst of a cost of living crisis, following Andrew’s handy tips could see you save a tidy sum at a time where it may be more needed than ever.