Some less-than-ideal driving blips just cost you pride, like botching a parallel park while someone watches. But bad driving habits quietly eat away at your car until you’re facing a repair bill with more digits than you expected.

I wrote service at an independent car repair facility for over a decade. We worked on all makes and models. I’m telling you, even if you’re not moving like you’re in “Gone in 60 Seconds,” you might still be shortening your vehicle’s lifespan with everyday behaviors. Here’s a rundown of sneaky driving habits that wear out your car faster.

1. Shifting from reverse to drive (or vice versa) before stopping

This one’s a silent killer. Shifting gears while the car’s still rolling in the opposite direction puts unnecessary stress on your transmission. It’s like asking your gearbox to multitask in a panic…and trust me, it’s not good at it.

2. Riding the brakes downhill

If you’re constantly tapping the brakes on long descents, you’re heating them up more than necessary. That can lead to premature brake fade and warped rotors.

3. Flooring it when the engine’s cold

Your engine oil needs a little time to warm up and properly circulate. Gunning it right after you start the car is like sprinting out of bed the second your alarm goes off: technically possible, but not ideal for longevity.

4. Carrying too much weight

Whether it’s tools, sports gear, or a trunk full of heavy forgotten stuff you haven’t touched in two weeks, driving with extra weight makes your engine, suspension, and brakes work harder. Travel light unless you’re hauling something for a good reason. Also, be sure to check your car’s max weight-bearing capacity before hauling a load of mulch or towing anything.

5. Ignoring warning lights

Modern cars are smart. When they light up the dash, they’re trying to tell you something. Ignoring that “check engine” light or oil pressure warning could turn a minor fix into an engine replacement. If there’s seemingly no performance change after a light comes on, you might not be in immediate danger, but don’t ignore the message. If the car isn’t running right, get thee to a mechanic.

6. Constantly driving low on fuel

Besides the stress it causes your passengers, driving on fumes can overheat your fuel pump. That’s because gas helps cool it. Run low often, and you could be shopping for a new one sooner than you think.

7. Taking speed bumps and potholes too fast

Hitting bumps with too much enthusiasm can damage your suspension, tires, and even your exhaust system. Take it slow: your undercarriage prefers smooth jazz, not heavy metal.

8. Riding the clutch (manual drivers)

Keeping your foot on the clutch pedal when you’re not shifting causes unnecessary wear. It’s like walking around with your shoes half on: it gets uncomfortable fast.

9. Driving while resting your hand on the gear shifter (manual again)

That seemingly innocent habit adds pressure to transmission components. It’s a subtle one, but over time it adds up.

10. Revving unnecessarily

Whether it’s at a red light or to impress your neighbor’s dog, revving puts extra wear on the engine for no real benefit. Save it for the track…or never.

11. Skipping regular maintenance

Oil changes, air filters, tire rotations: ignore them and your car will eventually rebel. Regular maintenance is like flossing: not glamorous, but it prevents big problems later.

12. Hard starts and stops

Slamming on the gas or brakes constantly is tough on your engine, transmission, and braking system. Smooth acceleration and deceleration help extend your car’s life (and your passengers’ appreciation).

13. Using cheap fuel in a high-performance engine

If your car calls for premium, don’t feed it budget gas. It can cause knocking and long-term engine damage.

14. Idling too much

Modern engines don’t need long warm-ups, and unnecessary idling wastes fuel and can cause carbon buildup. Not to mention the negative environmental effects. Unless you’re defrosting the windshield in a Minnesota January, keep it short.

15. Over- or under-inflated tires

It may not seem like a big deal, but the wrong tire pressure wears out your tires unevenly, messes with fuel economy, and even puts strain on your suspension.

Treat your vehicle well when you’re driving it, and it’ll return the favor: with fewer repairs, a longer life, and a lot less groaning from under the hood.