We’ve all done it—stranded in a parking lot with a flat tire, watching smoke come out from under the hood, or frantically searching for keys that seem to have vanished into the ether. As much as we’d all like to think we’re perfect drivers and conscientious owners, the truth is some mistakes are just about inevitable. The good news? Preventing most of them is easy once you know where to look.
Here are five common motor vehicle owner mistakes Aussie drivers keep committing over and over again, and a few handy tips to help you avoid these costly pitfalls.
1. Overlooking Planned Maintenance
Your car maintenance schedule is not a suggestion—it’s a blueprint for keeping your car going. But far too many vehicle owners ignore oil changes, avoid tire rotations, and ignore service alerts until something goes horribly wrong.
Regular maintenance prevents problems that are minor from turning into expensive repairs. If you don’t get in for that oil change, you’re not just inviting engine issues; you’re potentially voiding your warranty. Australian summers, dirty roads, and so on make maintenance that much more important.
Mark reminders on your calendar for your next service appointment and adhere to them. Your future self will appreciate it when you find yourself not stranded on the side of the Pacific Highway with a busted engine.
2. Disregarding Those Pesky Dashboard Lights
That orange glow on your dashboard isn’t there for decoration—that’s how your car communicates with you. Most drivers get caught up in doing nothing with warning lights and hoping they will go away on their own or assuming the problem is trivial.
Each warning light illuminates a specific system in your vehicle. The check engine light may indicate anything from a loose gas cap to engine catastrophe lurking in the near future. The oil pressure light may indicate your engine is about to fail catastrophically. Even supposedly relatively benign warning lights, like the tire pressure warning light, can lead to dangerous blowouts if ignored.
If your warning light appears, don’t panic, but don’t ignore it, either. Check your owner’s manual to find out what the light is warning you about, and address it immediately. A trip to your mechanic today could save you thousands in the future.
3. Getting Tire Pressure Wrong
Tire pressure is easy, but also one of the most commonly misunderstood car maintenance concerns. Some drivers who never check tire pressure exist, and then there are those who believe that just observing tires is sufficient.
Underinflated tires wear sooner, reduce fuel economy, and blow out more frequently, particularly dangerous on the long stretches of Australian roads. Overinflated tires have less traction and uneven wear, creating issues of their own.
Check tire pressure once a month with a good gauge. The correct pressure is on a sticker in your driver’s door frame, not on the tire sidewall. Remember that tire pressure changes with temperature, so check when tires are cold for an accurate reading.
4. Using the Wrong Fuel or Oil
Modern cars are constructed to run on specific grades of petrol and oil. Using the wrong octane petrol or the wrong viscosity oil will ruin the car instantly or cause issues which won’t be apparent for months.
You don’t need premium gas—most cars are designed to run on regular unleaded, and premium won’t make huge amounts of difference. The same applies to the wrong oil, which will lower engine performance and even void your warranty.
Check your owner’s manual for the recommended fuel grade and type of oil to use. If you are not sure, ask your mechanic or service station attendant.
5. Losing Your Keys
Key loss doesn’t necessarily seem like a big concern, but replacement keys for automobiles are not inexpensive. Transponder keys and keyless entry systems run in the hundreds of dollars to replace, and the process usually involves having your car towed to a dealership.
Choose a home for your keys and stick to it. Consider having a spare key made in advance—it’s much cheaper than getting one made in an emergency. Keep your spare key separate from your main set, and consider giving one to a trusted friend or relative. When it all goes wrong, knowing how to replace your car key is a life-saver.
Learn from Others’ Mistakes
Car ownership is a learning curve, and all of these are a part of it. The key is knowing that prevention is always less costly and less aggravating than paying the price later. By being proactive with maintenance, listening to your car, and developing good habits with some basics, you will be far along in the prevention of most of these common mistakes.
Your car is an investment, and a little bit of care will go a long way in safeguarding your investment and ensuring safety on Australian roads.
