5 Ways You’re Hurting Your Car Without Realising It

Many car owners think damage only happens when something breaks. In reality, daily habits quietly wear your car down and these small mistakes often lead to big repair bills later.

Here are 5 common ways drivers unknowingly hurt their cars, especially in Singapore’s hot and humid climate.

1. Skipping Regular Car Servicing

This is the biggest silent killer of cars.

Skipping servicing causes:

Engine oil to break down
Sludge buildup inside the engine
Increased wear on internal components

Over time, this can lead to:
❌ Engine knocking
❌ Oil leaks
❌ Premature engine failure

👉 Regular servicing keeps your engine clean, lubricated, and protected.

2. Ignoring Small Oil or Coolant Leaks

Many drivers think:

“Aiya… just a small leak.”

But small leaks:

Always get worse
Damage rubber seals and hoses
Lead to overheating or oil starvation

For continental cars like BMW & Mercedes, rubber components degrade faster in heat, making leaks extremely common.

👉 Fixing leaks early saves thousands later.

Only Topping Up Fluids Without Finding the Cause

Topping up:

Engine oil
Coolant
Transmission fluid
Aircon gas

…without fixing the root problem only masks the issue.

This can result in:
❌ Transmission damage
❌ Compressor failure
❌ Engine overheating

👉 Fluids should not disappear in a healthy system.

4. Delaying Transmission Fluid Service

Many drivers are told:

“Lifetime gearbox oil and no need change.”

This is misleading.

Old ATF/CVT fluid causes:

Rough gear changes
Slipping
Overheating
Internal gearbox wear

Ignoring it may lead to:
❌ Full gearbox overhaul
❌ CVT belt damage
❌ Valve body failure

👉 Preventive transmission servicing is far cheaper than repairs.

5. Letting Warning Signs Slide

These signs are NOT normal:

Jerking when shifting gear
Burning smells
Vibrations
Weak aircon
Engine warning lights

Modern cars are designed to warn you early.

Ignoring them often turns:
💰 Small repair → 💸 Big repair

How TT Motorsport Helps Protect Your Car

At TT Motorsport, we focus on:
✔ Preventive maintenance
✔ Early diagnostics
✔ Honest recommendations
✔ Transparent pricing

We service:
BMW • Mercedes • Audi • Volkswagen • Toyota • Honda & more

Located in Ubi, our technicians help you fix problems before they become expensive.

Knowledge Base