Common motoring mistake 'knocks 10 years off car's life'

A TikTok user, who has almost 800,000 followers, has shared a video highlighting a common car mistake - and it's something that could lead to a costly repair bill

By Christine Younan, Deputy Editor for Social News, Max Channon

Angry man shouting out car window.

A common mistake could ruin your car. (Image: Getty Images)

There are numerous ways to ensure your car remains in pristine condition.

Regularly filling up with high-quality fuel and using the correct gears are prime examples of good vehicle maintenance. However, a simple error with the gearstick could prove costly - and knock ten years off your car's lifespan - according to one influencer.

A TikTok user, @master_driver666, who has an impressive 760,300 followers, recently uploaded a video highlighting a common mistake. Renowned for her helpful car maintenance tips, she titled her latest 8-second video: "Wrong ways to shorten car life by 10 years."

In it, she illustrates the proper technique for parking an automatic using the handbrake and gears - shift the gear stick from 'D' (drive) to 'N' (neutral) - out on the handbrake - and then move the gear stick to 'P' (park).

This ensures the engine, along with all electronic functions, shuts down completely. However, some people just shift the gear stick directly to P - which Master Driver claims can knock years off your vehicle's life span.

A shift gear knob inside of a vehicle.

The mistake involves automatic gear shift cars. (Image: Getty)

The video quickly gained traction, amassing over 300 likes and numerous comments. One viewer expressed gratitude, commenting: "Thanks for that", reports the Daily Record.

This isn't the first time her advice has been a hit with drivers.

In another instance, she revealed a lesser-known trick involving car keys that can save drivers time. The footage shows a woman struggling to unlock her car with an electronic key.

When it fails, she uses a hidden slot to unlock the door manually with the key, bypassing the need for immediate battery replacement or assistance from a garage.

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