7 Car Habits You Picked Up From Your Parents—That Are Actually Terrible
We love our parents, and for many of us, they were our first driving instructors. But not everything they passed down behind the wheel was a good idea. From topping off the gas tank to slamming it into park too soon, some “trusted tips” are actually bad car habits in disguise. Car technology has changed, and so has our understanding of what keeps a vehicle running smoothly. If you’ve inherited any of these old-school habits, it might be time for a tune-up on your technique.
1. “Let the Car Warm Up for 10 Minutes Before Driving”
This was solid advice when carburetors ruled the road, but modern fuel-injected engines don’t need extended warm-up periods. In fact, idling for long stretches on a cold morning wastes fuel and increases emissions. Today’s cars are ready to drive within 30 seconds, long enough for oil to circulate. Excessive idling can also cause carbon buildup in the engine and reduce fuel efficiency. This is one of those outdated but persistent bad car habits that does more harm than good.
2. “Drive Until the Tank Is Almost Empty”
Running your car down to fumes before refueling may have saved your parents a few bucks at the pump, but it’s a terrible idea for modern vehicles. Gasoline acts as a coolant for the fuel pump, and running low too often can cause it to overheat and fail. Sediment at the bottom of the tank can also get pulled into the fuel system, leading to clogs or expensive repairs. Keeping your tank at least a quarter full is a smart, modern habit. This old-school frugality can backfire big time.
3. “Always Use Premium Gas—It’s Better for the Engine”
Unless your car specifically requires premium fuel, using it is usually just a waste of money. Higher-octane fuel doesn’t improve performance or longevity in engines that are designed for regular gas. In fact, using premium unnecessarily can lead to unburned fuel buildup, which isn’t great for your car or the environment. Many drivers inherit this myth from well-meaning relatives who believed in paying more for “better gas.” But premium isn’t a treat—it’s a tool, and only some engines need it.
4. “Pump the Brakes on Ice to Stop Faster”
In the pre-ABS (anti-lock braking system) era, pumping the brakes was a helpful way to avoid skidding. But if your car has ABS—and most cars built in the last 20 years do—you’re supposed to press and hold the brake pedal firmly. The system will pulse automatically to prevent lock-up. Pumping manually interrupts the system and can actually increase your stopping distance. Holding on and letting ABS do its job is the safer, smarter move now.
5. “Shift to Neutral at Stoplights to Save Gas”
It might sound clever, but shifting to neutral while idling doesn’t save much fuel, and it may put unnecessary strain on your transmission over time. Modern cars are designed to be efficient even while idling in drive, especially newer models with start-stop systems. Constantly shifting back and forth also increases wear on the transmission linkage. This is one of those bad car habits that’s rooted in old tech thinking, but it just doesn’t pay off today.
6. “Top Off the Gas Tank After the Pump Stops”
Many drivers were taught to “round up” the amount of gas after the pump clicks off, but this can actually harm your vehicle’s evaporative emissions system. Overfilling can cause gas to spill into the charcoal canister, leading to fuel system issues and triggering your check engine light. Not to mention, you’re not even getting extra fuel—modern gas pumps shut off accurately for a reason. If the pump stops, stop. Your fuel system (and your wallet) will thank you.
7. “Rest Your Hand on the Gear Shifter While Driving”
It feels casual and cool, but keeping your hand on the gear shifter while driving a manual transmission can wear out internal components. That slight pressure may be enough to cause premature wear on the shift fork and synchros over time. It’s better to treat the gear lever as a tool, not an armrest. Even in automatic cars, this habit often comes with poor hand positioning on the wheel. Steering safely requires both hands—save the chill pose for park mode.
Some Habits Need to Stay in the Rearview Mirror
Just because a habit was passed down with love doesn’t mean it’s good for your car—or your wallet. Many old-school driving tips were based on older vehicle designs that simply don’t apply to today’s tech. Recognizing and replacing bad car habits can extend your vehicle’s life, improve fuel efficiency, and keep you safer on the road. So the next time you hear yourself repeating something your parents told you in the driver’s seat, take a moment to ask: Is this still true today?
Have you inherited any strange or outdated driving habits from your parents? Which ones have you had to unlearn? Share your stories in the comments!
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.