Vehicle maintenance and driving habits impact repair costs

Common driving habits and maintenance oversights can lead to significant vehicle repair costs. Habits such as resting a hand on the gear shifter or keeping a foot on the clutch pedal can cause continuous pressure on transmission components, potentially leading to clutch kit replacements costing over R$ 1,500.

Additionally, driving in neutral while descending hills—often done to save fuel—is ineffective in modern electronic injection vehicles, which utilize a cut-off function when the car is in gear. Other factors like driving with a near-empty fuel tank can also impact vehicle longevity.

Regarding suspension, experts from DRiV note that there is no fixed mileage to determine when shock absorbers should be replaced. Durability depends on various factors including vehicle type, road conditions (such as potholes and unpaved roads), load capacity, and driving style. Technical inspections are recommended over fixed intervals to ensure safety and component health.