A former car salesman has issued a stark warning to millions of UK drivers, revealing that a common cold-weather habit could be slowly destroying their vehicles and leading to repair bills exceeding £2,000.
The Costly Cold-Start Habit
Pete, a car specialist known online as @capturing_cars, has highlighted a widespread winter morning routine that is causing long-term damage to car engines. The mistake? Jumping into a cold car and driving off immediately without allowing the vehicle to warm up properly.
This practice, which many drivers perform unknowingly, creates what Pete calls 'cold friction' within the transmission system. While no immediate damage is apparent, the cumulative effect over time can be "seriously damaging" to the vehicle's gearbox.
How to Correct the Mistake
The solution, according to the expert, is remarkably simple and relies on a tool every driver has: the revolution counter (RPM gauge).
Pete advises: "All you need to do is start up your car for the first time in the morning, and you'll see that the revs are sitting just over a thousand RPM. It will stay there for a little while. After a while, people will notice that the revs will eventually drop from [1,000rpm] to just below 1,000 RPM. That's the car's way of giving you a good indicator as to when it's warm enough that you can put the car in gear."
He recommends waiting in the car for a couple of minutes, which he admits is "longer than overly required", but ensures the engine is adequately prepared for the journey.
The Financial Consequences of Ignoring the Warning
Failing to follow this simple procedure could have serious financial implications. The cost of replacing a worn-out gearbox varies significantly depending on your vehicle:
- Manual gearboxes: Typically less expensive to replace
- Automatic or modern transmissions: More complex and costly
Total replacement costs can range from £500 to £2,800, with additional labour charges due to the intricate and time-consuming nature of the work.
Drivers should be alert to warning signs that their gearbox may need attention, including:
- Difficulty shifting gears
- Grinding or unusual noises
- Hesitation or slipping during gear changes
- Dashboard warning lights
- Gearbox fluid leaks
- A burning smell
As winter sets in, taking a few extra minutes each morning could save British drivers from facing a devastating repair bill running into thousands of pounds.
