Top 5 Habits Killing Your Automatic Car

Automatic cars dominate Nigerian cities today from the Toyota Corolla to Lexus SUVs, Honda Accord to Mercedes-Benz sedans.

Also Read: Why Cars Erupt in Fire: Exploration of Causes and Prevention

They offer comfort in Lagos traffic, ease on Abuja highways, and less stress compared to manuals. But while automatics are convenient, they are also delicate and expensive to fix if abused.

Most drivers don’t even know that some of their everyday habits are silently killing their transmissions.

And in Nigeria, where a gearbox replacement can cost ₦1.5m to ₦3m (sometimes more depending on brand), ignorance is not bliss, it’s bankruptcy.

In this feature, RoadKing breaks down five common mistakes Nigerian drivers make with automatics, why they’re dangerous, and how to avoid them. We also share expert tips, mechanic insights, and real-life case studies to help you save your ride.

1. Resting Your Hand on the Gear Lever

In manuals, some drivers are used to holding the gear stick while cruising. They carry the same habit into automatics, thinking it’s harmless. But here’s the truth:

The Problem:

Automatic gear selectors are linked to a complex set of sensors and shift cables. Resting weight on the shifter applies constant pressure on these components. Over time, this wears out selector forks, leading to delayed shifting, jerking, or total transmission failure.

Case Study (Lagos):

Mr. Chinedu, a banker in Lekki, noticed his 2018 Honda Accord was jerking between gears. A specialist later revealed the shifter mechanism had worn out prematurely, all because of the “small habit” of keeping his hand on the lever in traffic. Repair cost? ₦320,000.

RoadKing Tip: Always keep both hands on the wheel. The gear lever is for shifting only, not as a “resting handle.”

2. Shifting to Park (P) Before a Full Stop

It’s a common sight in Nigeria: impatient drivers slamming into Park before the car fully stops.

The Problem:

When you shift into Park while still rolling, the parking pawl (a small metal pin) tries to lock spinning gears. This puts extreme stress on the gearbox. In some cases, it snaps the pawl or cracks the transmission housing both extremely costly repairs.

Case Study (Abuja):

A civil servant driving a Toyota Camry (Spider) engaged Park while rolling downhill in Garki. The pawl snapped, leaving the car stuck in gear. He had to tow it and spend nearly ₦700,000 to replace damaged components.

RoadKing Tip: Always press the brake, let the car stop completely, then shift into Park.

3. Coasting in Neutral to “Save Fuel”

Some drivers, especially commercial cabbies, put their car in Neutral while coasting downhill or approaching traffic. The myth? It saves fuel. The truth? It doesn’t.

The Problem:

Modern automatic transmissions are programmed to cut fuel injection when the throttle is released, meaning the car already saves fuel while in Drive. Coasting in Neutral:

• Reduces engine braking (more wear on brakes).
• Limits driver control in emergencies.
• Causes unnecessary stress on the gearbox when re-engaging Drive.

Case Study (Ibadan):

A Bolt driver’s Hyundai Elantra lost control on a slope because he was coasting in Neutral. He crashed into a barrier, sustaining injuries and a repair bill of over ₦1.2m.

RoadKing Tip: Leave it in Drive. Fuel efficiency is already built in. Safety first.

4. Revving in Neutral or Park

Some Nigerian drivers love to “show power” by revving their engines hard at parties, traffic stops, or when “warming up” the car in the morning.

The Problem:

Revving an automatic in Neutral or Park is mechanical abuse. The engine spins without load, but the transmission fluid heats unnecessarily. Over time, this weakens seals and clutches inside the gearbox.

Case Study (Benin City):

A young man revved his Lexus ES350 to impress friends at a wedding. Months later, his transmission failed. The mechanic linked it to repeated “free revving” in Neutral. Repair cost: ₦1.8m.

RoadKing Tip: Warm up your car by driving gently for the first 5–10 minutes. Save your gearbox and your pocket.

5. Riding the Brakes

Lagos traffic makes it tempting to keep your foot lightly on the brake pedal, especially in stop-and-go jams. But this habit quietly destroys your car.

The Problem:

• It overheats brake pads and discs.
• Confuses the transmission (it gets mixed signals from throttle vs brake).
• Wastes fuel by fighting against acceleration.

Case Study (Port Harcourt):
A taxi operator constantly rode his brakes in traffic. Within 8 months, he had replaced brake pads three times and complained of “gear hunting.” His mechanic confirmed brake-riding contributed to unnecessary wear.

RoadKing Tip: Use firm, intentional braking. If traffic is slow, keep your foot off the brake until you need it.

Expert Insight

We spoke with Engr. Musa Ibrahim, a certified auto technician in Abuja, who explained:

“Most Nigerian drivers think automatic cars are indestructible. But the truth is, they are more sensitive than manuals. One bad habit, repeated daily, can kill a gearbox in less than 3 years. Once that happens, you’re looking at millions to repair or replace.”

The RoadKing Verdict

Automatic cars bring comfort, but they are unforgiving machines when abused. If you avoid these 5 mistakes, you can easily stretch your car’s lifespan by 5-7 years and save millions in unnecessary repairs.

Driving is not just about getting from Point A to B, it’s about respecting the machine that carries you there.