
Your car is one of your biggest investments, and you expect its engine to last well beyond 100,000 miles. But some everyday habits can quietly shorten an engine’s life, leading to expensive repairs long before you’re ready. Many drivers don’t realize that small choices—how you drive, how often you check fluids, and even how you warm up your car—can make all the difference. If you want to avoid major headaches and keep your car running strong, it’s worth evaluating your routines. Protecting your engine isn’t complicated, but it does require awareness. Here are seven common car habits that destroy engines before 100k miles, and how you can avoid them.