Motorists should never drive their vehicle for less than three minutes or risk costly damage, a leading mechanic has said. Many people turn to their cars for even the shortest of journeys, such as nipping to the shops or doing the school run, rather than go by foot.
But small trips can cause unnecessary damage as it is not enough to let the engine warm up properly. Expert Jason McManus, a master technician at online mechanic marketplace ClickMechanic, said a three-minute rule of thumb is a good one to stick to.
He said: “If you asked me what the biggest mistake drivers make that causes unnecessary damage, it would be taking small trips. If you only have to walk 15 minutes to the shop then skip the three-minute drive and go by foot instead.
