You can reduce the amount of wear and tear on your vehicle during a sporty driving session simply by adopting a more restrained driving style while the engine is warming up and cooling down.

When the engine is cold, the engine speed is limited so that the full range of engine power is not available. Once the engine has reached operating temperature, the rev limit moves to a higher range of engine speeds. In addition, the tyres will not develop their full grip potential until they have had a chance to warm up on the road.

Even though the engine continues to be cooled after you switch it off, it is particularly important to give it time to cool down before parking. The engine, brakes, exhaust system and gearbox will all reach very high temperatures when you adopt a sporty driving style. Before you park the vehicle, allow it to cool down to normal temperature by driving at moderate engine speeds for several miles.