How can you damage a car?

Its fairly easy. Along with the normal ways, like ramming the car into a brick wall or attempting a jump Evil Keneval style, there are the mechanical ways. Basically, mistreating and neglecting your car damages it. Oil can break down, and that will cause your gears to heat up and grind, causing some expensive damage. Rust can weaken the car. But in general, if you follow the owners manual and realize that your car isn't a high-performance Ferrari (unless it is), then it should be just fine for a long time.