mixer mistakes you are probably making

1  
You haven't read your
owner's manual
Don't use your mixer again without consulting your use and care guide. It will tell you how many pounds/cups of flour your mixer can handle at once and help you decide whether or not to double (or even triple) recipes. Groaning sounds and slowing rotations are also a hint that you are mixing batches that are too large for your mixer. Don't stress your mixer's motor;  stay within accepted quantities.

2 
You've never checked the
beater-to-bowl clearance
The bottoms of the standard flat beater and whisk shouldn't touch the bottom of the bowl, but be just above it. Getting it just right means better mixing, less stopping to scrape, and less damage to coated beaters. Check the mixer's manual or online for instructions on how to make an adjustment.
***Or just get a SideSwipe...which typically works perfectly in that same position. However, SideSwipe, too,  has a position that is too low and could cause your SideSwipe to break. 

3 
You start your mixer on high speed
To avoid splattering and the dreaded cloud or flour or powdered sugar, always start mixing on low, then slowly increase to a higher speed. Do this each time you add an ingredient.

4 
You scrape the bowl
​while mixer is running
Yikes!! Don't ever use a spatula while the mixer's on - even if a recipe says to scrape constantly as you beat. If you don't stop the mixer first, the spatula can get caught in the beater, twisting them out of shape, or shattering them with pieces getting into your food. Again...SideSwipe!!!
​