Did you know that the way you drive could significantly impact how much you’re spending on your car? From sudden braking to accelerating uphill, even the smallest decisions could cost you when they turn into habits.
If you’re ready to cut costs without compromising safety on the roads, it’s worth learning how to keep your driving on the right track. Being mindful now leads to long-term savings on fuel, maintenance and more.
- Hard braking and rapid acceleration
Aggressive driving has a detrimental effect on your vehicle’s fuel economy. It makes your car work harder, especially when you accelerate hard and fast, which in turn pulls more fuel into the engine.
And when it comes to your brakes and tyres, they’ll suffer too if you frequently come to sudden stops or slow down rapidly before corners. Brake pads in particular can be worn very quickly with fast driving habits.
- Ignoring minor repairs
When there’s a small problem or a slight noise with your car, it’s easy to just ignore the problem and hope that it goes away on its own. While this may occasionally be way things turn out, it’s a dangerous risk to take.
In most cases, noises, rattles or any other small mechanical issues may uncover more complex problems. If these are diagnosed during a routine service, you’ll face higher repair costs – and your car could even fail its annual MOT test as a result. This could potentially decrease its value.
- Poor parking
It’s worth thinking twice before squeezing your car into a tiny parking space. Tight manoeuvres are unavoidable for any driver, and especially those who live in cities and towns. But that doesn’t need to mean leaving bumps and scratches on your car, which could ultimately decrease its value.
And if your careless parking damages someone else’s vehicle too, you’ll be at greater risk of claims being made against you. Depending on your choice of car insurance policy, bad parking could affect your no-claims bonus too.
- Hitting potholes
Driving over any bump in the road at speed, including potholes, can seriously damage your car. It’s harsh on the suspension, tyres and steering in particular, with deeper potholes posing an immediate risk of puncture.
Staying below the speed limit and keeping aware of your surroundings will help you to naturally avoid bumps and holes on your routes. This will keep you, your passengers, and your car as safe as possible – and save you money on repairs too.
- Distracted driving
Finally, don’t forget that staying focused is one of your most important responsibilities as a driver. One study found that 16% of drivers admitted to using their phone behind the wheel. Not only is this an illegal action, it’s also one that could cost you in fines or points on your driving licence if you’re stopped by the police.
Before you set off on any drive, it’s worth making sure that you’re feeling fresh and ready to concentrate for the duration of the journey ahead. Don’t hesitate to take a quick break if you need one, especially if you’ll be driving for several hours.
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