We all develop bad driving habits over the years. And it’s not just driving at high speeds or braking late.
Driving with the fuel light on
If you run the fuel down and push your luck with the warning light, then don’t. A near-empty tank generates heat and can cause the fuel pump to fail. You may also damage the catalytic converter and if there’s dirt in the tank, the fuel filter can block. So, the moral of the story is: don’t risk it! Refuel immediately.
Not using the parking brake
See that hand brake? It’s not just for hills. Even if you have an automatic, you should use the parking (or ‘emergency’) brake every time you park. This provides a safe and secure hold, as well as helping to protect the parts and transmission.
Resting your foot on the clutch
It’s tempting to ‘ride the clutch’, but this keeps it partially disengaged. You can cause unnecessary wear to the clutch plate if you rest your foot on it rather than on the floor. Coasting is a risky habit, as you have no control if you need to swerve or maneuver.
Speeding over bumps and holes
You may think your car can handle it, but drive slowly and carefully when there are bumps or holes in the road. As well as being highly dangerous, hitting road hazards can cause wheel misalignment and damaged suspension parts.
Revving when the engine is cold
Even if you’re in a rush, let your engine warm up gradually. High RPMs on a cold engine create undue stress – whether you have an old or brand-new car.
Driving in too high a gear
Keeping revs low can save fuel, but too high a gear will bog down the engine. Especially on hills, you need enough revs for torque for the car to drive at its optimum.
Source: Moog
