We think of driving as a necessary expense — after all, many of us depend on our vehicles as a means of access to vital goods and services. However, you may be shelling out more money than is necessary thanks to some subtle but financially harmful driving habits. Here are a few examples.
Sudden Braking
Every time you slam on the brakes, you consume more fuel than you would by removing your foot from the gas pedal before braking. Allowing your vehicle to breathe before gently slowing to a stop at a yellow or red light or stop sign makes the most use of its available momentum. In addition to saving on fuel consumption, this approach will help protect your brakes from increased wear and tear.
Ignoring Aerodynamics and Over-Packing
All vehicles are meticulously engineered and developed for maximum aerodynamic efficiency, which also helps you to maintain a higher speed with minimal drag. Always remove unnecessary attachments such as roof racks and hood decorations, and be sure to maintain a streamlined airflow by keeping your sunroof and windows closed. Also, habits such as loading racks of belongings on your roof, towing large loads, and generally over-filling your vehicle with items have a profoundly negative impact on how fast and aerodynamic it is. This can impede on planned travel schedules as well as gasoline costs, as heavier vehicles require increased fuel consumption.
Revving Your Engine
It is imperative that vehicle owners avoid revving their engines as much as possible, particularly when ignition has just been engaged and during colder months when it takes longer to warm up a car’s engine. This prevents the engine from receiving proper lubrication and puts unnecessary and dramatic strain on it. As a result, expect to pay for expensive engine damage repairs or even replacements if you have a revving habit. Allow your engine to wake up and come to life as intended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Operating With Low Fuel
While many drivers claim that operating a vehicle with as little fuel in the tank as necessary is a great way to save money, it really is more expensive in the long run. The sediment from gasoline always settles at the bottom of a vehicle’s gas tank, and if you constantly run on low it means that your vehicle can only use the dirtier fuel that is available. The fuel filter won’t be as effective at trapping and catching the increased amount of sediment, and before long your engine, filter, and fuel line will suffer as a result. The cost of repairing such pointless damage to your vehicle’s components far outweighs the cost of having a more adequately filled gas tank at all times.
Correcting these habits can keep your vehicle healthier for far longer, and it is also less taxing on your budget. In today’s modern age, we depend on road transportation to maintain a pre-established standard of living. By being mutually respectful towards our vehicles and subsequent investments through less toxic driving habits, you can remain on the road towards a brighter future.
