5 Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Driving Habits
Even if you’re a good driver, you might be costing yourself extra money every
time you get behind the wheel in {city, state or region}. How? By doing things that can increase
wear and tear on your car — even things that seem perfectly normal.
You may not even realize you’re doing them (most habits are unconscious behaviors), but these driving behaviors may be at least partially to blame for your frequent repair shop visits. So, help keep your car in better shape by asking yourself a few questions about your driving:
- Is my gas
light always on? Regularly driving on a nearly empty tank can increase wear on your car’s
fuel pump. It’s best to keep your fuel level at a quarter-tank or above.
- Do I shift
too quickly? Shifting your car into drive while you’re still rolling backward is one
sure way to increase stress on your car’s transmission. Always stop before
shifting.
- Am I always
on the brakes? Maybe you aren’t leaving enough following distance between you and other
cars. And, when you’re going down a steep grade, consider shifting into a lower
gear. That can help you slow down more naturally, without putting unnecessary
wear on your brakes.
- Is my car
usually packed with stuff? Additional weight means additional stress on many different parts of
your car, including your transmission, your brakes and your suspension. So,
unless you really need it, don’t pack it.
- Do I have a lead foot? Putting your foot to the floor might be exhilarating for you, but it’s not so great for your car — especially if it’s still cold and oil hasn’t reached all the different parts of the engine yet. It can wear out your tires more quickly, as well.
If these behaviors fit
your driving patterns to a T, it’s time to form new habits behind the wheel.
Ones that won’t take a toll on both your car and your bank account over time. And,
that’s something both you and your vehicle can be happy about!