Many people on the road passed their test years or even decades ago. However, even those that sat their examinations only days ago aren’t perfect drivers. Whether you’ve been behind the wheel for years or have just taken off your learner plates, we all make driving mistakes now and then.
Some of these blunders cost little more than a glare from a fellow driver, but many others have a much higher price tag. With that in mind, here are six serious driving mistakes to avoid.
Letting Pets Roam Free
Most people see their pet as a member of the family. This is why we take them with us on long journeys and vacations. Anyone who likes to do this, however, must make sure that the dog is secure in the back.
Allowing them free roam of the car is not only dangerous but illegal in many places. If they were to hurt themselves and distract you, it could cause you to crash the vehicle.
Admitting You’re At Fault
Being in a car accident is a scary and often expensive ordeal. What’s worse is knowing that you’re suffering for something that was entirely someone else’s fault.
The good news is, a personal injury law firm, like Wade Injury Law, can help you to secure the compensation you deserve. You just need to avoid saying anything which could suggest that you’re at fault.
Using The Wrong Fuel
The way your car performs is very important. After all, it will require fewer repairs and use less fuel if it runs as it should. It’s because of this that some people put the wrong fuel in their vehicle.
Unless your car’s manufacturer says that you need premium gas, it won’t help performance. In fact, you could damage your vehicle, costing you more money in the long run.
Paying With Your Phone
Driving while using your phone is a serious offense. Even if you avoid getting into an accident, you could face an expensive fine if you’re caught. Since contactless payments were introduced, more and more people use their smartphones to pay for the shopping.
The one place you can’t pay, however, is a drive-thru. This still counts as using your phone and is therefore illegal.
Ignoring The Tire Pressure
Many cars have an indicator light on the dashboard for low tire pressure. The trouble is, this light doesn’t always work. If you drive with low tire pressure, you risk a loss of control and blowouts.
Because of this, you must remember to check your pressure regularly. Maintaining the right pressure will improve fuel efficiency too, which means you’ll have lower fuel costs to face.
Warming Up The Car
Cold cars can definitely be unpleasant, especially on long journeys. However, that doesn’t mean you should leave your vehicle to warm up while you scrape the ice from the windows. This will waste fuel, damage the motor, and cause the exhaust pipe to rust. It is also illegal in many areas to leave your car like that. As much as you may not want to, you will have to bear the cold.
To reduce the cost of driving, try to avoid making the expensive mistakes listed above.