You’ve seen those drivers who are either in a hurry or testing their new sportscar when they come speeding past you only to find them screeching to a halt at the next red light. This unnecessary driving style is not good for anyone and is not suitable for the car either.
Let’s find out why a smooth driving style is the best.1
Why racing and braking are unpleasant for passengers
Racing in your car and then suddenly braking might be fun for some motorists, but certainly not for any passengers or pets that happen to be in the car. Being thrown around from side to side, forward or backwards is not a great experience for any passenger.
Smooth driving has advantages
Not only are passengers considerably more content during a smooth drive, but the car itself dramatically benefits from such a driving style. Most importantly, it is much safer to do so.
Reduced wear and tear on the car’s parts
Wear and tear are increased by continuous speeding and sudden braking. The best car drivers are those who drive the smoothest. It minimises stress on all working parts and tyre wear.
Brake pads can last much longer
Brake pads wear out at about 60 000 km for the average driver, but they can reach approximately 90 000 km with smooth driving. However, brake pads may only have a lifespan of 40 000 km or less with rough driving.
What about making sharp turns?
Speeding around tight corners can seriously impact many suspensions and steering parts as well as tyres. So why not slow down before the bend and not while you are negotiating it? Why? Because braking while cornering is dangerous and can cause your car to skid.
Why spend so much on fuel?
Smooth driving means your car doesn’t require as much fuel. By keeping revs low, fuel consumption also stays low, by as much as a 25% reduction. A motorist once said you should drive as if a fresh egg was strapped to your accelerator pedal.
Most important of all, your safety is important
It is important to realise your car is in contact with the road only through 4 rubber contact patches. A stationary vehicle is stable, but stability can be seriously affected when thrown about through swerving, braking, and accelerating. A speedy take-off causes weight to move to the rear. Abrupt stopping makes weight move to the front while swerving causes weight to move from side to side. Tyres take a beating when such movements are made, which may shorten their life span quite drastically.
Not only is smooth driving best for you, your passengers, and the car, but it also increases the safety level. This means that the risk of having an accident could be reduced. But, if you do have an accident, then is not an ideal time to work out if you have the money to fix your car or adequate car insurance cover.
Car insurance cover may provide you with peace of mind. Get affordable car insurance, which includes excellent benefits such as fixed premiums* and a reduce to zero excess*. T’s and C’s apply.
Source:
1https://www.spokesman.com/blogs/autos/2021/jan/29/smooth-driving-has-benefits/
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.