Seven driving mistakes that we all make

Common driving mistakes may be costing you money and compromising your safety, writes Geraldine Herbert

1. Driving in the wrong gear

To drive more efficiently, don’t rev the engine and change up into a higher gear as soon as it is possible. Correct use of gears can save you up to 15pc of your fuel bill.

2. Sudden braking

Constantly slamming on your brakes will wear out your discs and brake pads prematurely and wastes fuel. While costing you more, it also increases the likelihood of brake failure.

3. Tailgating

Motorists that are up close and personal in your rear-view mirror are infuriating, but many of us do not realise we are guilty of driving too close to the car in front. If you do not leave an appropriate gap between you and the car ahead, you endanger yourself and potentially the cars behind and around you. To avoid tailgating, use the ‘three-second rule’: when the car ahead of you passes a certain point, such as a road sign or a lamp post, count ‘one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two, one-thousandthree’. This takes approximately three seconds. If you pass the same point before you finish counting, you are following too closely.

4. Not checking mirrors often enough

Most of us will check our mirrors every time we indicate to change lanes or make a turn, but did you know it is recommended that you check your mirrors every five seconds and at a minimum every eight? Just a quick glance will allow you to see what is going on around and alert you to anything likely to cause danger.

5. Careless parking

Be careful not to hit the kerb when you are parking, as this can knock your car’s wheel alignment, which in turn can cause uneven tyre wear, decreasing your replacement interval and ultimately costing you more. In a car park try to park away from other cars and keep your valuables well hidden.

6. Carrying too much weight around

Clutter in your car is not only an unsightly nuisance but carrying unnecessary items around increases fuel consumption and adds to the wear and tear of your car.

7. Using headlights only at night

Keeping your lights on at all times can help reduce the chances of an accident and in many countries, such as Sweden, daytime lights are mandatory for safety.