As promised, here are some tips for good driving habits that will help extend the life of your car, make it more enjoyable to drive and save you money.
It’s worth remembering these tips every time you get behind the wheel.
Avoid hard revving when cold
Starting up from cold is when most engine wear occurs. So give your vehicle a few minutes to warm up by using low engine revs as you drive. This allows the lubrication system to move oil right through the engine. When the temperature gauge is in the normal operating zone, your car is ready for what it does best. Zoom-Zoom.
Drive smoothly
The stop-start nature of city driving is hard on cars. By adopting a smooth, steady driving style you’ll dramatically reduce wear on your engine, clutch, transmission, brakes and tyres. You’ll also use less fuel, which saves money and helps the environment.
Avoid gutters, kerbs and bumps
Try to avoid hitting kerbs when parking and potholes at speed. The impact can put the front wheels out of alignment, causing uneven and premature tyre wear. It can also cause damage to wheel rims and tyres.
Driving at dawn or dusk
Make sure to use your headlights rather than parking lights. They offer better visibility to other road users, particularly at times when outside lighting is reduced.
Always park in gear
Whenever you park, ensure the handbrake is fully engaged and the car is left in gear. Select âP’ with an automatic transmission, or first or reverse gear with a manual transmission. When parking downhill, point your wheels towards the kerb for extra safety.
Drive for a cleaner environment
Air pollution affects everyone, particularly children and the elderly. The combined effect of all our vehicles reduces air quality, but we can help reduce this environmental impact.
- Have your car serviced regularly to help save fuel and reduce running costs
- Avoid hard acceleration and braking to reduce fuel consumption and brake and tyre wear
- Keep tyres correctly inflated for optimum fuel economy
- Don’t carry heavy loads, like golf clubs, when you don’t need to - a lighter vehicle uses less fuel
- Plan your trip to combine several small trips - your car will run more efficiently on longer journeys
Keeping an eye on the gauges
Check your gauges regularly when driving. Water temperature and oil pressure are most important as they monitor your engine’s vital cooling and lubrication systems. If these gauges move into the critical zone, stop the car as soon as practical and get help by calling your nearest Service Centre or Roadside Assistance. Similarly, if a warning light comes on, stop and get help. For more information, please refer to your owner’s manual.
Remember these every time you get behind the wheel to keep any car in top condition, even a Mazda.
