Bad driving habits are something that some drivers slip into even when they have a lot of experience behind the wheel. These habits can lead to an accident, damage to your car, or both. Most drivers with bad habits don’t consciously think of them or realize they have them. It’s important to recognize some of the most common bad habits, so you can avoid them when you’re driving in Silver Spring, MD.
Bad Brake Habits
Two of the most common bad habits are unnecessary braking and riding the brakes. These habits are usually seen in younger, inexperienced drivers. Nervous or inexperienced drivers feel that the slower their car is moving, the greater the chance they have to react if something goes wrong. Braking excessively can cause an accident or, at the least, damage to your car.
Frequent unnecessary braking can heat the brake fluid in your car, and it can start to boil. Hot brake fluid loses its hydraulic pressure and makes it difficult to apply the brakes when you need to. Riding the brakes can also damage your braking system, as it keeps the brake pads pressed against wheel rotors. This causes unnecessary friction and can wear out both the pads and the rotors.
Distracted Driving
When you’re driving, it’s vital to focus on the road ahead and the other drivers and pedestrians around you. It’s easy for some drivers to become distracted, especially if they’re driving in an area they’re familiar with. This familiarity gives confidence, and drivers may focus on sights around them, like construction, new store opening signs, and anything other than the road ahead.
Other distractions include listening to loud music and looking at passengers in the car when talking to them. It’s vital when driving to know what’s going on around you at all times.
Tailgating
Tailgating is a very dangerous practice and is caused by aggressive drivers who are in a hurry. These drivers believe that if they stay as close to the car in front of them as possible that the car ahead will speed up or move out of the way. A driver who’s tailgating is driving too close to the car in front and this can cause an accident if the car in front has to stop. You can be fined for tailgating.
Fast Starts
A fast start may look very cool in the movies, but it can cause damage to your car and potentially cause an accident. The excessive energy applied for a fast start can cause your torque converter to heat up faster than it should, and it places excessive strain on your drivetrain. A fast start can also reduce our control over your car and potentially cause an accident.
Making safe decisions behind the wheel can be paired with a car that helps you make intelligent and safe decisions. Shop our 2022 Toyota models today like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and explore all of the safety features that come with this SUV at DARCARS Toyota of Silver Spring.
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