The Top Driving Tips from The World’s Best Drivers

Automobiles get people from place to place every day. But are you getting the most out of your vehicle? Find out what you can learn from the world’s best drivers.

Maximize Fuel Efficiency

The world’s best drivers have one thing in common, they all maximize gas mileage and you can too! Keeping tires inflated to their recommended pounds per square inch (PSI) is the first step in fuel efficiency. Experts recommend tire pressure be checked weekly or each time the vehicle is fueled. Drivers must consult their owner’s manuals because PSI levels vary by tire and manufacturer. Fully inflated tires allow the vehicle to reduce friction with the road. Excess friction between the roadway and the tires cause the engine to work harder and thus use more gasoline. Pros recommend finding a filling station that provides free air, or purchase your own air compressor.

How drivers start and stop a vehicle affects the fuel efficiency. Many drivers commute through areas with many stoplights. In order to increase efficiency drivers should be mindful of how they approach and leave stoplights. When bringing the vehicle to a stop, ease off the accelerator well before the stopping area. Accelerating for several hundred feet and then applying the brakes stiffly wastes gasoline. Similarly, drivers should avoid ‘gunning it’ when the light turns green. Stomping on the gas pedal causes the rotations per minute (RPMs) to surge and the engine to work much harder than it should. This wastes gasoline. The world’s best drivers ease into and out of intersections.

Defensive Driving

The open road can be a dangerous place for distracted, drowsy and impaired drivers. Keeping your wits about you while behind the wheel is of the utmost importance to preserve the safety of others and yourself. Driving defensively means being aware of other drivers and your surroundings while on the road and taking preventative action to avoid accidents. Leaving plenty of space between you and the driver in front of you, signaling turns, and keeping free from distraction while operating a vehicle are all examples of defensive driving. Car accidents—even small fender benders—can be devastating and expensive, and as such should be actively avoided.

Being involved in a collision can result in injuries, which a Portland injury lawyer says can become more severe without proper treatment. Take every safety measure you can while on the road—while you can’t predict the behavior of other drivers, you can do everything in your power to avoid a collision.

Keeping the Car Healthy

Great drives take special care of their vehicles. Along with keeping the tires inflated they also regularly service the engine. Most manufacturers get the engines’ oil changed at least every 3,000 miles. Experts state that most vehicle owners do not adhere to these standards and are thus degrading their engine more quickly than is necessary. Changing the oil and checking vehicle systems is essential preventative maintenance.

Top vehicle owners have a service station they trust and make an effort to visit it regularly. Experts also recommend paying close attention to the owner’s manual with regards to repairs. Most manuals will outline how long certain components last or when they need checking/replacing. This can avoid unnecessary early replacements suggested by service stations that are out to make a profit.

By following these simple steps to keep your car efficient and healthy, you can be one of the world’s best drivers too!