So, how do you drive? On edge, a bit aggressive? Or laid back and composed?
Whatever may be your style, GoMechanic is are here to show you how your Driving Style can affect critical parameters of your vehicle.
But first, let us clear the air.
GoMechanic in no way endorses rash driving/drunk driving or any kind of driving that poses a hazard to the driver and the pedestrians. We are staunch advocates of Safe Driving; we believe that everyone is entitled to use the road and one should religiously respect the rules and regulations drafted for our safety.
Back to the case, it has been established that everybody has their style when it comes to driving a car. No two individuals drive are alike, and that’s a fact. People might have similar driving styles, but there are always subtle differences.
In this Blog Post, we analyze the two most popular types of drivers (and their driving style).
Also read: How to Drive Your Car Safely In A Tunnel? Best Tunnel Driving Habits
“Drive it like you stole it” aka Performance Driving
So, you are a fan of the Fast and the Furious franchise or The Transporter series, eh?
Well, aggressive driving for sure may look cool and feel exciting, but the fact is that such driving style affects your vehicle health in a lot of ways (fuel economy strikes first).
Besides, driving rashly is dangerous to you and the pedestrians around you. This is because when you drive aggressively your mental and physical faculties would overexert itself and thus, you are more susceptible to make mistakes. Believe us when we say, reckless drivers take more lives than the inebriated ones.
Driving aggressively means that the person behind the wheel likes to be at a higher speed than the puny mortals around him. Taking the car to its maximum rev band at every gear is how they roll. For them, the drive should be exhilarating no matter what they own, be it an economy hatchback or an exquisite sportscar.
Added to that they also take turns, overtake and manoeuvre, with the pedal hard to the floor.
Such individuals don’t need an excuse to test the absolute limits of their vehicles; it’s not that they are late for someplace to be, it’s just how they drive.
How does your Car feel about this?
First and foremost, your Car may or may not take this well.
- Fuel economy goes down instantly. Taking the car to its maximum revolutions in every gear makes the engine work hard. Because of this, the car draws in more fuel just for the sake of giving you the thrills. Hence, your car returns an absurdly low mileage quite contrary to what the spec sheet said.
- There is also accelerated wear and tear of components in your vehicle viz, the suspension system. Taking India in the purview; high speed + nasty potholes = collapsed/leaky/damaged suspension.
In most obvious scenarios, this kind of driving can get you to see the Cops more often. Drive this way and you’ll also get a couple of complimentary dings and dents sprinkled here and there on your 4-wheeled possession. Not to mention, reckless driving can cut your car’s lifespan short.
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Driving aggressive, foot hard to the pedal- some say it’s a lifestyle (We’ll try not to judge).
We don’t want to be fun killers but keep it safe, won’t you?
Driving like a Saint- The Saner Way
You are calm and composed and in no hurry. You definitely don’t want to overwork your beloved hatch. This is what defines a relaxed driver. You take it easy on the pedal and the gear as well. Driving on the tamer side is your USP. Revving is a big no-no, and 40-60 km/h (subjective) is the happy spot.
Owing to your laid-back attitude, you are a saint on the roadways, you give way to pedestrians, don’t hog the lane, in all you are a good Samaritan.
We, for sure, approve of this style and the way you behave on the road also the way you treat your car.
How does your car feel about this?
Your car is at its best, thanks to you.
The fuel economy is in its best range (can be even better). Also, the car stays in a more stable rev band and hence the engine barely sips fuel.
No hard shifting or excessive engine braking, so that in turn takes care of the gears and cogs of the car. This also means fewer trips to the service centre. This kind of driving also ensures that your car looks and performs like it’s just out of the showroom.
Added Bonus: You stay in the good books of the cops.
So now that we have segregated the two opposites let us now shine a light on what is the best style of driving?
How it should be done
What is the best possible way to drive ensuring sanity, safety and well-being of the car? We’ll tell you how it’s done!
- First, one needs to clear the mind of every speck of stress. Devote your focus on the job at hand (that is driving). Similar to relaxed driving, one should go easy on the pedal and the shifts.
- Every car has an “Economy Range” where the engine performs at its maximum efficiency. Usually, this falls in the low rev band. So, you’ll have to sacrifice a significant chunk of power for the sake of mileage (You win some, you lose some).
- This does not mean you have to drive very slow at all the time. Stick to the speed limit. Don’t drive 20 km/h in an 80 km/h zone. No matter, how noble your intentions may be, you are unknowingly posing as a threat to the safety of your fellow commuters. This also does not mean you should match your speed with the imposed limit. The best advice is to keep your speed 10km/h lower than what the limit is.
- We know speed bumps are annoying, but they are there to keep vehicle’s speed in check. Slow down a bit before you encounter a speed breaker and positively don’t run your car over one at max speed (your suspension will never forgive you if you do this).
So what’s your driving style, let us know in the comments section below!
Read next: No Need to Carry your Driving License or RC while Driving!
