6 Bad Driving Habits Costing You Money

You’re smart with your money. When it was time to buy your car, you found a good deal on an amazing vehicle. Now that you have your car, you know all the best places in town to get a cheap fill-up on gas.

However, one thing you might not think much about is your driving habits. The way you act when you’re behind the wheel can actually cost you money. Go easy on your wallet by avoiding the following bad habits.

Driving Too Fast

Sure, it’s fun to step on the accelerator, but gradual acceleration is best for fuel economy. Moreover, keep in mind that for the average vehicle, maximum fuel efficiency happens at 55 mph. According to one estimate, if the national speed limit were once again set to 55 mph, it would save a billion barrels of oil a year.

Of course, if the speed limit is above 55 mph, you should comply with it. However, try not to give too much freedom to your need for speed.

Braking Too Suddenly

When you know you’ll have to stop soon, remove your foot from the gas pedal. The car’s momentum will carry you for a while, and you can brake gently at that red light or stop sign. This will save you on fuel, and it will spare you from wearing out your car’s brakes prematurely.

Turning the Wheel When Your Car Is Stationary

Sometimes, such as when you’re trying to maneuver out of a tight parking spot, it is necessary to turn the steering wheel before your car actually moves. However, try to avoid this when possible. It will wear down the rubber on your tires, meaning you’ll have to replace them sooner than you expected.

Not Using Cruise Control

You might enjoy keeping your foot on the gas pedal as you zip through traffic. However, this can cost you much in fuel over the long term. Using cruise control prevents mindless and unnecessary acceleration, so your engine doesn’t have to work as hard. Edmunds performed a test to see just how much fuel using cruise control can save you. The result? Cruise control can cut back on fuel consumption by up to 14 percent.

You shouldn’t use cruise control when you’re in mountainous areas, though. Cruise control will downshift to maintain your speed, and this shifting can actually damage fuel efficiency.

Not Paying Attention to Aerodynamics

An aerodynamic car is a more fuel-efficient car. To make for a smoother passage of air around your vehicle, keep the windows and the sunroof closed. Moreover, be sure to remove your rooftop cargo carrier when not in use.

Carrying Too Much Stuff

Check your owner’s manual to find out your vehicle’s cargo capacity. Exceeding this capacity by cramming too much into your car — or by towing a too-heavy load — will hurt your fuel efficiency.

However, this bad habit can do more than cost you at the pump. It could damage your vehicle’s suspension, leading to costly repairs.

You have better things to spend your money on than fuel and car repairs. Adjust your driving habits and enjoy the savings!