Not everybody can be a perfect driver on the road. The sheer number of variables, such as traffic rules, pedestrians, other vehicle owners, road conditions, and weather, means that even the most careful drivers make mistakes occasionally. On the other hand, certain driving habits can only be described as reckless, as they can land drivers, pedestrians, and other road users in danger. To avoid that, here are some driving mistakes everyone must try to avoid: Driving slow in the passing lane The high-speed passing lane is for the purpose its name suggests – for vehicles to overtake others and, basically, slam the throttle to get to their destination as soon as possible. Therefore, it is often referred to as a fast lane. Driving slowly on such lanes blocks the traffic and slows down everyone. More importantly, driving slowly on passing lanes can also result in vehicles tailgating each other and unavoidable collisions. What’s more, frustrated drivers who cannot get a move on in the passing lane may end up over-speeding on the inside lane. To avoid such dangerous accident-prone scenarios, drivers must decide the lane to take based on the speed at which they are most comfortable driving their vehicle.

Road trips can be an excellent way to explore new places while traveling solo or with friends and family. Here, the last thing you want is your vehicle breaking down in the middle of the freeway. You can prevent this from happening by performing a few safety checks before getting on the road. What’s more? You do not have to spend a lot of time and money to perform the following safety checks: Check the tire pressure Driving interstate nonstop is a true test of endurance both for you and your vehicle. So, the first thing to check for such a trip is the tire pressure and the vehicle’s tire pressure monitoring system. Also, look for any cuts or bulges in the sidewall to avoid dealing with a flat tire on the journey. Test the brakes and lights The vehicle’s hydraulic and electrical systems are critical components that control your brakes, handling, and real-time vehicle feedback. Check for hydraulic fluid leaks, worn-out brake pads, and rotor wear. If the brakes feel sluggish or there is excessive vibration, you should get it checked by an expert. Also, have a technician run checks to test the car battery, lighting systems, and all components that need electricity to function.

Whether it’s commuting to school or work, buying groceries, or heading out for a road trip, driving is an essential part of most of our daily lives. Being a good driver isn’t about making high-speed turns or drifts, as may be shown in movies. Instead, it is all about ensuring a safe experience and reducing the risk of any last-minute maneuvers. Here are six ways in which you can become a better and safer driver: Maintain adequate space with the vehicle in front of you Maintain a gap between your car and the vehicle in front of you. In case you need to hit the brakes in an emergency, this gap may help reduce the risk of a collision. Adjust your mirrors properly Align your mirrors in the optimal position. Get into the driver’s seat and adjust your side mirrors such that you maximize the field of vision and reduce blind spots. To adjust your rearview mirror, sit up straight in the driver’s seat and use the rear window as a guide to center it. Once your mirrors are adjusted, make it a habit to glance at them every 5-10 seconds. Check your mirrors before changing lanes Before changing lanes, put on your turn signal.

Learning to drive can be a fulfilling experience. It helps one become self-reliant to commute to different places. However, since a driver is single-handedly in control of the vehicle, driving requires utmost alertness and quick reaction time to avoid accidents. Thus, in addition to mastering the technicalities of driving, new drivers should devote time to understand road safety and traffic rules. Here are some common mistakes new drivers should avoid to ensure road safety: Ignoring speed limits Reports suggest that out of a cumulative 38,824 fatalities in 2020, 11,258 were caused by vehicle speeding. Statutory speed limits have been established by individual state legislatures for specific types of roads, based on factors like pedestrian movement, traffic flow, and roadway design. Hence, new drivers should cultivate the habit of always looking for sign boards with specified speed limits and following them diligently. Speaking on the phone while driving A common misconception of drivers is that speaking over the phone through a hands-free medium while driving is safe. Although using the medium may be a better alternative to holding the device, a phone conversation can divert one’s attention from auditory cues by other drivers. Moreover, studies have shown that low-level electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones can affect brain activity.

An oil change is an essential part of vehicle maintenance. You can either get it done at the garage for a premium or change the oil yourself with the right set of tools. Although the process seems straightforward, there is room for errors here that can affect vehicle performance. From missing key steps to using the wrong type of oil, here are a few common oil change mistakes to avoid: Overfilling or underfilling the engine You should pay attention to the oil levels and the recommended amount of oil the engine needs. If you fill it up to the brim, the fluid will leak into the gaskets and pistons, stalling the engine. If you add too little oil, excessive friction will damage the engine. You need to add just the right amount as per the user manual. Choosing the wrong type of oil The right oil type can vary depending on the type of vehicle and the driving conditions. Premium synthetic motor oil is built to survive weather changes due to its high viscosity and resistance to oxidation. Some owners may prefer high-mileage oils that improve engine performance and boost mileage. Generic or conventional motor oils, the cheapest option, are ideal for simple engine designs and regular driving conditions.

Learning to drive can help one commute to different locations independently. For many, driving changes from a necessary skill to a passion. However, since drivers are single-handedly in charge of their vehicles, they must always be vigilant to avoid accidents. Unfortunately, the country witnesses approximately six million car accidents each year. Hence, in addition to understanding the technicalities of driving, new drivers should avoid certain common mistakes to ensure safety: Refusing to wear a seatbelt Seatbelts are meant to ensure that drivers and passengers are safe inside their vehicles, even in the event of a car crash. Thus, drivers should request that all passengers, particularly those in the passenger seats, fasten their seatbelts to prevent the risk of injuries during car accidents or sudden jerks. Speeding As per statistical reports, speeding accounted for 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2021. Individual state legislatures have established specific speed limits for different types of roads. Drivers should look for signs bearing speed limits and follow them to avoid speeding. Texting or speaking on the phone while driving According to data from the American Automobile Association, texting is the cause of 12% of vehicle crashes in the country. Texting typically involves using both hands; moreover, it requires one to comprehend the messages and actively develop suitable responses.

Owning a vehicle brings a lot of responsibilities, the primary one being maintaining the automobile. Regular car maintenance can prevent breakdowns and extend the life of your vehicle. However, most people tend to make many common car maintenance mistakes, which can cost them a lot of money in the long run. Read on to learn some common car maintenance mistakes that can be easily avoided, saving you a lot of hassle later on. Skipping regular maintenance One of the biggest mistakes individuals make is skipping regular maintenance since the process can help you catch small issues before they become big and expensive problems. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule for your vehicle. Not checking tire pressure Many people overlook tire pressure, but keeping your tires inflated is important. Underinflated tires can lead to poor gas mileage, uneven tire wear, and even a blowout while driving. Check your tire pressure regularly and keep them inflated properly. Neglecting fluid changes Fluids like oil, coolant, and transmission fluid are essential to keep your car running smoothly. Neglecting to change them can damage your engine, transmission, and other parts. Check the fluid levels regularly and change them as your car’s manufacturer recommends.

Today, many travelers understand the importance of enjoying not just the destination but also the journey. Consequently, recreational vehicles (RV) and travel trailers, equipped with accommodation facilities like living rooms and cooking spaces, are becoming increasingly popular, allowing travelers to experience blissful journeys en route to their destinations. However, buying an RV or travel trailer is a significant decision. So here are some common mistakes to avoid while purchasing these vehicles. Lack of research Buying an RV without researching properly on the vehicle can lead to significant losses in the long run. Therefore, it is important to explore the various brands and companies offering these vehicles and opt for test drives to check for any damages before purchase. Underestimating or overestimating the space required Sometimes, customers may purchase smaller RVs or travel trailers, typically if they are occasional travelers. However, even in such cases, one may require more space to store luggage or accommodate on-the-go activities. Conversely, a huge RV can be challenging to maneuver. The best bet is to reflect on one’s requirements and discuss them with family members, friends, and other travelers before deciding on the ideal size of RV to purchase. Not considering tow weight Tow weight is the aggregate weight that a towable RV or travel trailer can haul.