According to the insurance industry, owning a car is pretty risky business. From auto repairs, collision hazards to driving habits and more, there’s more than basic or general liability to talk about.
But the pros tell us that putting in just a little bit of thought into everyday things we do with our vehicle can make a whole lot of a difference in any losses or damages to the pocket and otherwise.
Take for instance, the good old auto insurance policy. Have you even read about the actual coverage? Whether you scoot around in a motorcycle or ATV, drive a standard model car or the luxury or classic type, or find yourself behind the wheel of a massive RV or commercial truck, going over your plan with a reliable agency will reveal any gaps that need to be closed and avoiding any heartache in regard to an accident.
Of course, treating your vehicle with a little bit of love and care will go a long way in preventing visits to the local mechanic and the statements that accompany them. To clarify, we’ve created an easy guide to follow.
6 Great Tips from the Trusted Insurance Guys
• Refrain from driving on a low gas tank. Not only will driving this way make your drive far less efficient, it will also lead to compromises on your car’s fuel pump. This in turn can actually create a situation where you will have to get a new replacement and a substantial pain to your wallet.
• Don’t jump the gun when changing shifts. If you drive a car with an automatic transmission and shift to drive as you are backing up, you place a great strain on that poor transmission. Instead, after reversing down your home driveway, place your foot on the brake and then shift into the drive mode.
• If you tend to tailgate, you are a threat on the road. Drive smart by putting the recommended distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. You’ll reduce the risk of a crash by a large margin. Moreover, because people that tailgate brake at a higher rate than other drivers, avoiding the practice will save you from overusing your brakes and adding wear and tear to them.
• Go easy on your gas pedal. Don’t slam down on it as this will add to the general wear and tear and possibility of more car repair expense.
• If you are one of the many drivers that ignore the parking brake feature, it’s time to reevaluate the function. Relying only on putting your car on park adds unnecessary stress to that standard car part.
• Unload your car from any extra gear in the trunk. If you don’t need the baggage, you are unnecessarily bogging down your vehicle and putting your suspension, brakes and transmission at risk, not to mention the gas mileage.
