When going on a safari, it is important to take care of both the car and the driving habits to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. However, many people unknowingly engage in harmful driving practices that can damage their vehicle physically and mechanically.
This article highlights some common bad driving habits that can hurt your obtained rental car in Africa, offering useful tips on how to avoid them. These bad practices mildly damage the car both physically and mechanically. To save your day and keep the safari trip enjoyable, we bring to you the bad driving practices that are damaging your car, which you should stop doing immediately to avoid further complications.
Keeping the Tank Almost Empty
Running your car with a near-empty fuel tank is a bad habit that can harm the engine over time. When the fuel level gets too low, the engine doesn’t get enough fuel to perform optimally. This causes the engine to overwork, increasing the strain on its components and potentially damaging vital parts. Moreover, the fuel system can become clogged with sediment if the tank is constantly running low. To avoid this, make it a habit to fill up the tank when the fuel light comes on, ensuring the engine has sufficient fuel for smooth and efficient operation. Keeping the tank adequately filled helps extend the lifespan of your car and keeps it running smoothly.
Delaying Regular Service
Drivers often make the mistake of waiting for the car to show clear signs of damage, like warning lights or strange noises, before getting it serviced. One of the most common issues is neglecting to check fluid levels regularly. If you let your car run low on important fluids, such as engine oil or coolant, it could result in serious mechanical failure. Over time, this kind of neglect can lead to costly repairs or even permanent damage. To keep the car running smoothly, it’s essential to schedule regular maintenance, ideally every 2000 kilometers or when the car’s manual recommends. Keeping the car in good condition ensures that the vehicle runs optimally and helps prevent breakdowns on the road.
Staying on the Clutch While Driving Uphill
For those driving manual transmission cars, pressing the clutch pedal when driving uphill can seem like a good idea to keep the car from rolling back. However, this puts a lot of strain on the clutch and can cause it to wear out quickly. Keeping the clutch engaged for extended periods reduces its lifespan and makes shifting gears harder. The proper technique when driving uphill is to use the handbrake to hold the car in place before gradually releasing the clutch as you press the gas pedal. This method ensures smoother and safer driving, without damaging the clutch or the transmission.
Laying down Your Hand on the Gear Road
Resting your hand on the gear lever while driving is a habit that may seem harmless, but it can actually cause significant damage to your car over time. The gear lever is designed to be used briefly when shifting gears, not for constant pressure. When you rest your hand on it, it can cause wear on the internal components, leading to premature damage. This damage may eventually affect the shifting mechanism, making it harder to change gears smoothly. To avoid this, always keep both hands on the steering wheel and use the gear lever only when necessary. This simple habit will protect your car and ensure smooth driving.
Accelerating the Engine before It’s Warm
Jumping into the car and immediately driving off without allowing the engine to warm up can harm the vehicle. When you start the engine, especially in cold weather or after the car has been idle for a while, the engine oil needs time to circulate and lubricate all the parts. Driving too quickly before the engine is warmed up can cause unnecessary friction and wear on the engine components. To protect your engine, always allow it to idle for a few minutes before driving, especially after long periods of inactivity. This habit can help extend the lifespan of your engine and improve overall performance.
Neglecting Warning Lights
When driving, sometimes your car’s computer detects problems that are not immediately noticeable. These problems are indicated by warning lights on the dashboard, which may appear in different colours, such as red, green, or orange. It’s crucial not to ignore these warning lights, as they usually signal issues like low oil levels, malfunctioning brakes, or hydraulic problems. Even small issues can escalate into bigger, more expensive problems if not addressed immediately. If a warning light comes on, it’s best to get the vehicle checked as soon as possible. Regular attention to these alerts can save you from larger mechanical failures and ensure the safety of your safari journey.
Keeping the Pressure on the Brake Pedal While Driving Downhill
It’s a common mistake to keep your foot on the brake pedal when driving downhill, especially when in drive gear. This puts excessive pressure on the brake system and can cause the brakes to overheat, making them less effective over time. Constantly applying the brake on steep declines can lead to brake failure, creating serious safety risks for you and others on the road. A better way to drive downhill is to shift into a lower gear. This helps control the car’s speed without overworking the brakes, keeping them in better condition for longer. By reducing the pressure on the brakes, you’ll protect them from unnecessary wear and enhance your safety.
Overloading Your Car
Overloading is another dangerous habit that can cause long-term damage. Cars are designed to carry a specific weight, and exceeding that limit can lead to various issues, such as damage to the suspension, brakes, tires, and the overall structure of the vehicle. This can cause the car to become less stable, especially when driving on rough terrains during a safari. Always ensure that you are within the recommended weight limit for passengers and cargo. Overloading not only damages the car but also compromises safety, increasing the risk of accidents. Always check your car’s manual for its weight capacity and follow it closely.
Stopping the Car with the Parking Gear
Many drivers make the mistake of using the parking gear (or parking brake) to stop their car, especially when parking on an incline. This is a risky practice that can put unnecessary strain on the transmission and other components of the car. Instead, the correct procedure is to bring the car to a complete stop using the regular brake, then shift the car into the parking gear and engage the parking brake. This method reduces the risk of damaging the transmission and ensures that the car remains securely in place when parked. By following these steps, you will protect your car from unnecessary wear and maintain its functionality for longer.
Conclusion
To keep your car in good condition and avoid expensive repairs, it’s important to break these bad habits. Regular maintenance, paying attention to warning lights, and using proper driving techniques can save your vehicle from damage. By following these simple steps, you’ll have a smoother and safer ride during your safari.
