{"id":6870,"date":"2023-02-13T09:33:30","date_gmt":"2023-02-12T23:33:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nimble.com.au\/blog\/?p=6870"},"modified":"2026-03-19T14:23:13","modified_gmt":"2026-03-19T04:23:13","slug":"the-cost-of-driving-bad-habits-to-avoid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nimble.com.au\/blog\/the-cost-of-driving-bad-habits-to-avoid\/","title":{"rendered":"The Cost of Driving: Bad Habits to Avoid"},"content":{"rendered":"

There were 20.1 million registered vehicles in Australia, as of the 31st of January, 2021<\/span>1<\/sup><\/a><\/span><\/span>. You\u2019d think Aussies loved to get behind the wheel!<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite the fact that driving is one of the most dangerous things people do each day, so many of us dare to defy distractions from behind the wheel or push our four-wheeled friends past the brink of their intended use.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Bad driving habits can not only distract you behind the wheel, but can also cause a hit to your hip pocket. We\u2019re talking about avoidable car expenses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a look at some of those habits and just how costly they could be to the environment, your health and safety, or your wallet.<\/span><\/p>\n

Running your car with low fuel in the tank<\/b><\/h2>\n

We have all done it at least once in our driving repertoire and that is – running our car on a low tank.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The fuel light comes on when you’re almost home, so you think, I’ll just fill up the next time I go out. The next day you wake up late and need to get to work, racing out the door to your trusted people mover, just to remember that the fuel light is on. So you run the gauntlet, and somehow make it to your workplace, because the fuel tank is a \u2018later\u2019 problem.<\/span><\/p>\n

The lucky ones make it to a fuel station on the smell of fumes but for some of us, it goes downhill very quickly. The power of the universe can only allow for so much and that’s when we end up phoning a friend or employing the help of roadside assistance. Many of these scenarios also involve the physical pushing of a car to get it out of the way of other drivers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So besides the cost of seeking assistance, running your car on empty can cause the fuel pump to become exposed and overheat <\/a><\/span>as it is designed to be submerged in the fuel. The other concern is that if you continue to run it dry, you could lose control of your brakes and power steering.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We recommend that you top up your tank when it gets down to a quarter and try not to be tempted by the fuel light roulette.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Braking too hard<\/b><\/h2>\n

When it comes to your driving style, if you feeeeel you\u2019re heavy on the brakes, you are most likely either driving too fast or stopping at the last minute.<\/span><\/p>\n

If that hits a little close to home, consider the times that you may have not been paying complete attention and slammed on the brakes at a traffic light or stop sign. Or perhaps you were talking to a passenger and only noticed a pedestrian crossing the road at the last second. And then there was that one time, when in a road-related rage – is it possible that you could have been tailgating that guy who cut you off?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

No matter the level of experience you may have or the make of the car you drive, braking too hard can wear out your brakes over time causing a larger than average mechanical bill. The damage could go beyond your brake pads and brake tubes and could possibly even trigger your ABS (anti-lock braking system) when it isn’t needed. You could also prematurely wear out your tyres as well as spend more cash on fuel.<\/span><\/p>\n

When was the last time you slammed on your brakes?<\/span><\/p>\n

Incorrect Tyre Pressure<\/b><\/h2>\n

Did you know that the right tyre pressure could prolong the life of your tyres and save you money in the long run?<\/span><\/p>\n

Maintaining your tyres can allow them to do their job better, which is keeping you safe on the road. Your tyres are the only part of your car that comes in contact with the road, so you want to make sure that they are looked after and continue to perform.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tyres with the correct pressure and right amount of tread can also help you save money when it comes to fuel and tyre changes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Learn how to check your tyre pressure<\/a> and tyre tread<\/span> to ensure a smoother ride and longer lasting tyres.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Skipping Car Services<\/b><\/h2>\n

Does regular servicing really make a difference?<\/span><\/p>\n

For those of us who aren’t too savvy when it comes to taking a look under the hood, a regular service may give warning or find potentially major mechanical issues before they get worse.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

An auto service can involve up to 50 or more component and system checks as well as adjustments<\/span>2<\/sup><\/a><\/span><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The cost of the service is well worth the money when it comes to maintaining your engine, monitoring performance and troubleshooting any underlying issues.<\/span><\/p>\n

And when it comes to selling or upgrading, a car that has been regularly serviced is more likely to hold its value. People want to buy an automobile which has been cared for and the proof is in the pudding.<\/span><\/p>\n

Using your mobile phone when driving<\/b><\/h2>\n

It may come as no surprise that using your mobile phone while driving could be dangerous and costly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It is illegal in all Australian states and territories to use a hand-held mobile phone whilst driving, including when stationary (for example, when stopped at a traffic light)<\/span>3<\/sup><\/a><\/span><\/span>. There are heavy penalties that come along with this bad habit too. Take a look at just how much it would cost:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
State<\/b><\/td>\nFine<\/b><\/td>\nDemerit Points<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
NSW<\/b><\/td>\n$352 ($469 in a school zone)<\/span><\/td>\n5<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
QLD<\/b><\/td>\n$1033<\/span><\/td>\n4<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
VIC<\/b><\/td>\n$545<\/span><\/td>\n4<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ACT<\/b><\/td>\n$487 – $598<\/span><\/td>\n3-4<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
SA<\/b><\/td>\n$554<\/span><\/td>\n3<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
WA<\/b><\/td>\n$500 – $1,000<\/span><\/td>\n3 – 4<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
NT<\/b><\/td>\n$500<\/span><\/td>\n3<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
TAS<\/b><\/td>\n$346<\/span><\/td>\n3<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

++These fines are a guide based on 2022 findings<\/span>4<\/sup><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/i> and subject to change at the discretion of each state or territory. Additional fines and demerit points apply in certain states and circumstances (such as being caught in a school zone).<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Besides a costly fine, using your mobile phone while driving can also be extremely dangerous to yourself, your passengers and anyone else on the road. According to an Australian survey in 2020, texting while driving is actually more likely to cause a fatality than drink driving<\/span>5<\/sup><\/a><\/span><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now that is some food for thought.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Speeding<\/b><\/h2>\n

When you’re running late, it can be tempting to step on the gas to try and shave a few minutes off your trip. But at what cost?<\/span><\/p>\n

Like using your phone behind the wheel, speeding can be a dangerous decision with a costly outcome, or worse case, a deadly one.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Not only could you face a hefty fine, you could also see a considerate drop in your demerit points if you are caught. Serious offences could face further penalties depending on your state or territory.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Speeding can also cause major injury or death as it reduces your control of the vehicle and can make it harder for you to slow down or stop. That’s not to mention the possible danger you could be inflicting on pedestrians or sudden emergencies on the roadside.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Whilst we know speeding is quite common, the facts are, a scary 45.5% of Australian drivers nationwide (out of 1000 drivers surveyed) admitted to driving over the speed limit<\/span>6<\/sup><\/a><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

So don\u2019t rush when it comes to driving, your appointments can wait those extra few minutes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Driving with headphones on<\/b><\/h2>\n

Listening to music in the car can be somewhat distracting itself, but wearing headphones whilst driving can take that distraction to a new height.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When you put your headphones in, sure you will be able to hear the person on the phone better or your favourite tune clearer, but it will drown out the noise of your surroundings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, we know you are thinking, well yes, that’s the point.<\/span><\/p>\n

But, the problem is that you could miss:<\/span><\/p>\n