The Driving Tips Thread

normally_crazy · 14th March 2005, 23:14

guys,

this thread is aimed at being a collection of driving tips. we all know the basic rules of driving - what i expect to see here are tips that we as drivers have learned , observed , inculcated etc while driving on the roads in our respective areas. tips that can help all members here to drive better , drive safe and spread the word around.

so guys , let the tipping began !!

i have 2 tips/suggestions

1) dont drive too close to the exhaust pipe of trucks and buses even with your windows rolled up..the smoke still manages to enter the cabin and it also affects the working of the radiator !

2) suppose you are driving behind 2 cars in a straight line and the car in front of you doesnt have working brake lights leaving you guessing when he is braking. to avoid this - you can look through the car in front of you at the brake lights of the car in front of him to judge the braking during day while at night just keep an eye under the car in front of you..if the guy in front of this car brakes you can see the brakes lights sine on the road under the car in front of you. off course , better keep safe distance from him !!

cheers

cream · 15th March 2005, 00:20

my simple driving tip for those who like driving out of town (like me)

never overtake without being able to see - like on a bend along a two laner...be patient - it saves lives

Shan2nu · 15th March 2005, 00:31

On a long distance trip, try and keep your speed below 120kmph. Sustaining high speeds over a long duration maynot be the best thing for your tyres.

It always helps to check your tyre pressure once a week and before a long trip.

Shan2nu

drifter · 15th March 2005, 08:13

Tips For Taking Tight U-Turns

1. Always check all the mirrors before making a U turn.
2. If your car has a poor turning radius or if the U-turn is very tight, just before the U-turn, pull the car to the left a bit and then cut right at the apex of the turn. Its like a racing line but its taken at sedate speeds. You start wide and cut the apex and get out wide....but in the city its best not to exit wide as you have to be careful of traffic. This way, three point turns can be avoided at most times.

And always remember, take u-turns with caution and at sane speeds.

For getting out a tight space (For Front Wheel Drives Only)

If you turn the wheel to full lock, and apply just the right amount of wheelspin for just the right amount of time, you can get out of tight spots without having to put reverse gear many times to get out. Example - parallel parking.

Word of caution - This technique requires a very good control on your clutch and accelerator, so dont do it while parallel parked unless you have mastered it, because if you get it wrong, its highly likely that you would bang into parked cars in front of you.

Other Tips
1. Keep your car as visible as possible on the roads at all times. (Reason why my fogs are on, even in the day.

)

2. Dont cross speed limits, they are there for a reason.

3. Be prepared for the worst. Always assume that the other drivers will do
something stupid.

4. Keep your car in good health, especially the brakes and the tyres.

5. On a slope, dont balance the car on the clutch, it ruins your clutch plates.
Use the handbrake instead.

6. While waiting first in line at a signal, it may not be the best idea to apply
the hanbrake, use the footbrake, because if some car hits you from the
back, the handbrake may not be enough to stop you from being pushed
right into a busy intersection.

7. Practice lane driving, signal for lane changes, and DONOT TAILGATE.

8. Lastly, Alcohol and cars dont mix. Proof of that is the recent crashed
Octavia RS at haji ali.

So drive safe dudes.

Drifter

Harrie · 15th March 2005, 08:40

Tips while driving on the highway:

1. Check the tire pressures before starting a journey. Make sure the spare tire is also in a good condition
2. Fill up fuel only in company owned pumps or even better only in towns enroute as the chances of fuel getting adulterated are less
3. Never stop the car and get out in a deserted location as much as possible
4. Try to activate the roaming in your mobile phone if possible
5. Inform a close friend the route you'll be taking and also keep updating them where you are at regular intervals.
6. When driving in the afternoon, try to kepp your speed below 100 and try to listen to some music to keep your self from falling asleep. The afternoon sun, lonely roads and a good lunch can have a hypnotic effect. In which case take a nap at the hotel and then start.

amitoj · 15th March 2005, 11:08

My two bits about highway driving..

1. Keep something to chew on or munch when on a long drive. Helps you stay alert. Heard Red Bull helps u stay focussed on long drives. Dunno whether true or not.

2. When you see someone in ur RVM coming at a speed higher than yours, dont wait for him to get on ur tail before u let him pass. Move over to the center or left lane well in advance, so that he doesnt think of overtaking from left.

3. Take frequent breaks. Step out of the car and enjoy the scenery.

4. If using AC, dont keep the vents closed for long durations. Make sure u r getting fresh air inside the cabin.

5. Get the tyre pressure of the spare wheel also checked before starting.

City driving tips:
1. Heck jus roll up the windows, listen to your favourite music, follow lane discipline and ignore the moron honking behind you.

2. Do not get involved in races.

3. Do not listen to music at a very loud volume... there jus may be an ambulance behind you.

4. Be a good citizen and get ur vehicle pollution checked regularly.

The points above are not the main points. The main-est point has been emphasised upon by others many times... thats drive safe.

Cheers
Amitoj

speedsatya · 15th March 2005, 11:22

when overtaking buses at bustops ,honk honk honk .as there can people running across teh road from the front of the bus straight into ur path.

when on long drives avoid taking a heavy meal if you are the only one who is driving.

brake before u approach a ditch or a breaker.and not when you are into it.

keep a watch on the temperature gauge.

keeping the engine bay clean also helps.

Rtech · 15th March 2005, 11:40

Quote:

If you turn the wheel to full lock, and apply just the right amount of wheelspin for just the right amount of time, you can get out of tight spots without having to put reverse gear many times to get out.

Full lock and wheelspin!! That is a recipe for wrecking your CV joints!

Harrie · 15th March 2005, 11:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rtech

Full lock and wheelspin!! That is a recipe for wrecking your CV joints!

not to mention the tires too!

drifter · 15th March 2005, 13:58

hehehe, i didnt say it was going to be easy on the car. And it doesnt come into much practice anyway. My CV joints are good after 30000kms. Cant say the same about the tyres though.

Drifter

drifter · 15th March 2005, 21:14

Either ways...

Its just something i wanted to share...but not something i'd recommend....
Sorry about forgetting to add "not recommended" tag to that tip.

Drifter

Rehaan · 16th March 2005, 01:02

Not to mention the >

Quote:

if the U-turn is very tight, just before the U-turn, pull the car to the left a bit and then cut right at the apex of the turn.

tip,

another recipie for disaster! lol

cya
R

vance0712 · 16th March 2005, 01:09

what about the manikchand that i see so many drivers eat

many of my friends do it too especially on long drives

whats up with that

not that i wanna start with it .......

gamerno1 · 16th March 2005, 04:33

lol vance, have seen many people have it before long drives. no idea why?

drifter · 16th March 2005, 07:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rehaan

Not to mention the > tip,

another recipie for disaster! lol

cya
R

Only if you dont watch your mirrors for traffic.
Anything done on the road irresponsibly can cause an accident. Its upto the drivers how careful they are.

Drifter

14th March 2005, 23:14	#1
normally_crazy Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Mumbai Posts: 4,305 Thanked: 543 Times View My Garage	The Driving Tips Thread guys, this thread is aimed at being a collection of driving tips. we all know the basic rules of driving - what i expect to see here are tips that we as drivers have learned , observed , inculcated etc while driving on the roads in our respective areas. tips that can help all members here to drive better , drive safe and spread the word around. so guys , let the tipping began !! i have 2 tips/suggestions 1) dont drive too close to the exhaust pipe of trucks and buses even with your windows rolled up..the smoke still manages to enter the cabin and it also affects the working of the radiator ! 2) suppose you are driving behind 2 cars in a straight line and the car in front of you doesnt have working brake lights leaving you guessing when he is braking. to avoid this - you can look through the car in front of you at the brake lights of the car in front of him to judge the braking during day while at night just keep an eye under the car in front of you..if the guy in front of this car brakes you can see the brakes lights sine on the road under the car in front of you. off course , better keep safe distance from him !! cheers Last edited by normally_crazy : 14th March 2005 at 23:16.
	() Thanks

15th March 2005, 00:20	#2
cream BHPian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: mumbai Posts: 158 Thanked: 4 Times	my simple driving tip for those who like driving out of town (like me) never overtake without being able to see - like on a bend along a two laner...be patient - it saves lives
	(1) Thanks

15th March 2005, 00:31	#3
Shan2nu Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Hubli - Karnata Posts: 5,533 Thanked: 127 Times View My Garage	On a long distance trip, try and keep your speed below 120kmph. Sustaining high speeds over a long duration maynot be the best thing for your tyres. It always helps to check your tyre pressure once a week and before a long trip. Shan2nu Last edited by Shan2nu : 15th March 2005 at 00:40.
	() Thanks

15th March 2005, 08:13	#4
drifter Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 1,488 Thanked: 75 Times View My Garage	Tips For Taking Tight U-Turns 1. Always check all the mirrors before making a U turn. 2. If your car has a poor turning radius or if the U-turn is very tight, just before the U-turn, pull the car to the left a bit and then cut right at the apex of the turn. Its like a racing line but its taken at sedate speeds. You start wide and cut the apex and get out wide....but in the city its best not to exit wide as you have to be careful of traffic. This way, three point turns can be avoided at most times. And always remember, take u-turns with caution and at sane speeds. For getting out a tight space (For Front Wheel Drives Only) If you turn the wheel to full lock, and apply just the right amount of wheelspin for just the right amount of time, you can get out of tight spots without having to put reverse gear many times to get out. Example - parallel parking. Word of caution - This technique requires a very good control on your clutch and accelerator, so dont do it while parallel parked unless you have mastered it, because if you get it wrong, its highly likely that you would bang into parked cars in front of you. Other Tips 1. Keep your car as visible as possible on the roads at all times. (Reason why my fogs are on, even in the day. ) 2. Dont cross speed limits, they are there for a reason. 3. Be prepared for the worst. Always assume that the other drivers will do something stupid. 4. Keep your car in good health, especially the brakes and the tyres. 5. On a slope, dont balance the car on the clutch, it ruins your clutch plates. Use the handbrake instead. 6. While waiting first in line at a signal, it may not be the best idea to apply the hanbrake, use the footbrake, because if some car hits you from the back, the handbrake may not be enough to stop you from being pushed right into a busy intersection. 7. Practice lane driving, signal for lane changes, and DONOT TAILGATE. 8. Lastly, Alcohol and cars dont mix. Proof of that is the recent crashed Octavia RS at haji ali. So drive safe dudes. Drifter Last edited by drifter : 15th March 2005 at 08:16.
	() Thanks

15th March 2005, 08:40	#5
Harrie BHPian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: KA 03, KL 12, TN 38 Posts: 701 Thanked: 36 Times View My Garage	Tips while driving on the highway: 1. Check the tire pressures before starting a journey. Make sure the spare tire is also in a good condition 2. Fill up fuel only in company owned pumps or even better only in towns enroute as the chances of fuel getting adulterated are less 3. Never stop the car and get out in a deserted location as much as possible 4. Try to activate the roaming in your mobile phone if possible 5. Inform a close friend the route you'll be taking and also keep updating them where you are at regular intervals. 6. When driving in the afternoon, try to kepp your speed below 100 and try to listen to some music to keep your self from falling asleep. The afternoon sun, lonely roads and a good lunch can have a hypnotic effect. In which case take a nap at the hotel and then start.
	(1) Thanks

15th March 2005, 11:08	#6
amitoj Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Windham, NH USA Posts: 3,406 Thanked: 3,499 Times View My Garage	My two bits about highway driving.. 1. Keep something to chew on or munch when on a long drive. Helps you stay alert. Heard Red Bull helps u stay focussed on long drives. Dunno whether true or not. 2. When you see someone in ur RVM coming at a speed higher than yours, dont wait for him to get on ur tail before u let him pass. Move over to the center or left lane well in advance, so that he doesnt think of overtaking from left. 3. Take frequent breaks. Step out of the car and enjoy the scenery. 4. If using AC, dont keep the vents closed for long durations. Make sure u r getting fresh air inside the cabin. 5. Get the tyre pressure of the spare wheel also checked before starting. City driving tips: 1. Heck jus roll up the windows, listen to your favourite music, follow lane discipline and ignore the moron honking behind you. 2. Do not get involved in races. 3. Do not listen to music at a very loud volume... there jus may be an ambulance behind you. 4. Be a good citizen and get ur vehicle pollution checked regularly. The points above are not the main points. The main-est point has been emphasised upon by others many times... thats drive safe. Cheers Amitoj
	(1) Thanks

15th March 2005, 11:22	#7
speedsatya Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2004 Location: bangalore/manga Posts: 3,167 Thanked: 741 Times View My Garage	when overtaking buses at bustops ,honk honk honk .as there can people running across teh road from the front of the bus straight into ur path. when on long drives avoid taking a heavy meal if you are the only one who is driving. brake before u approach a ditch or a breaker.and not when you are into it. keep a watch on the temperature gauge. keeping the engine bay clean also helps. Last edited by speedsatya : 15th March 2005 at 11:25.
	() Thanks

15th March 2005, 13:58	#10
drifter Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 1,488 Thanked: 75 Times View My Garage	hehehe, i didnt say it was going to be easy on the car. And it doesnt come into much practice anyway. My CV joints are good after 30000kms. Cant say the same about the tyres though. Drifter
	() Thanks

15th March 2005, 21:14	#11
drifter Senior - BHPian Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 1,488 Thanked: 75 Times View My Garage	Either ways... Its just something i wanted to share...but not something i'd recommend.... Sorry about forgetting to add "not recommended" tag to that tip. Drifter
	() Thanks

16th March 2005, 01:09	#13
vance0712 BANNED Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: mumbai Posts: 142 Thanked: Once	what about the manikchand that i see so many drivers eat many of my friends do it too especially on long drives whats up with that not that i wanna start with it .......
	() Thanks

16th March 2005, 04:33	#14
gamerno1 BHPian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Andheri (w), Mumbai Posts: 407 Thanked: Once View My Garage	lol vance, have seen many people have it before long drives. no idea why?
	() Thanks