Whereas many Brits think about themselves assured drivers, that doesn’t imply they aren’t responsible of believing and following a number of false guidelines on the highway.
Over the previous three months, searches for ‘is driving barefoot unlawful’ and ‘can you utilize water as an alternative of coolant’ have elevated by 50% and 49%, respectively.
However driving myths aren’t simply easy misunderstandings, they’ll in some instances be unsafe and incur potential fines.
So, to assist motorists separate truth from fiction, the automotive consultants at Vertu have analysed search knowledge to disclose and debunk 4 of the commonest driving myths.
Each month, over 5,000 Brits search to see whether or not driving barefoot is against the law. The excellent news for these with a penchant for driving with out footwear is that it isn’t unlawful. However that doesn’t essentially imply it’s protected to do, both.
Carrying smart footwear is far safer than driving barefoot. Put on flat, thin-soled footwear that allow you to really feel the pedals extra simply. And ensure your footwear can not slip off your ft simply, in order that they don’t turn out to be a distraction when driving.
Additionally, at all times keep away from sporting excessive heels, flip-flops, or heavy boots when driving as they make it a lot more durable to regulate your automobile.
Delusion: You should use water as an alternative of coolant
When your automobile is overheating, it may be tempting to make use of water as an alternative of correct coolant. Nevertheless, water lacks anti-corrosive elements which can trigger rust in your engine, resulting in leaks and harm.
Nevertheless, in an emergency the place water is your solely possibility, use distilled water. In contrast to faucet water, which incorporates minerals that may hurt your engine, distilled water has no impurities. As soon as the emergency is over, flush out all of the water and refill it with coolant. In case you are nervous concerning the situation of your automobile after utilizing water as a coolant, then it’s best to get a summer season examine.
To be sure you don’t get caught out or have to make use of distilled water, hold some engine coolant within the boot of your automobile for emergencies.
Delusion: You possibly can’t eat and drive
Legally talking, there’s nothing stopping you from consuming and driving. Nevertheless, in case your snacking turns into a distraction, it might be thought of careless driving. In case you are discovered to be driving carelessly, you could possibly be dealt a hefty £100 on-the-spot high-quality and three factors in your licence.
Should you do get the urge to snack, keep away from messy meals that would steal your consideration from the highway. If that’s al you’ve, then it’s in all probability finest to tug over and eat whereas parked.
Delusion: You possibly can drive with a cracked windscreen
Whereas there isn’t a particular regulation on cracked windscreens, it’s a motoring offence if the crack obstructs your view. If caught, you could possibly face a £100 high-quality and obtain three factors in your driver’s licence.
In response to MOT guidelines, your windscreen shouldn’t have any greater than 40mm of injury wherever. Even a 10mm crack immediately within the driver’s line of imaginative and prescient can lead to MOT failure.
Should you’re driving with a cracked windscreen and get into an accident, you would possibly face extra extreme driving expenses. The accident might be thought of your duty as you had impaired visibility.
There you’ve it, the 4 most searched-for driving myths debunked.
