Whereas many Brits take into account themselves assured drivers, that doesn’t imply they aren’t responsible of believing and following just a few false guidelines on the highway.
Over the previous three months, searches for ‘is driving barefoot unlawful’ and ‘can you employ water as a substitute of coolant’ have elevated by 50% and 49%, respectively.
However driving myths aren’t simply easy misunderstandings, they will in some circumstances be unsafe and incur potential fines.
So, to assist motorists separate truth from fiction, the automotive consultants at Vertu have analysed search information 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 unlawful. The excellent news for these with a penchant for driving with out sneakers is that it isn’t unlawful. However that doesn’t essentially imply it’s protected to do, both.
Sporting smart footwear is way safer than driving barefoot. Put on flat, thin-soled sneakers that allow you to really feel the pedals extra simply. And ensure your sneakers can not slip off your toes simply, in order that they don’t turn out to be a distraction when driving.
Additionally, at all times keep away from carrying excessive heels, flip-flops, or heavy boots when driving as they make it a lot more durable to manage your automobile.
Fable: You should utilize water as a substitute of coolant
When your automobile is overheating, it may be tempting to make use of water as a substitute of correct coolant. Nonetheless, water lacks anti-corrosive substances which is able to trigger rust in your engine, resulting in leaks and injury.
Nonetheless, in an emergency the place water is your solely choice, use distilled water. In contrast to faucet water, which comprises 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. If you’re nervous concerning the situation of your automobile after utilizing water as a coolant, then it is best to get a summer time examine.
To be sure you don’t get caught out or have to make use of distilled water, maintain some engine coolant within the boot of your automobile for emergencies.
Fable: You possibly can’t eat and drive
Legally talking, there’s nothing stopping you from consuming and driving. Nonetheless, in case your snacking turns into a distraction, it may very well be thought-about careless driving. If you’re discovered to be driving carelessly, you might be dealt a hefty £100 on-the-spot advantageous and three factors in your licence.
If you happen to do get the urge to snack, keep away from messy meals that might steal your consideration from the highway. If that’s al you’ve, then it’s in all probability finest to drag over and eat whereas parked.
Fable: 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 might face a £100 advantageous and obtain three factors in your driver’s licence.
In response to MOT guidelines, your windscreen should not have any greater than 40mm of injury wherever. Even a 10mm crack instantly within the driver’s line of imaginative and prescient can lead to MOT failure.
If you happen to’re driving with a cracked windscreen and get into an accident, you may face extra extreme driving expenses. The accident may very well be thought-about your accountability as you had impaired visibility.
There you’ve it, the 4 most searched-for driving myths debunked.
