MORE than 7.5million drivers are at risk of a £2,500 fine over a common driving habit.
From running the tank low on fuel to late braking, it’s common for drivers to pick up bad driving habits.
More than 7.5million drivers are at risk of a £2,500 fineAlamy
A recent study has found that over seven million UK drivers are at risk of a fine of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points due to poor driving habits that they’ve picked up.
Car experts at Comparethemarket found that 18% of UK drivers (equalling 7,492,656 motorists) are guilty of hitting potholes and speed bumps, and just over 6 million admitted they’re unaware of the damage this could cause to their vehicle.
In addition to the impact having the potential to cause buckled wheels, lumps in the tyre, and cracked alloys, it can also leave drivers with a fine of up to £2,500 for then driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition.
The study also found that the most common bad habit among UK motorists is not cleaning the car exterior regularly, with 30% of drivers admitting to this – despite 44% saying they know it could be causing further damage.
Drivers are advised to clean their car exteriors at least once every two weeks to help prevent corrosion and avoid rust damage to the undercarriage, which can cause more serious mechanical issues in the long run.
The second most common bad habit is resting a hand on the gear stick, which 24% of drivers admitted to doing.
Although this may seem harmless, it can put unnecessary pressure on the selector fork, leading to unnecessary wear and tear.
Other common bad habits include regularly running the tank low on fuel (17%) and slamming the car door shut (15%).
Julie Daniels, a car insurance expert at Comparethemarket, said: “It’s important to be aware of any potential bad driving habits you’ve picked up, and the impact these may have, to ensure that you aren’t unknowingly causing damage to your car.
“If you do end up having to book your car in for a repair, you may wonder if it’s worth doing this through your car insurance.
“If the cost of repairs isn’t much more than your excess, it might be better to pay for the damage yourself and preserve your no-claims discount, as making a claim can often increase the cost of your car insurance premium.”
Plus, drivers have been warned that a two-word message could land them a £2,500 fine and a day in court.