Bad Driving Habits to Avoid While on Self Drive in Tanzania

Driving in a foreign country can be troublesome for first time travelers. In most Africa countries, it is important to know that self drive is not for first time travelers. If you are looking to safe travels, it is important to be in the know of the strict rules and good driving etiquette before you hit the road.

With Tanzania becoming a favorite destination for those looking to self drive holidays, it is important to know which bad driving habits not to bring into this peaceful nation.

To most drivers, the one bad driving habit they know and have been warned yet still violated is ‘Don’t drink and drive’. But there is a long list of bad habits solo travelers and others on self-drive in Tanzania or any destination should avoid. By being keen on these bad driving habits, you will certainly have a smooth road trip in Tanzania.

Resting your hand on the gear stick

Normally, driving instructors do advise that you keep both hands on the wheel at all times. Instead, most people have developed a bad driving habit of just resting their hands on the shifter. The gear stick is linked to a selector fork and this is designed to make contact with a rotating collar for a short amount of time. In case you rest your hand on the gearstick, you may need a synchronizer and bushings of the transmission to handle more weight than normal hence resulting into internal wear.

Always keeping the pressure on the brake pedal while driving downslope

This is one bad driving habit that can kill your car faster. Yes, driving down slope can be challenging but most drivers tend to make it a habit to keep their foot on the pedal to ease slow down movement. But the best thing could be to shift into a lower gear and this can slow down the car as you slope without putting pressure on brake pedals and rotors.

Not minding about warning lights

Usually, people tend to ignore warnings like bulb gone/washer fluid till they make a stop. And yet such may need to be noticed as early as possible. Ignoring them may result into damaging your gearbox and you will need to change its parts at the time not recommended.

Keeping on the clutch while driving uphill

In case you are driving an automatic car rental, there is no need to stay on the clutch while driving uphill. This may apply to manual vehicles. The best is to make use of automatic brake hold system while in that position. If your vehicle doesn’t have, then make the best use of hand brake.

Overloading the car

Every car has its recommended carrying capacity. This is why you should be certain of the number of people you plan to travel with so as to find a suitable car to fit all of them. Overloaded car can strain most elements of the brake, suspension among others.

Not using the parking brakes

Not using parking brake can be dangerous and it may require that the parking pawl works harder and eventually, it can break.

Not warming car engine

This looks obvious but a huge mistake many make. Before you set off, the engine should have warmed for some good time. Note, nearly all cars start with cold engines and that is why it is important to have them warmed before setting off.

Keeping the fuel tank to almost empty

This is another bad driving habit which needs to be avoided. Note, oil pumps can heat up and, in the process, the friction between the engine parts can increase in case it is not submerged in adequate fuel. The best is to go for full-tank to avoid such cases and this is even healthy for your engine.