What will driving smoothly do

The graph also shows the spike in force as the driver lifts off the gas and engine braking kicks in. Graph 3: Smoothly accelerating from stationary — grip demands on the driven wheels. This driver has exceeded the maximum amount of grip available and wheel-spin has now occurred. This is not a good way of getting a quick start. Graph 4: Accelerating hard, spinning wheels in a rear wheel drive car.

When changing up or down, avoiding shock loads through the transmission is essential, especially in a powerful car. When changing down, releasing the clutch rapidly can result in rapid forward weight transfers and in extreme cases, the driven wheels can lock. Use rev matching discussed later where possible to smooth out down changes, and release the clutch with mechanical sympathy in mind.

When changing up, releasing the clutch smoothly and moderating the use of the throttle is essential to prevent wheel-spin especially important in a powerful car.

Remember that a missed gear due to a rushed gear change is much worse than taking a little more care with the shifts. Never change gear mid-corner if it can be avoided, and when approaching a bend ensure you prepare by selecting a gear which will allow you to accelerate out. Diagram 2: A smooth gear shift is vital to get the best times on the track. Rapid weight transfers caused by aggressive steering, acceleration, braking or gear changes can upset the balance of the car, and potentially cause you to lose control.

Conversely, weight transfers can also work in your favour. For example, lifting off the throttle briefly before entering a corner may increase the available grip at the front wheels, lead to a better turn in, and reduce understeer.

Diagram 3: Large weight transfers can be produced by aggressive steering. Rev matching is a technique used to prevent unnecessary weight transfer during down-changes in a manual transmission car.

For a demonstration of why this concept is useful, select third gear and accelerate to about rpm, then quickly select second and release the clutch fairly rapidly.

Also, riding on the edge of the road might expose you to deeper water whereas riding in the centre of the lane is often slightly raised and has fewer puddles. Generally, though, the concept of turning towards the apex is the same, and this is also used in motor racing. The IAM would advise to do all your braking in a straight line, and only turn in towards the apex once you can see through the whole corner — stay more towards the outside of the bend to improve your visibility.

Once you can see through the corner you position your car correctly into the exit of the curve, and this is not like letting it drift out.

This is the technique that police use because it is safer, even though it is slightly slower. The second part of the equation is anticipating what is happening ahead. The idea is that you will be able to coast to a stop or, at least, use your brakes less forcefully. The same applies when you are catching another vehicle up; ease off the throttle as you approach the vehicle ahead rather than having to use the brakes.

The final part is using your accelerator or brake properly. Operating your vehicle smoothly will improve safety, increase fuel mileage and reduce component wear. It is relatively stable in this position, with weight securely and somewhat evenly distributed. Vehicle movement, coupled with your driving actions, upsets this balance. Starts shift weight to the rear, stops shift weight to the front and turns move balance from side-to-side. Sudden, severe changes in balance lead to loss of tire-adhesion to the road surface and loss of control.

A smooth driver, using anticipation and gentle input, will make these changes in balance less jerky, making their transitions more gradual and avoiding traction loss. Vehicle balance varies with drive-train arrangement front, rear, or all-wheel drive and with vehicle size and style. Slight pressure on the gas pedal is all it takes to give the vehicle an energetic start. Some models also allow you to adjust the force of the regeneration.

To take full advantage of the system, use the brake pedal as little as possible and anticipate slow-downs by looking well ahead of you on the road.

Smooth driving requires you to be respectful of others, which means not driving too close to other vehicles, letting vehicles pass you when merging lanes, limiting sudden changes in speeds, etc. In addition to being more pleasant for everyone, this style of driving is helpful for reducing energy consumption and improving the flow of traffic.

Many electric vehicles have an Eco mode that reduces the responsiveness of the gas pedal and engine torque and increases regenerative braking.

Make sure you know how long your trip will take in order to avoid being in a hurry and be able to adopt a smooth driving style. A large majority of electric vehicles have an integrated navigation system. Go to: Main Menu Content Footer.