Turn Off Your Car While Driving?
Posted on: September 29, 2008 by Matt
MSN has an article up this morning titled: 8 extreme ways to save some scratch and the number one tip is to “Turn your car off — while it’s moving”!!! Maybe it is just me but this idea is completely insane!!!! I understand the principle and how in theory it could save you a few drops of gas but is it anywhere near being worth the risk? This tip really belongs over with Lazy Man and Money’s list of Three Ridiculous and Stupid Ideas That Save You Money, not on MSN encouraging people to give it a shot. To the benefit of MSN readers (this article was linked on the main MSN homepage this morning) they do recommend that you “make sure you practice driving without power steering and power brakes in an open space before experimenting near other cars — or people” and tell you that AAA does not approve of the idea.
Since people seem to think that turning your car off while driving will somehow save you a few bucks in gas I think maybe we should look at the areas that it will potentially cost you a lot more. If you think that risking your well being along with that of everyone else on or near a road is worth a few bucks in gas please also consider the costs of:
- Medical Bills: The first time you make a mistake you will probably have a few extra medical bills. Car accidents are not cheap and not having the safety features built into your car available increases your chances of accident and injury.
- Car Repair: Body shops will be glad to take your money to fix up your car.
- Insurance Premiums: Imagine what your insurance company will think when the police report from an accident says that you had turned off your vehicle while it was in motion. I am pretty sure that the premium will go up from an accident. If they catch word that it may have been caused by turning your car off I would not be surprised if they deem you uninsurable.
- Increased wear on car parts: Starting your car engages a lot of parts in your engine. Turning your car off and on in traffic will probably strain (at the very least) your starter, transmission, alternator and various other parts.
Seriously – features like power brakes and power steering are there for a reason and cars are meant to be running while in operation. I am in favor of saving a few bucks anywhere I can but at the very least think of your safety and the lives of other motorists, their families and pedestrians.
Yeah, it does save money, in ridiculous & stupid way..
I am amazed that MSN would actually be so irresponsible as to think he average person reads and understands this fully… or wouldn’t just use it as an opp for a lawsuit after their accident because they couldn’t turn their locked steering wheel.
Yeah – I read the article, wrote this one then went back cause I was stunned. I could not believe I actually read it.