Whether you drive professionally or simply love to get behind the wheel, there are many reasons why you may be on the lookout for ways to improve your driving experience. After all, driving is about far more than getting from A to B; it is an experience that can be a lot of fun! 

Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash

With that in mind, here are some top tips that you can use to improve your driving experience in the new year (and beyond).

Take care of your vehicle. 

One of the easiest ways to enhance your driving experience is to ensure your car is in good condition. This is particularly important for those driving second-hand cars or vehicles that may be on the older side, as you’re therefore more likely to encounter maintenance issues. 

Not only does improper maintenance put your safety at risk, but it can also impact your overall driving experience. For example, any damage caused to your tires can make for a bumpy drive, or you may notice that your vehicle seems improperly balanced. 

As such, you should conduct regular inspections of your vehicle for any signs of damage. If any issues are brought to light, seek to resolve them sooner rather than later – as ignoring them will not make the problem go away. In fact, it will only get worse and, therefore, more expensive to deal with. Remember to schedule your MOT, too – which is an annual requirement for vehicles three years or older. 

Remap your car. 

If you’re looking to fine-tune your car or improve your overall driving experience, you may want to consider a stage 1 remap. This is a simple procedure that can boost your vehicle’s performance and efficiency quite considerably, allowing you to make the most of your vehicle. 

Furthermore, one of the major benefits associated with finding the right remapping professionals is that you won’t have to take your car into remapping; they’ll come directly to your door! 

Save up to buy your dream car.

While there are many ways in which you can make your car purchase more affordable, the truth is, if you’ve set your sights on a luxury car, you may need to save up for a little while in order to make your dream a reality.

If you’re somebody who finds it hard to save money, try to remember the bigger picture. Skipping out on a takeout coffee or staying for a night instead of going out will feel a lot easier to manage when you picture yourself getting behind the wheel of your dream car. 

Pimp your ride.

Vehicle modifications and enhancements can also help to improve your driving experience, as they mean that you are driving in style. For example, a fresh paint job or wrap can breathe new life into an otherwise tired or dated vehicle. Alternatively, you could invest in modifications that enhance your comfort levels when driving, such as seat covers and cushions. 

Take the road less travelled. 

Sometimes, your enjoyment behind the wheel has nothing to do with the quality or state of your vehicle and everything to do with the road you are driving down. For example, repeating the same commute day in and day out is bound to get monotonous, which is why you should always keep an eye out for fun driving experiences, such as a road trip.

While many people think of the USA when embarking upon a road trip, there are plenty of road trips that lie a little closer to home – which means you can drive your own vehicle too. For example, you could drive down one of Britain’s “top driving roads,” such as the EVO triangle in Wales, the Lake District’s Snake Pass, or The Moffat Loop in Scotland. In short, there’s no end to the opportunities to take the road less travelled, even if it might take a little longer than planned. 

Keep your cool.

Road rage, or general stress relating to arriving at your destination on time, can also hamper your driving experience. After all, the negativity associated with this kind of behaviour can quickly take all the fun out of driving. For this reason, it’s important that you’re able to maintain your cool.

 Remember that flying off the handle will not change anything, aside from the fact that it could put yourself and others in danger. For example, a recent study found that road rage “is a factor in more than 50% of all car crashes that end in fatality.” 

While it may seem overly simple, taking deep breaths is one of the easiest ways to remain calm while driving. This is because taking a deep breath in and out “promotes relaxation and hence reduces stress.”

 If you believe that another driver is being unsafe on the road and may be putting themselves and others at risk, ensure that you report them to the relevant authorities when it is safe to do so as opposed to trying to intervene yourself.  

Find ways to keep driving fun. 

While your main focus should always be on the road when driving, so that you’re aware of potential hazards, there are still plenty of ways to have fun when behind the wheel. For example, you may want to curate the perfect driving playlist so that you’ve got something to sing along to whenever you are driving – though be sure to set this up ahead of time so that you are not using your vehicle when driving.

If you’re not a big fan of carpool karaoke, you could instead download a podcast. This could be a great way to explore a special interest or learn more about important topics, all during your morning commute! Similar tactics can be used to make driving more fun for any passengers present, too, including small children. 

Final Thoughts. 

From finding the perfect songs to sing along to when driving to spending a bit of money on car modifications and enhancements, there are plenty of ways in which you can enhance your driving experience – without having to be in an entirely new car. 

About the Author: John Loughran