lead foot driving Page 594

"Lead foot" driving is when your right shoe thinks it’s auditioning for Supercars—hard launches, late braking, and throttle like a light switch. It hammers fuel economy, easily adding 10–25% to consumption around town, and serves up extra wear on tyres and brakes for dessert. Your engine and transmission won’t send a thank-you card either, especially autos that hate constant kickdowns. Want to fix it? Smooth throttle, short-shift, look ahead to keep momentum, and coast when gravity’s already doing the work. Your wallet, neighbours, and the planet will breathe easier—and your trip time will barely budge.