The 0-60 measurement is a big deal in the automotive industry. The quicker a car can get from stationary to just below the national speed limit, the more desirable it is… despite the fact that you’re unlikely to ever need to reach 60 mph in under 3 seconds. That doesn’t stop some people from putting their foot down as soon as they drop the handbrake, though, but should it? Will the rough ride of excessive acceleration do serious damage to your car? Let’s find out.
If your car has already suffered damage, whether it was through harsh acceleration, a worn out engine, a crash, or any other unfortunate scenario, Scrap Car Comparison can help you sell it for the most money the market can offer. With a network of scrap and salvage dealers that spans 99% of the UK, our ATF (Authorised Treatment Facility) partners are able to buy your car or van wherever you are and will even collect it at no extra cost! So, give us a call on 0333 344 9950 or use our scrap car price calculator for a valuation on your vehicle today!
What Is Excessive Acceleration?
Excessive acceleration is the act of pulling off from a standstill at a much faster pace than is reasonable for the road you’re on. For example, if you’re merging from a slip road to a dual carriageway and, for whatever reason, you’re currently going very slowly, then you’ll need to accelerate harshly to match the speed of the traffic.
However, if you’re turning onto a residential road or sitting at traffic lights in a city centre, there’s almost certainly no good reason to slam your foot down and power up to 30 of 40 miles per hour in a split second. This unnecessary speed from the off is excessive acceleration.
What Happens When You Accelerate Harshly?
When you accelerate harshly, there are a number of negative impacts that both you and your vehicle will suffer from. The increased sudden strain that your car is put under will speed up wear and tear on parts of your car, including in your engine, brakes and tyres. This wear and tear can cause all sorts of problems, often noticeable due to strange noises – whether it’s a whistling sound or a deeper hum,
The impact on your tyres will come about because sudden acceleration leads to wheelspin, which for those who aren’t aware, is when your car’s tyres can’t grip the road surface because they’re turning too fast. Other maintenance issues can include creating a rattling sound in your car when you pull off too quickly and something underneath the vehicle breaks free of its bracket holding it in place.
There’s also the effects that excessive acceleration will have on you as the driver. We’ve mentioned already that wheelspin is a common consequence of such driving behaviours, and this indicates a lack of control of the vehicle. Accelerate too quickly around a bend and you could end up spinning the car out. The lack of traction also means you’ll be less able to take evasive action in a dangerous situation which, ironically, you’re more likely to find yourself in if you accelerate recklessly.
Finally, there’s the economical and environmental impact. Accelerating too fast will reduce your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, not only harming the environment but also your wallet.
Is Excessive Acceleration Illegal?
No, excessive acceleration is not illegal as such, as long as you don’t end up going over the actual speed limit, but it could get you into trouble indirectly.
If the police notice your burst of pace and think it endangers pedestrians or other road users, you could be stopped and charged with dangerous driving and suffer the punishments that come with it – a hefty fine, points on your licence and potentially even jail time in serious circumstances.
Is It Better To Accelerate Fast Or Slow?
Slower, gradual acceleration is better all-round. Your car will live longer if you don’t treat it harshly, and you’ll save money on fuel in the long run. You’ll also find that your driving ability improves over time and that the experience of driving will be more comfortable.
Has excessive acceleration killed your car or van? Get a quote now from Scrap Car Comparison and we’ll find you the best quotes for it from scrap and salvage buyers in your local area. Our nationwide network of ATFs means that you can sell your vehicle with us in a flash, wherever you are, and you’ll even get the collection and removal included at no extra cost. So, give us a call on 0333 344 9950 or use our scrap car price calculator to get a quote today!
