Not sure I agree 100% with doing unnecessary things, rather I like to what's required, when it's needed. It leaves you more time to do the important stuff, i.e in this situation spend longer looking out, rather than take time concentrating on the engine .
I remember being told by my advanced driving instructor about when to use indicators. I maintained that I should use them at all times, even if there are no cars about, whilst he told me that my lookout should be good enough that I should be able to tell when certain things are unnecessary.