Running a car is a major expense for many epople. With the current cost of living crisis, and many households owning more than one vehicle, it’s more important than ever to find ways to save money on motoring.
Here are just a few ideas on how you can reduce your motoring costs, from regular vehicle maintenance to shopping around for petrol, and insurance deals.
Regular Maintenance
Car repairs have become even more expensive in recent years due to the increased costs involved in manufacturing and shipping car parts. Coupled with inflation and rising overheads, this means many garages have been forced to put their prices up.
Maintaining your car properly is one way to avoid expensive repair bills later down the line as it can significantly reduce the likelihood of sudden breakdowns or your car developing serious faults.
You can undertake some routine vehicle maintenance tasks yourself, for example, ensuring your car engine oil is at the correct level, checking your tyre pressure every couple of weeks, and keeping fluid levels topped up. You should also follow your manufacturer’s service schedule as set out in your handbook, which will let you know which of your car’s parts need to be replaced and at what intervals.
Shop Around For Insurance Deals
Comparing insurance quotes and providers can lead to huge savings on your annual car insurance premiums. Don’t be afraid to shop around for the best deal, and make sure you’re comparing like-for-like when looking at different policies.
If you’ve invested in a new car recently, it may be a good idea to invest in gap insurance to protect you financially. This covers you for any outstanding finance balance on your vehicle if it’s declared a write-off following an accident.
Optimise Fuel Economy
Fuel is a major expense for car owners so finding ways to optimise your fuel efficiency is key to saving money. You can do this by being aware of your driving style and making adjustments as necessary, such as reducing your speed, driving at a steady speed and avoiding harsh acceleration, braking or cornering.
Not only will this save fuel in the short-term but it will also help to prolong the life of your vehicle, meaning less to spend on expensive repairs further down the line. Avoiding rapid acceleration and harsh braking is also a safer way to drive, reducing your risk of being involved in an accident. So not only will you and your passengers be safer, but your insurance costs won’t be negatively affected either.
Find the Cheapest Fuel
Perhaps the most obvious way to cut down on costs is to make sure the fuel you buy is cheaper in the first place. Both petrol and diesel prices are high right now, but saving a few pennies per litre each time you fill up your tank can soon add up. When it’s time to refuel, do your research and find your cheapest local filling station. You should also take advantage of loyalty schemes that offer discounts or rewards for filling up.