Let’s face it, driving isn’t cheap these days. However, like lots of people, you might rely on a car to get around. The good news is, as long as you’re savvy, there are ways to control your spending. By following these simple but effective tips, you may be able to bring your motoring costs down.
Choose an efficient car
First and foremost, make sure you’re savvy when you’re selecting your cars. It’s not only the initial price you must take into account, but the ongoing running costs too. As a general rule, small cars with small, efficient engines are the cheapest to use. These vehicles also benefit from lower road tax charges.
Keep your insurance costs down
Regardless of the type of vehicle you purchase, you’ll need to keep your insurance costs down. Lots of people make the mistake of renewing with their existing cover providers year after year without seeing if there are better deals available. Bear in mind, you don’t have to spend hours trawling the web to find competitive premiums. You can leave the legwork up to brokers like Chill, who will search the market on your behalf to turn up the best offers.
You may also be able to reduce your cover costs by fitting approved alarms or immobilizers, and by using off-street parking.
Think before you refuel
Another money saving tip is to choose the cheapest garages when you need to refuel. If you simply wait until you’re nearly out of petrol and then head to nearest fuel station, you could end up paying much more than you need to, especially if you find yourself in motorway petrol stations. Pump prices can vary considerably, and it’s a good idea to get to know the cheapest in your area, and to shop around when you’re away from home.
Service your car regularly
Although services themselves can cost you money, it’s important to get your car checked out on a regular basis. This will help to maintain engine efficiency and therefore keep your fuel consumption down. Keep a close eye on your tyre pressures too.
Drive carefully
Then there’s your driving to consider. To reduce your fuel use, try to drive smoothly and change gear as soon as possible without labouring the engine. Also, stick to the speed limit on the motorway. Travelling at 80-85 miles per hour on these roads can raise your fuel use by a quarter or more.
Also, remove any roof boxes when they’re not in use and don’t store unnecessary items in your boot. This will increase the weight of your vehicle and cause you to burn more fuel.
Driving may never be cheap, but by following advice like this, you can at least keep your expenses in check.
