Save on the cost of running your car – a simple guide

With the cost of motoring currently standing at over £3000 each year, motorists are looking at every option available to reduce expenses. It’s easy to make savings if you do the right research. Here are some common areas where car drivers are likely to feel the pinch and what can be done to keep costs down.

Fuel
According to Sainsbury’s Bank, the average car owner now spends almost £1800 on fuel each year. You could save on fuel bills by:

• Finding the best fuel prices in your area, by going online or using smartphone applications.
• Driving slowly and smoothly. According to the AA, driving at 70mph uses 15% more fuel than driving at 50 mph.
• Regularly servicing and maintaining your car at a reputable garage.

Car insurance
Sainsbury’s Bank also found that car insurance premiums cost motorists almost £815 on average annually, and are one of the main factors for the overall rise in motoring costs. To find the best insurance that suits your needs:

• Shop around. You could save on your car insurance by phoning around or going online. Always remember to compare like-for-like policies.
• Read the fine print and find out if your policy charges you extra depending on your personal circumstances (e.g. age or driving experience) and type of car.
• Park your car in a garage or on your drive, instead of in the street – this could reduce the cost of your premium.

Car tax
The car tax rates which came into effect on 1 April 2011 are aimed at reducing emissions, so it makes more sense than ever to drive a more fuel-efficient car. If your car falls in a high-polluting band, it will be taxed higher than a more fuel-efficient model.

Car owners with new, high-emission cars may have to pay an additional, one-off ‘showroom tax’ based on their car’s CO₂ emissions. Consumer campaign group Which? says a big family car could cost you up to £540 more than the standard rate for the first year of motoring. Consider sticking to a more eco-friendly model.

Servicing
Keeping your car well serviced could save you money in the long run. Don’t be tempted to ignore faults, as these could turn into major expenses. The AA advises car drivers not to compromise on important things such as timing belts and oil changes.

Instead, the organisation suggests drivers get a better deal by using reputable garages. Make sure you get a quote before agreeing to any repairs.

MOTs
Ensuring that your car is roadworthy is a legal requirement and, although the MOT itself may not cost a lot, it’s often the repairs that follow a failed MOT that push up costs.

It might be worth considering doing your next MOT at a local council run MOT centre instead of a private garage. These centres don’t handle repairs and therefore have nothing to gain from failing your car – so you might be less inclined to question their objectivity.

Tyres
Maintaining good tyres can help keep your car running costs down. The AA recommends driving smoothly, slowly and braking less often, to help preserve tyre condition. Tyre pressure should be checked every 2 weeks, and tyres with a tread depth of less than 2mm should be replaced. It’s especially worth checking tyre condition before autumn and winter.

Breakdown cover
Having the right breakdown cover for your car can put your mind at ease on the road. It’s important to consider the kind of cover you need, before deciding on a provider. If your car is prone to frequent breakdowns, you might need more thorough cover, but if it’s brand new you might only need basic roadside recovery.


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