Money-saving advice for drivers
Whether you’ve got a cute little Peugeot or a swanky convertible, running a car can be expensive. The cost of fuel, insurance, MOTs, tax and repairs soon add up, but there are ways to keep your motoring bills down. Here’s a quick checklist to help you keep those costs down.
Shop around for insurance
If your car insurance needs renewing, it can be tempting to whip out your UK credit card and pay the annual fee in one go – particularly if you had no problems with your existing service provider. Nevertheless, it’s worth shopping around to see if you can get a better deal elsewhere. With so many insurance companies to choose from, they are competing for your custom, so you can deserve to be a little picky. What’s more, don’t automatically assume third party insurance is the cheapest as many fully comprehensive policies have reduced in price.
Save money on petrol
While some cars go for miles on one tank of fuel, others need topping up on a regular basis. Obviously, the more you fill up, the more you spend, so look for a vehicle that burns petrol or diesel efficiently. Eco-friendly models are ideal or you might decide to go for something with a smaller engine as these tend to be kinder on your pocket and on the environment. Once you have the car your desire, find the lowest UK petrol price in your area and avoid premium fuel whenever you can. It’s also worth de-cluttering your vehicle as the lighter it is, the less energy it will require to accelerate – saving you money in the process.
Tyres
The performance of yor car and safety on the road is determined in part by the tyres you choose. There is no need to buy the most expensive tyres as these will not be necessarily better than more affordable ones. Low price Bridgestone tyres are widel accepted as perfect for most driving conditions in Europe and beyond.
Choose your garage carefully
Every vehicle needs a regular MOT, but it’s essential to choose your garage carefully. The maximum price you should pay for the test itself is £54.85 for cars, so question any unnecessary charges. As garages make much of their money from repairs, it’s important to be aware of dodgy dealer of Del Boy salesmen. Always ask for a second opinion if you smell a rat, or take someone along with you how knows about vehicle maintenance. To avoid a lot of hassle, it might be worth going to small council run garages as these don’t often do repairs – and therefore have few reasons to con you.
Think about car pooling
If your commute to work is both lonely and expensive, why not car share with colleagues? Simply find out who lives in your local area and divide the driving time between you. This could cut your fuel bill significantly and will give you someone to talk to as you head to the office. If people need a lift but don’t have a car, ask them to pay a set fee each week (depending on how far you have to travel) and drop them off each day! There’s a high change you’ll be charging them less than their train or bus fare, so they’re sure to jump at the chance. If you can’t find anyone to share with, register to carpooling websites to find like-minded individuals.