Running a car has become a major expense, especially with the ever increasing fuel prices. Drivers can use certain methods to not only decrease fuel consumption but to also reduce other costs when running a car throughout the year. The expense of running a car is no joke and can take a huge chunk out of the monthly household budget. UK drivers are becoming increasingly frustrated at the rapidly rising car fuel costs. As petrol prices look set to increase the only option open to drivers will be to find more economical ways to run their cars. Please read our blog to find ways that you too can save costs throughout the year!
Trade In the Petrol Guzzling Car
Fuel prices are pretty high at the moment and do not look likely to decrease in the near future. Filling that tank is now a huge expense for most motorists, and cars that drink fuel are quickly going out of fashion. Smaller cars do not weigh as much as the bigger models and fuel consumption can be as much as 50% less than larger cars. Choose a car by actual requirements rather than desires. Dropping down to a less powerful car can also save on insurance costs as well as fuel consumption. These are two major ways that you can save money all year and still have the luxury of owning a car.
Seek Out the Lowest Fuel Prices
With diesel and petrol prices increasing it is important to achieve the best prices available. The internet will be of use when it comes to sourcing out the best fuel prices in the local area. There are actually petrol comparison sites on the internet that will give updated prices on a range of petrol stations including supermarkets. Prices are changing regularly so it is important to check on these sites daily. Obviously if it is a 15 mile round trip to the cheapest petrol station it may not be worth the journey to save a 1p on a litre of fuel! Filling up your tank at non motorway service stations is cheaper normally so plan in advance of your journeys. Remember, do not fill a car tank completely; more fuel in the tank means a heavier car and this will increase fuel consumption. Also do not drive around too pften with very little fuel as the sediments in the bottom of the tank can cause damage in the long term. Look out for supermarket petrol offers such as 5p off a litre of fuel when you spend £50 on groceries - these offers can save you £'s over the year!
Two Can Pay For Car Fuel Cheaper than One
Car pooling is one of the most cost effective ways of cutting fuel costs. Whether it is employees who are sharing a car when driving to work or neighbours taking their kids to school this is an excellent fuel saving tactic. Drivers who are car pooling can take turns using their cars each week or use the car which has the lowest fuel consumption. Car pooling can greatly decrease the running expense over the course of a year and is better for the environment. If sharing journeys with someone at work you can automatically cut your fuel consumption in half - fantastic savings for both people!
Change Your Driving Habits
The way a car is driven can make a significant difference to fuel consumption. Streamlining a car simply means shutting windows whilst driving and removing roof racks, and this will save on fuel consumption. Make sure tyres are properly inflated - consult your owners manual for the correct tyre pressures - if in doubt pop into your local independent garage - ACC UK Ltd of Farnborough, Hampshire - Independent Volvo & Toyota Servicing, Repair and MOT Specialists offer their customers free tyre and battery checks - and avoid using the air conditioning when driving. Driving at 55mph rather than 70mph will cut fuel consumption by 20%. Avoid warming your car on idle on cold mornings; this wastes fuel every day.
Shop Around for the Best Insurance Quotes
Insurance is a big expense each year but it is also a necessity. If your insurance policy is up for renewal, always shop around and obtain quotes from different insurers. Consider negotiating with present insurers if rivals have offered lower insurance quotes. Insurers won’t offer a lower quote to a customer they have had for years but they may be more likely to if they think they are going to lose a customer. Tweaking your insurance may also make a big difference - consider upping the excess on your policy!
Undertake Your Own Car Repairs
This tactic will not be for everyone but a driver who has the basic car mechanic skills can save a lot of money. Let’s face it, some people would actually have trouble changing a car wheel and will pay a garage or roadside recovery to do this. It doesn’t cost much or take long to learn the basics of car mechanics and there are usually classes available at local colleges. Minor repairs can usually be undertaken once the knowledge has been gained. Learning the basics can be a big money saver especially for families that run two cars. At the very least learn how to check the oil and coolant levels and keep the fluids topped up. Regular servicing of your vehicle will help to maintain the longevity of your vehicle whilst at the same time help to avoid breakdowns - shop around for quotes when it comes to your cars annual servicing and repairs that are required - it is normally a lot cheaper to take your car to an independent garage rather than a dealership. Dont be fooled by the cheap MOT offers - garages offering MOT's for silly prices will need to make up the money in sometimes unnecessary repairs. It really is not possible for a garage to perform an MOT for £20 or so - they would be loosing money! Find yourself a good reputable local independent garage and stick with them! Having a fully serviced and maintained car will save you money in the long run by being more reliable and less likely to breakdown not to mention the fact that the resale value of a car that has been well maintained will be far greater than one that has not.
Do You Actually Need Roadside Recovery?
Roadside recovery is another expense but is it actually cost effective? Many people have some form of roadside recovery as a safety back-up but never actually use it. Anyone who lives in a city or town is unlikely to require a roadside recover service; if a car breaks down in a city, a garage will tow it to their premises for repairs. If you do actually think that this service is essential then make sure to shop around for the best prices. Look out for special deals where basic roadside recovery prices can be had for as little as £10 per year. A lot of people have free roadside recovery attatched to our current bank accounts - check to see if this is applicable to you!
