5 tips that will cut the costs on your car

Owning a car can be a costly investment, but the convenience of not having to rely on public transport to go about our daily lives makes it worthwhile. However, you may be paying over the odds to maintain your car, and there are a number of ways you can cut down the amount you’re spending. Check out these 5 tips for making your car as cost efficient as possible.

1. Pick the perfect car

Some cars will be cheaper to run than others, so do your research. Don’t be afraid to negotiate the best deal with your dealership. If you’re looking for a run-around car, consider getting one with a smaller engine to not only save on fuel consumption but also on insurance costs. There’s also a wide selection of cars out there that you don’t need to pay tax on, saving you a wedge of cash every year.

2. Change how you drive

How you drive has a big impact on the fuel economy of your car, so make sure you’re driving properly. Keep your car light – don’t store things in the boot if you can avoid it. Over-revving the engine, driving in the wrong gear and braking harshly can all drink up your fuel. If your parked up waiting for someone, turn your car off as leaving it idle will unnecessarily waste fuel. Making these simple changes can cut down your fuel costs.

3. Utilise your smartphone

Using a sat-nav will tell you the best routes to take to get you to your destination the quickest, factoring in traffic, accidents and roadworks. There are plenty of apps you can download to your phone that work as a sat-nav, so you don’t need to spend extra money. It may seem like a small change, but less time on the road means less fuel your car uses. Remember that you can face a fine and points on your license for using your phone in the car (and it is also dangerous!), so make sure to get a phone holder and set up before you head off.

4. Fix problems before they get worse

A chip on the windscreen is much less costly to repair than needing to replace a cracked one. Don’t leave problems as they might get worse – sort them as soon as possible so you don’t have to spend a fortune later down the line. Keep your tires inflated too, as under-inflated tires will need to be replaced more often.

5. Learn to shop around for fuel

Service stops on the motorway will generally charge more for fuel as there aren’t many competitors, so plan ahead. If you can, try to fill up before you set off or find out prices of places you pass to get the best deal. Premium fuel may sound like the best choice for your car, but unless you have a performance car you won’t really see the benefit. Stick to standard fuel to avoid wasting extra money.