How to save money on your motoring

Living costs are rising, including the cost of motoring. Fuel prices eat up a growing proportion of our monthly budgets, and insurance is getting ever-more expensive as cases of fraud and the expense of compensating the victims of uninsured drivers increase. However, there are ways to contain the costs and keep on the road.

• - Drive more efficiently. Why waste expensive fuel? There’s no need to employ extreme ‘hypermiling’ techniques: simply lighten your right foot; maintain a steady speed (especially on the motorway); try and avoid sudden acceleration or braking by planning ahead and staying super-aware; use your gears intelligently to keep engine revs down - and you’ll soon see a difference. Find the cheapest filling station in your area – fuel prices can vary considerably – but don’t drive too far out of your way and outweigh any benefit.
• - Shop around for insurance. Don’t just grit your teeth and accept an automatic renewal from your existing insurer – the best deals are to attract new customers. Price comparison sites make finding the lowest quote easier, though they may not list all insurers, so look at several. 
• - Shop around for servicing. Independent garages are generally cheaper than franchised dealers, and prices for renewable items such as tyres and brakes can vary, as can the price of an MoT test. Most garages will now offer a fixed-price ‘menu’ for servicing, so compare what you’re getting at each. There’s no legal obligation under European law to have a new car serviced at its manufacturer’s franchise to maintain the terms of its warranty. 
• - But don’t skimp. Make sure your car is maintained as it should be, with regular oil changes and replacement of key components as advised by the manufacturer. This will save you money in the long run, and even if you’re planning on selling your car or trading it in soon, it’ll be worth more with a full set of stamps in its service book and evidence to reassure its next owner that it’s been well looked-after. 
• - Do some DIY. Learn how to do some simple jobs and preventative tasks: check your oil, and your tyre pressures (this will aid efficiency, as well as guard against premature tyre wear). Top up coolant, washer fluid and other essential oils and lubricants between services – don’t just wait to run out and risk any damage. Changing wipers and headlight bulbs (on most vehicles) is easy, too – no need to pay someone else to do it. Some items, as well as tyres, can be bought cheaply online. And do you really need to pay for a car wash or valet when you could get out there with a vacuum and a bucket of soapy water? All these costs add up.
• - Buy smarter next time. When it comes to replace your current car, make sure you’re going for something more fuel-efficient, classed in a lower tax band and insurance group, and a model that will hold its value well. The largest cost for buyers of new and used cars is still depreciation (loss in value), so invest wisely.