How to save money when driving

Drivers can be hit with some of the highest costs around, from car insurance premiums to rising fuel rates, driving is now more expensive than it has ever been! Many drivers rely on their cars for all aspects of everyday life and getting to work, school, and running errands would be so much harder without a vehicle. If you’re looking to reduce your car’s running costs and save money as a driver, follow our top tips below!

1.      Hunt for low interest car finance.

Most drivers use car finance or some form of car credit to buy their cars. Whilst the car finance industry is booming, drivers are still choosing the wrong agreements for their situation. When shopping around for car finance, you should never solely focus on the lowest monthly payment. Cheaper payments usually mean a longer loan term and a higher interest rate which can both make financing more expensive. Instead, you should always look for the deal with the lowest interest rate possible.

2.      Find cheap fuel near you.

Fuel costs are one of the most expensive things a driver can pay for. Help to save money on the road by finding the cheapest fuel in your area. Usually, supermarkets can offer some of the lowest fuel rates around but it can be worth doing your research. Handy apps like Petrol Prices can help you to find the cheapest petrol and diesel prices around your postcode. You could also consider buying an electric vehicle because the cost to recharge an EV is considerably lower than refuelling your car with petrol or diesel.

3.      Combine your trips.

A little bit of thought and pre-planning can help you to save money when you’re out on the road. If you need to make multiple trips in one day, consider if they could be combined into one longer journey. Multiple short trips put your car under more pressure and it needs to work harder to warm up the engine each time. By combining your trips, you can reduce fuel consumption and save money.

4.      Check your car’s tyre pressure.

Tyres that are underflated use more fuel so it’s important your tyres are correctly inflated. To find out what your tyres should be, you can consult your car’s handbook or it can be found on your driver’s side door. Once you know what your correct tyre pressure should be, head to your local supermarket which offers a tyre pressure inflating service. This can be done for as little as £1 and follow the instructions on the screen to fix your tyre pressure.

5.      Stick to the rules of your PCP deal.

PCP deals are one of the most popular ways to get a car but it can be more complicated than other deals. A PCP deal requires you to set an agreed annual mileage at the start of the deal and also agree to keep the car in good condition. If you exceed either of these you can incur charges at the end of your deal which makes PCP deals more expensive.

6.      Declutter your car.

Did you know extra weight in your vehicle increases how much fuel you’re using? Many of us are guilty of using our vehicles as a way to lug around excessive clutter. Loading up your vehicle puts additional strain on it, making your car less reliable and increases your fuel consumption. Cut your running costs by getting rid of unwanted items in your car and only take the essentials for each journey.

7.      Wash your car yourself.

We’ll agree there’s nothing more satisfying than a fresh valet to freshen   up your car. However, they can be pricy! If you have the space and facility to wash your car at home yourself, it can save you a lot of money. On average, a full car valet can set you back around £50! So, grab your sponge and bucket and save yourself some money.

8.      Pay for your car tax annually.

Road tax or car tax is a legal requirement for all cars driving on UK roads. The DVLA gives you options to pay your Vehicle Exercise Duty monthly, 6 monthly or annually. However, both monthly and 6 monthly payment options can incur interest fees to do so, making your car tax more expensive than it already is. The best way to save money is to pay your car tax annually is one lump sum payment.

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.