The Best Ways To Save Money As A Driver

Before I start dishing out driving tips to save money I think it’s a good idea to let you know my background. I have worked for many years in the repair and maintenance of motor vehicles. I am responsible for making sure all types of motor vehicles are legal to remain on Britain’s roads.

Over the last few years working with all manner of vehicles has given me a good background in how to run and maintain a vehicle without spending a fortune. I know a lot of driving tips which can help you save money

Cars and other vehicles like them are in themselves an expense. In some cases an unnecessary expense but for most of us, it makes our lives a little easier. The initial purchase can, of course, be expensive but in the main, the day to day running can add up and be just as costly on your pocket.

When you factor in Insurance premiums that keep increasing year on year. Putting fuel in your car, which keeps going up year on year. Then maintenance and repair bills. You can see why trying to save a little bit here and there will help out in the long run.

Ive compiled a few driving tips as well as other handy advice in which you can cut back on insurance, fuel, and maintenance to reduce your overall yearly motoring costs. I hope this makes running your vehicle a little easier.

Driving Tips To Save Fuel

Fuel in some countries is not a huge problem and prices are low but in Europe fuel prices are high. The average fuel price in the Uk at the time of writing is £1.20 for Unleaded fuel and £1.30 for diesel fuel per liter. 4.54 liters to a gallon equates to £5.34 and £5.90 respectively per gallon of fuel.

The average new car in the UK does around 50 miles to a gallon. That’s not too bad for £6. However, not everyone can afford a new car. Most people will get a lot fewer miles per gallon for their money.

So how do I save on fuel costs?, Well there are several ways.

Tyre Pressures

One of the simplest driving tips I can give you and also one of the most important things you can do to lower your fuel costs. You will normally find your pressures listed on the inside of your fuel cap. If it isn’t listed there then try the manual. Make sure you are checking your tyre pressures every 2 weeks.

If your tyres are a little flat then your engine has to work harder to pull you along hence using more fuel. Your tyres may not look flat but if they are 3 or 4 psi down then this can make a big difference. It can also wear your tyres quicker which leads to added costs. If you were looking for driving tips for new drivers this is also where I would start.

Air Conditioning

Air conditioning uses fuel to, believe it or not, again it has to do with your engine working harder to power the air conditioning pump.

If it is hot then, by all means, use it, Just be smart, don’t use it when you don’t have to. Some people I know leave it on all the time and this just isn’t necessary.

You could open your windows instead. This also uses more fuel because of the drag of the wind when your windows are open but it won’t use as much as air conditioning. So if you don’t need to use it. Turn it off.

Keep It Light

One driving tip most people don’t think of and I’m the worst culprit. If anyone is ever at fault for this then it’s me. I keep my boot full of the most needless stuff ever.

If I was to have a guess I would say I am carrying another 50 kgs of stuff in the back of my car. This is like having a passenger with me constantly.

So keep the vehicle light, cut down on the needless weight you may be carrying around with you.

Makes sense doesn’t it?, The more weight you have the harder your engine works to pull you along, therefore, the more fuel you use.

Keep To Speed Limits

The most important driving tip for new drivers is this one. The speed limits are not just there to keep you and other road users safe, they can also help you to save fuel.

Accelerate smoothly, change into a higher gear early and keeping within the speed limits will help you reduce fuel costs.

Sure if you drive 10mph faster you can get to your destination quicker but you will just burn more fuel. Just think the further you push that accelerator the more it is costing you.

Car Share/Pool

This is becoming more popular these days and is a great way to not only keep fuel costs down but also to help the environment.

Find someone who either you work with or lives near you and needs to go the same way to work. You all chip in for fuel which cuts your costs down and you have fewer cars on the road.

A few places in the Uk are trialing out a scheme where you get vouchers for using public transport or bikes etc. The results are sure to be interesting.

Cutting Insurance Costs

Now, most insurance companies will do anything they can to get out of paying up when you most need it.

The main thing when applying for new insurance is to make sure every detail you put down about yourself or your motor vehicle is accurate.

If it is not accurate they will refuse to pay out.

Make sure that when applying for new insurance you do it via a price comparison site. This will filter all the results and give you the cheapest to most expensive in a list to help you choose.

Also, it is worth signing up for your insurance via a cashback site. I have a cashback site article here where you can read and pick the right one for you. You will be able to get some money back as well as saving on your insurance.

Bigger Excess

The bigger excess premium you ask for the lower your monthly premiums will be, Just remember though, if you do have an accident you will need to pay that excess up front.

Lower Your Mileage

The fewer miles you can do in a year means the less your insurance will be. Work out what your average mileage is, then work out if you can reduce it in any way and then when applying to give the new lower mileage as this will reduce your premium.

Off The Road

If your vehicle is kept in a garage or on a driveway this will also help keep your premiums low. Please do not lie about this though as the insurance firm may not pay out.

Black Boxes

These are great for young drivers and can reduce policies by as much as 30%. These little boxes measure acceleration and driving habits and if you drive sensibly can really reduce your premiums.

Just You

Dont have anyone else on the policy as another driver. To insurers, this just increases the risk of an accident as the car is on the road longer and this will increase the amount you have to pay.

Maintanance And Repair

Unfortunately for most car owners, this is the real expense and it is the main reason why I see so many badly maintained cars that are way beyond saving.

Yes to keep your car running for as long as possible and to make it as economical for as long as possible, the annual services are going to be a necessity.

To keep costs down though always try and have a look yourself at the simple stuff. Bulbs, for example, can be brought for a very small cost. If these are left blown until the service then it will cost more as garages tend to add a small profit on top.

The same with wipers and tyres. You dont need to be an expert to see if these need changing or looking at. Just make sure once a month you are doing routine checks.

Shop Around

Make sure if you do have any servicing or repairs that you shop around. Much the same as many things there are a whole host of places looking to get and retain your business.

Ask For A Discount

Chances are when your car is in for repair the garage has their mark-up on parts as well as labor costs. there is always room for maneuver. When given a list or repairs ask them if that’s the cheapest they can do it. Usually, this will end up with them discounting it a bit. Failing that then say you are off to shop around and then ring back up and say someone can do it for less. Again usually they will want your business so will reduce the price.

Source Your Own Parts

Try some motor factors and source your own parts. Not all places will fit other peoples parts but some will and then you will only pay for labour which can make this a much cheaper way of getting your car repaired.

Get Out & Save

So there are some great driving tips which will help you to save money while still enjoying owning and running a vehicle. Let me know how you get on and any other ways you may have found in saving money running your vehicles.

If you are looking for further advice on any motoring topics that are not found here then a good place to start is The RAC. Have a look at their site as you are bound to find what you are looking for.