Want to try and cut down on your motoring costs?
From fuel to annual road tax, there’s no escaping the expenses that come with owning and driving a car. Fortunately, there are several ways to intervene and make sure that you’re not spending any more than you need to be.
Here are just a few practical tips to help you reduce the cost, especially through a few proactive changes.
Drive smoothly
Try to avoid harsh braking and acceleration. Both of these habits put strain on your car’s brakes, engine and transmission, especially if you’re routinely accelerating quickly from a standstill or coming to a sudden stop.
Consistent, smooth driving not only supports the longevity of your vehicle health but could save you money too. For example, telematics devices monitor these actions and reward drivers with lower premiums on renewal. Incentivised savings are just one of the benefits of telematics insurance.
Stick to speed limits
Speed limits are there for good reason, so try not to see the number as a target. And where your safety is concerned, there’s no avoiding the fact that you’re more likely to be involved in an accident if you’re driving too fast.
According to accident prevention charity Brake, excess speed is a contributory factor in a third of all fatal road crashes. Driving safely below the speed limit can positively influence your insurance costs and help to keep you, your passengers, and other road users safe.
Look after your car
Your car is only safe when it’s working properly. You should aim to get your car serviced at least once or twice a year. It will also need to be kept in good working order to pass its annual MOT test, which checks its roadworthiness.
A neglected vehicle is more likely to develop smaller issues, which could then turn into much more serious problems. A few checks you can carry out at home include those on tyre pressure, engine oil and coolant levels, and tyre tread depth.
Plan your routes
Getting organised and choosing your routes in advance is both proactive and cost-effective. Avoiding heavy traffic can increase your fuel economy, potentially saving you money on topping up your car. Additionally, congested areas increase the risks of accidents too.
If you’re using a telematics device for your insurance, it’s worth knowing that frequent stops-start traffic can negatively impact your overall score.
Put safety first
Finally, don’t underestimate the potential cost-savings of keeping your family safe. Choosing a car with all the right vehicle safety protocols means you’ll be less likely to be faced with expensive upgrades or compliance issues.
And this extends to your driving style too. Don’t be tempted to take risks or show off just because you’re trying to impress anyone. Use a Dash Cam if possible and take accountability for the way you drive.
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