Driving a car is expensive. You have to continually pay for fuel, maintenance, repairs, and spare parts. You have to buy insurance and road tax, and fork out for parking and motorway tolls. And that’s all on top of the cost of the vehicle itself. It takes such a huge chunk out of your bank account balance, you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s not worth the expense.
Fortunately, there are so many ways to reduce the amount of money you spend on your driving habits. With some careful money management and the right strategies, you can cut your expenses dramatically, leaving yourself a lot more money in the bank at the end of the month.
To get you started, here are four tips to reduce your driving costs.
Shop around
Most people are starved for time in this day and age. You have so many pressing work, familial, and social commitments that you have very few precious minutes to spend on car admin. For that reason, when you have to make a purchasing decision, it’s tempting to just go with the first option you come across. But when you buy anything, whether it’s a secondhand car, an insurance policy, or a full service from a mechanic, it always pays to do a little research. Don’t just go with the first option that looks good, or stick with the same provider you’ve always been with. Talk to different companies and ask for a quote for comparison. This won’t take up a great deal of extra time but the cost savings could be astronomical.
Drive better
Over time, most drivers will adopt bad habits that significantly affect their fuel consumption. By rethinking your behavior on the road, you could save a great deal of money on gas. There are several driving techniques that will boost your fuel efficiency, such as maintaining a constant speed when driving fast, coasting to decelerate, and accelerating gradually. For more advice, check how to improve combustion efficiency and fuel consumption here.
Find cheaper fuel
Most people, when they need to fill up, will go to their local gas station or the first one they come across. But fuel prices vary drastically from place to place, and it’s usually worthwhile to shop around. There are websites and apps that help you find the cheapest gas in your area, and a slighter longer trip might add up to a much greater cost saving. Next time you’re driving and you see a gas station offering low prices, it’s a good idea to fill up even if you have a nearly full tank.
Service your car
A poorly-maintained car will have a greatly reduced fuel economy. Before every long journey, it is worth taking your car in for a service or giving it a once over yourself. The most significant factors to check are the oil levels and making sure your tires are inflated to the correct pressure.
By following these tips, you might not see an impact right away, but over time the cost savings will be colossal.
