Cutting the Cost of Car Ownership

Running a car becomes more expensive every year which is just one of the reasons more people are turning to other modes of transports such as motorcycles, bicycles, trains and buses. However, this is not a viable option for everyone and sometimes owning a car is vital.

Here are a few tips that will help keep the running costs down, and make it easier for you to keep your car on the road.

Check Out Insurances

Car insurance can vary greatly from company to company. It is affected by your age, your driving experience, your postcode, and several other factors. There are some things that different insurance attach more or less importance to, which is just one of the reasons the premiums can vary so much.

The excess on the policy also makes a difference and whether you want it to include breakdown cover or not. Shop around when your car insurance is due and find the best deal. Just make sure that you have exactly the cover you want, as the cheapest is not always the best, which you may only find out if you need to make a claim.

Avoid Motorway Services For Fuel

Service stations on motorways and busy dual carriageways tend to be the most expensive for fuel. According to the AA, just 5p a litre adds more than a £100 to your yearly fuel bill so it is worth finding the cheapest one local to you.

Taking it easy on the accelerator will mean you use less fuel and that will also help to cut the bill. Accelerate gently and brake as little as you can for this to be the most effective.

Keep Your Car Maintained

Look after your car and keep it in good condition to avoid costly repair bills and save money. When it is being serviced, for instance, if the mechanic spots a minor problem, have it put right before it turns into something major.

If the steering, brakes or anything else feels different to normal, get them checked out before doing many more miles.

If your vehicle is under warranty, this does not mean you have to pay top price at the dealership. Because of EU directives taking away the monopoly on servicing and repairs, there are dealer alternative garages and if you use one of these, the repair bill will be cheaper and your warranty will not be voided. Dealer alternative garages do have to be registered and competent and you will find plenty of them online.

There is also the MOT to consider. You do not want the cost of a retest, so make sure it passes the first time. Check things like the fluid levels, the state of the tyres, the lights and mirrors before you go. These are minor things that could mean your car fails the test, but they are just as important as the major things you cannot check yourself.

If your car is a must for you and your family, you need to keep the running costs as low as you can, and hopefully, these tips will help you to so that.