*This is a collaborative post

For the majority of people, cars are essential. Unless you live in a big city with amazing public transport, or a small town where everything you need is within walking distance, you’ll struggle to get by without your own vehicle. You use it for getting to work, seeing friends and family, shopping, and going on road trips across the country. Having a car is incredibly freeing and opens up a world of opportunity and adventure.

But the major downside of vehicle ownership is that it is incredibly expensive. There are so many costs involved with having a car, from the cost of the vehicle itself to insurance and tax to fuel and regular servicing. The average driver in the UK spends almost £3000 on their car each year, which is a monumental amount for any household. It’s understandable that you might want to cut vehicle costs and have more money left in the bank, and this can be done with a few small changes to how you use your car. The following article outlines ten smart ways to reduce your driving-related expenses.

Drive more efficiently

How smoothly you drive affects your fuel consumption, which in turn dictates how much money you spend on petrol or diesel or a given timeframe. Certain driving techniques use fuel much more efficiently, and will decrease the regularity with which you need to fill the tank. Try accelerating more smoothly and driving at a steady speed on long roads. Avoid harsh braking at junctions and roundabouts, and instead let the car naturally slow down. Not only will this save fuel, but it will also reduce wear and tear on the car, thereby extending its lifespan.

Keep tyres properly inflated

Tyre pressure impacts on fuel efficiency. Too many people drive around with underinflated tyres, which increases resistance and uses more fuel. Don’t wait until they are noticeably low to pump them up. Instead, check the air pressure monthly and if they need a top-up simply give them some air next time you go to get fuel. 

Compare insurance deals

A lot of people renew their car insurance automatically every year to save time, but you’re likely to get a better deal if you compare your options each time. Insurance prices change frequently, and many providers ramp up renewal costs each year simply because they know people will pay for it. Shop around before renewing, using comparison sites to help you find the best price.

Stay on top of regular maintenance

Regular servicing is important to keep your car in good condition and prevent bigger, more expensive issues from forming later down the line. At a minimum, you should get a yearly service from your local garage when you take it in for its MOT. If you drive long distances regularly, you may want to consider an interim service to keep it ticking over. Your service should include oil changes, brake checks, and fluid top ups. If you know what you are doing, you can save money by performing the service yourself.

Cut unnecessary trips

One of the best ways to save money on driving is to use your car less. Avoid unnecessary trips. If you have to go less than a mile, perhaps to the shops or to see a friend, consider walking or cycling for an added bit of cheap exercise. Combine multiple errands into one journey to reduce the number of trips you take. This will save fuel and reduce wear and tear over time.

Keep it simple

Many people like to add flashy upgrades and accessories to their cars for aesthetic appeal, but this is usually just unnecessary expenditure. If you really want to cut driving costs, focus on your needs rather than your wants. You don’t need shiny rims or bold decals to get from A to B safely. Avoiding these extras keeps costs under control and saves you money that could be better spent elsewhere.

Find the cheapest fuel

Fuel is one of the most consistent and regular expenses when driving a car, but it's not always cheapest to use your closest petrol station. Different outlets have different prices that fluctuate all the time, so you might be able to find a better deal elsewhere. Using a site like Petrol Prices is a great way to find the cheapest petrol and diesel in your area. Just remember to make sure it is worth the journey. It won't be cost effective to drive a long way to get slightly cheaper fuel from a certain location.

Understand your finance agreement

Many people who cannot afford to buy a car outright will purchase it on finance, paying a portion of the total cost plus interest every month until it is paid off. If going down this route, it is essential that you fully understand your car finance terms. Read the paperwork carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear. Knowing exactly what you’re paying for will help avoid surprises later on. In some cases, people even look into car finance claims if they feel their agreement wasn’t properly explained.

Build a car emergency fund

When things go wrong with your vehicle, it tends to cost a lot of money. It's worth building a car emergency fund so you can afford to pay for repairs, replacement parts, or even a new vehicle in the event of a malfunction. Put aside a small portion of your income each month towards the fund and you'll be grateful for your forethought when you do have a car problem.

Consider alternative transport when possible

You don’t always need to use your car to get from A to B. Consider other forms of transport where possible, such as public transport. You could also try car sharing to work with a colleague to reduce your car use, or working from home some of the time. Reducing car usage lowers overall costs and gives you more flexibility around transport.

In summary, each of these tips may only make a small difference individually, but added up they could make a significant impact on your finances. Try starting with a few tips and build from there. Good luck!

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