From smart parking to reducing your insurance premium, we have some tips to make driving a more economical option writes Geraldine Herbert
Owning a car is expensive, from the initial purchase price to keeping it on the road so for motorists feeling the pinch, here are a few ways to keep running costs down.
Look after your car
Cost-cutting on maintenance is a false economy and will cost you more money in the long run. Regular checks on the oil and fluid levels will pay huge dividends in the long run. Don’t skimp on tyres, apart from the safety benefit of good tyres they also boost your fuel efficiency when correctly inflated so always ensure that the tyre pressure is correct.
Pay your car insurance in full
If possible, avoid paying for your premium monthly, it is always cheaper to pay in one lump sum. Other ways to cut the cost of car insurance is to put a realistic value on your car. Insuring a car at a higher value than its market value will do nothing but waste money. In the event of an accident, insurance companies will only ever compensate you for what you have lost. Keeping your car safe may also reduce your premium and sometimes you can get a discount for fitting an immobiliser.
Tweak your driving to reduce your fuel bill.
Making small changes to the way you drive can mean fewer trips to the pumps. In fact, slowing down and using the correct gears can save you up to 15% so always aim for a smooth driving style.
Find the cheapest spot to park your car
A great way to minimise parking costs is to book online, many large car parks offer off-peak and online rates. Q-Park offers a substantial saving by booking online and also offer secure Bicycle Parking solutions for Businesses whose employees are changing the way they commute
Shop around for breakdown cover
Always shop around when you are looking for breakdown cover and remember the cheapest policy is not always the best option. You need to check exactly what is covered and more importantly what is not. Cover varies from policy to policy and can include anything from a tow to a nearby garage to alternative transport and accommodation.
Geraldine Herbert
28th September 2021
