How to save money as a driver

Whether it's commuting to work, running errands, or embarking on road trips, our cars play a significant role in our daily lives. But do you feel motoring costs are becoming very expensive? From the cost of fuel to the maintenance of your vehicle, motoring costs can consume a large amount of your annual income. However, fear not! Navigating the world of driving doesn't have to drain your wallet. In fact, with the right strategies and a bit of savvy, you can steer your way towards significant savings without compromising on the joy and convenience of life behind the wheel. Below are some tips to help you save money by reducing your motoring expenses. Follow these tips and start saving money.

1.Use car parking apps

In the digital age, using car parking apps is a smart and efficient way to trim your motoring expenses. There are apps such as Parkopedia where you can check the cost of parking in different car parks near your selected location. It’s a good way to compare parking prices instead of just settling for the first car park you come across. Their database allows you to choose from over 70 million parking spaces in 89 countries. For example, often city centre parking is more expensive so, if possible, consider parking slightly further away instead of centrally and this could save you some money. This tip ensures that every penny spent on parking is a well-informed decision, leaving you with more funds for the experiences that truly matter.

2.Black box insurance policy

A black box insurance policy is a modern marvel for thrifty drivers. With a telematics device in your car, this policy calculates your insurance premiums based on your actual driving behavior, rewarding safe practices with lower costs. Acceleration, braking, and overall driving patterns are tracked, enabling you to prove your responsible driving habits. This is especially good for young drivers who are finding it difficult to get cheap car insurance. As well, many people decide to accept their auto-renewal quote immediately, however before doing this you should call your insurer and try to haggle for a reduced price. It’s also a good idea to compare different insurance quotes to see if you can get a cheaper quote with a different insurance company. Websites such as gocompare.com and moneysupermarket.com are great for comparing car insurance quotes.

3.Search for cheaper fuel

By searching for the cheapest fuel available, you could save yourself a lovely amount on fuel over the year. Of course, this doesn’t mean going out of your way to find the cheapest fuel, however don’t always stick to the same filling station as it isn’t always the cheapest. There are websites such as PetrolPrices.com where you can find the cheapest fuel prices near you. Also, sometimes there are cashback options where people can get cashback on their fuel purchases. This is often only a small percentage back and last for a limited time, but this does add up over time. Options such as www.topcashback.co.uk are available to get cashback on fuel purchases. Search the internet as you may find other useful options too.

4.Check for vehicle faults before an MOT

Often vehicles fail their MOT due to minor faults which could have easily been fixed beforehand. By identifying and rectifying potential faults in advance, you can prevent costly surprises and avoid failing the MOT test. Tackling problems early, potentially saves you from hefty repair bills and keeps your vehicle roadworthy without denting your budget. Start by examining components such as the lights, tyres, the windscreen and wipers. Of course, you should only fix minor faults yourself if you 100% know what you're doing. 

5.Buy economical tyres

Often people are tempted to buy cheap tyres for their car in order to save money. However, it has been found that buying good quality ‘eco’ or ‘energy saver’ tyres helps to reduce fuel consumption. This means you could save money on your annual fuel costs whilst also being assured your vehicle has quality tyres. Additionally, durable economical tyres can extend their lifespan, minimising the frequency of replacements. While the initial cost might be slightly higher, the savings in fuel and extended tyre life make them a cost-effective choice worth considering.

6.Check your tyre pressure

It's important to check your tyre pressure as it affects the vehicle's performance and fuel consumption. If your tyres are inadequately-inflated then this will increase fuel consumption. Also, over or under-inflated tires wear unevenly, leading to premature tire replacement. Properly inflated tires can last longer, saving you money on replacements. It's recommended that you check your tyre pressure around once every two weeks, especially if you're going on long journeys. Refer to your vehicle's manual or the driver's door jamb sticker for the recommended pressure, and use a reliable tyre pressure gauge to make adjustments as needed.

7.Consider a Fuel-Efficient Vehicle

If you're in the market for a new car, research and choose a fuel-efficient vehicle that can save you money on fuel over time. Fuel-efficient cars consume less fuel per mile, leading to significant savings on petrol or diesel expenses. Over time, these savings can offset the potentially higher upfront cost of the vehicle. Take a look at our cheap car lease deals as we have a range of fuel-efficient cars available. We can also make part-exchanging your old vehicle for a new lease vehicle simple and straightforward. Click here to find out more. (Bear in mind that point 7 may be irrelevant if you're not currently looking to change your vehicle).  

Have you considered going green?

Leasing an electric car is not only great for the environment, but it’s also great for your wallet too in the long-term. A big advantage to electric vehicles is that they are cheaper to run than traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. Also, maintenance costs on electric vehicles are generally cheaper. If you're interested in finding out more about electric car leasing, call us on 0161 667 5338. Alternatively, view our current electric car lease deals and find your dream car today.

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