We know that everything is expensive right now. The headlines about the cost of living are hard to escape and it seems everything is going up in price. Even things we thought were cost-effective, like switching to electric vehicles, are becoming pricey.
So, when it comes to your car, how can you save money? For many of us, we need to drive to get the kids to school or to get into work. There are ways to cut the costs involved with getting behind the wheel. Here are some ideas to help.
Conserve fuel
We know that fuel is expensive right now. One way to save is to think about how you drive. Accelerate gently as this will use less fuel than if you set off at pace. Similarly, avoid driving erratically. By staying at a steady speed and not allowing your speed to increase and decrease suddenly, you’ll conserve fuel on your journey.
Also, if you’re waiting to pick someone up or you’re sitting in the car for a little while, turn your engine off. Leaving your car to idle both wastes fuel unnecessarily and damages the environment.
Find cheap petrol
All fuel is costly right now, but some petrol and diesel prices are more favourable than others. Shop around to find the cheapest option near you. Also, look out for local community groups online, such as Facebook, where residents are sharing their top cheap fuel tips. This is a great way to quickly locate fuel you can afford close by.
Self-maintenance tips
While you might need to call in the professionals to fix your car, there are some relatively easy tasks that you can try tackling on your own. Check your oil levels and topping up where needed is a vital job to keep your car running smoothly and it’s simple to do. Likewise, checking your tyre pressures will ensure you get the most out of them.
It may be that you need to fit a new tyre or wheel. Again, while this is something you could ask a garage to look at, it’s also a job that you might feel comfortable trying on your own. You’ll need tools like a jack and a socket set to remove the wheel nuts, and once you’ve mastered it, you’ll feel confident doing this next time.
Reduce wear and tear
There’s another reason to consider how you drive. If you maintain sensible speeds, accelerating and decelerating at the best pace, you’re less likely to damage your car. For instance, the suspension could need attention sooner if you fly over potholes and the brake pads could need replacing if you leave braking to the last minute, having to stop sharply.
Over time, your motor will experience wear and tear – it’s part and parcel of regularly using a car to get around. But the wear and tear will become more prominent more quickly if you drive in a way that could cause damage.
How will you save money on your car in the coming months?