5 tips for spending less on your car

Owning a car is one of the biggest expenses in life after buying a house and having children. This expensive hunk of metal can cause a huge dent in your bank balance, and can be incredibly unpredictable. You never know when your vehicle might break down on you, leading to a costly repair or replacement.

But driving needn’t be such a financial burden. There are ways to save money on all aspects of your car, from purchase to petrol and maintenance. Here are some tips for minimizing your driving expenses.

1. Get a good deal

Purchasing your car is usually the biggest expense over its lifetime. They can be incredibly costly, particularly if you are buying a new model. But you don’t need to blow your money on a state of the art sports car or rare classic. If saving money is your priority then you want to look for reliability. A sturdy hatchback with low mileage is often the best bet for getting you from A to B. Shop second hand to save money but make sure you use a reputable dealer to ensure quality. Don’t be afraid to negotiate if the price is a little too high.

If using a finance plan instead of paying outright, make sure you shop around to find the best deal. And check whether you are eligible for any car finance claims that will allow you to reclaim money you are owed.

2. Drive less

Over 70% of all car journeys are under five miles, and 25% are less than a mile – certainly within walking distance. By reducing the number of car journeys you take, you will spend significantly less on fuel, and boost your physical health in the process. Walk these short journeys when you can, whether going to the shops or the gym. And consider investing in a bike for those slighter longer journeys.

3. Find cheaper fuel

The price of fuel varies massively from place to place. Rather than filling up at the closest or more convenient place, try to find the best deal. Sites like PetrolPrices allow you to find the lowest rates near you, so you can save money when filling your tank. Keep an eye out when driving for low prices and use these opportunities to fill up.

4. Look after your car

One of the biggest motoring expenses is repairs and maintenance. If your car breaks down, it can cost a lot of money to get it towed and fixed at a garage. But by taking your vehicle for a yearly service and looking after it, you can extend its lifespan and reduce overall maintenance costs.

5. Drive safely

Poor driving not only puts you at risk of damaging your vehicle (or someone else’s), but it can also lead to fines and penalties. Driving safely will protect you and other road users, and ensure you don’t have to worry about appearing in court or getting points on your license. Be aware and considerate of other road users, and always stick to the speed limit.