How To Cut The Cost Of Driving

©iStockphoto.com/Felix Alim

In this guide i’ll be showing you a few hints and tips for saving money on the cost of driving. Some much less obvious than you would think!

There are a few small things that everyone can do to save a little cash when it comes to running a car.

Here’s a rundown:

• Tax your car for 12 months rather than 6; although it’s a bigger outlay it saves money in the long run.  Yes it’s an obvious tip but many people still waste money this way!

• Buy fully comprehensive insurance rather than a  third  party only policy as it is often cheaper!  Research suggests that third party insurance is only taken out by greater risk groups and as such is more expensive; For example an average driver under 21 would save approx £480 if they chose fully comprehensive cover over third party!

• When buying your insurance use a comparison website to get the best deal – I’m sure that a few names will spring immediately to mind!

• Before filling up your fuel tank check a website such as petrolprices.com to find the best price in your area.

• Speaking of filling up-don’t!  Unless you are going on a long  journey only fill your tank to half full as the weight of transporting the extra fuel around will reduce your MPG considerably!

• On the subject of weight, the lighter your car is the less fuel it will use. Check your boot to see if you’re carrying anything around in there other than your spare tyre and jack.  If it’s not needed take it out! The same goes for roofracks/roofboxes (which add drag as well as extra weight).

• Turn off your air conditioning unless you really need it, but don’t open windows as the drag will burn more fuel.  Use the cars’  fans to control temperature as far as possible, using air conditioning only when this is insufficient.

• Check your tyre pressures as they can make a difference to fuel consumption.  Consider fitting “eco” tyres when yours need replacing.  Many new cars are being fitted with these such as  VW’s BlueMotion models.

• Finally if you are thinking of changing cars, why not invest in a more economical model.  A Diesel car would be better for mpg than a petrol or why not consider an “Eco” Model such as VW’s mentioned above. Ford  and Vauxhall both have similar models (ECOnetic and ECOflex respectively).