Five Ways to Stop Wasting Money on Driving
Driving is expensive. Between petrol, insurance, and MOTs, it takes a massive chunk out of your wages every month. You cannot stop driving if you need your car for work, but you do not have to pay more than you need to.
Here are five simple ways to cut your driving costs without making your life difficult.
1. Stop buying petrol at motorway service stations
Service stations charge way more for petrol because they know you are stuck on a long journey with no other choice.
If you need fuel on a trip, check your phone for a cheaper station just five minutes off the slip road. It takes a few extra minutes and can save you a tenner on a full tank.
2. Clear out your boot
The heavier your car is, the harder the engine has to work, and the more petrol it drinks.
Take out heavy tools, gym gear, or old junk you left in the boot weeks ago. Take off roof racks when you are not using them. A lighter car uses less fuel.
3. Check your tyre pressure
When tyres do not have enough air in them, your car drags more on the road and burns extra fuel.
Spend five minutes at the garage air pump once a month. It costs pennies, keeps your tyres lasting longer, and helps you get more miles out of every tank of petrol.
4. Never auto-renew your car insurance
Insurance companies love auto-renewal because they automatically hike your price up every single year, hoping you will just pay it.
Put a reminder in your phone for three weeks before your policy ends. Go on a comparison site, find a cheaper quote, and either switch or call your current provider to make them match it.
5. Slow down a bit
Driving at 80 mph instead of 70 mph uses a lot more fuel for very little time saved. Sticking closer to the speed limit and not slamming on your brakes all the time keeps your fuel tank full for longer.
Avoid service stations → Clear the boot → Check tyres → Switch insurance → Ease off the speed
The bottom line
Running a car costs a fortune, but you do not have to accept every price hike. A few small habits keep more money in your bank.