Drive down the costs of keeping your motor on the road with our cash-saving tips
RUNNING a car burns through a lot of cash. On average, drivers spend around £192 a month to keep their motors on the road. Want to drive those costs down? Follow these tips from Helen Robinson, marketing director of CarParts4Less . . . FUEL: When it comes to changing up a gear, it is most efficient to do […]
RUNNING a car burns through a lot of cash.
On average, drivers spend around £192 a month to keep their motors on the road.
Want to drive those costs down? Follow these tips from Helen Robinson, marketing director of CarParts4Less . . .
FUEL: When it comes to changing up a gear, it is most efficient to do it at 2,500 revs per minute (RPM) for a petrol car and 2,000 for diesel. Try to check your rev counter to avoid over-revving, which wastes precious fuel.
Driving at 55-65mph instead of 70-80mph can also save you money, as your engine runs at a lower RPM, reducing fuel consumption by a quarter.
INSURANCE: Third-party is the most basic form of cover, but it is not always the cheapest. Shop around and check the price of fully comprehensive cover too, as this can often be where the best deals are found.
REPAIRS: Basic maintenance can help your vehicle run more efficiently, which reduces the likelihood of needing to pay for repairs. Ensure engine fluids are topped up. Minor defects like broken mirrors or bulbs can easily be replaced at home instead of paying a garage.
TAXES AND EXTRAS: If you can pay road tax upfront for the whole year, it works out cheaper than paying in smaller monthly increments.
My tip: It’s extremely important to have a valid MOT — you could be fined up to £1,000 for not having one. If you head to gov.uk/mot-reminder you can sign up to get a free MOT reminder a month before yours is due.
Plus, at Formula One Autocentres you can currently get 50 per cent off MOTs, bringing the cost down to £27.42 from £54.85. Book now at f1autocentres.co.uk/mot/book-mot.
- Prices correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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