How to save on your motoring spend

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Gumtree Auto’s Jeff Osborne has a good list of easy-to-implement tips.

• Fill up before petrol price increases or hold on until a reduced rate is implemented.
• If you have a diesel vehicle, hunt around for the cheapest rate.
• Use one, or several, of the many loyalty programmes to get “free” petrol.
• Learn how to optimize fuel consumption with smooth driving which means less braking.
• Save fuel by not excessively revving the car when you start it.
• Stick to the speed limit – not only is it safer but speeding uses more petrol.
• Improve fuel economy by removing extra weight or resistance – empty your boot and take off roof racks when they’re not needed.
• Air conditioning costs you fuel, but open windows can cause uneconomic air resistance at higher speeds, so, if you can drive with windows closed and just a circulating fan on, you will be travelling optimally.
• Drive less - cut out short distance trips by walking, and, for work commutes, use public transport or join a carpool/lift sharing scheme.
• Do your driving where possible in non-peak times – you will use less petrol on a quicker trip without constant stopping and starting.
• Good tyres, properly balanced, will last longer and drive smoother than cheap ones – saving you money on fuel consumption and replacements.
• Check tyre pressures constantly – an RAC study in the UK found that tyres under-inflated by only 15psi can use 6% more fuel.
• Negotiate car insurance rates - it’s a very competitive market now so seek better offers.
• Wash your car yourself – valets can be expensive.
• Park your vehicle away from other cars if possible – this reduces the potential for expensive dings and scrapes.

• Keep your car license up to date – postal reminders never arrive these days and missing your car registration date can cost you plenty in fines.