Some say there is no better way of burning money than to venture into car ownership. Something the vast majority of motorists would agree with, given the phenomenal costs of keeping a car on the road.
The truth is, vehicle ownership incurs a variety of costs you have no control over. But at the same time, there is plenty the average motorist can do to keep their car’s running costs under control.
Every little helps, so do yourself a favour and consider the following cost-cutting activities:
1. Plan Journeys in Advance
First up, don’t instinctively assume that the shortest route to your destination is the most cost-effective route. You also need to factor in things like congestion, cruising speeds, accident black spots and so on.
Planning journeys in advance means thinking strategically about which route is the most sensible route. Not to mention, whether you will have a suitably affordable place to park your car when you arrive.
2. Time Your Journeys Strategically
The amount of time the average motorist spends stuck in traffic is extraordinary. In the UK, it is estimated to be around 115 hours per year. If you have no choice but to travel at peak times, you are in for a frustrating time. But if there is anything you can do to avoid hitting the roads when traffic is at its worst, it is worth doing.
Every slow or stationary minute on the roads equates to a waste of fuel and extra wear and tear for your car. All of which will add up over time, putting a major dent in your finances.
3. Lose Excess Weight
A car’s fuel economy is influenced by many factors – few greater than the weight of the vehicle. The more stuff you pack into your car, the harder it has to work to transport you from A to B. By contrast, a lightweight vehicle loaded with nothing but the essentials is a much cheaper car to run.
In which case, it simply makes sense to eliminate anything from the picture that does not need to be there. If it isn’t something you will be using on this journey, take it out and store it somewhere safe. This counts double with things like roof boxes and bike racks, which along with adding weight to your car can also affect its aerodynamics. None of which will do your wallet any favours.
4. Switch Insurers
Competition on the UK’s car insurance market is ferocious. Whatever it takes to convince you to switch, that is exactly what most providers will do. However many loyalty perks and privileges your current insurer hands out, you might still be able to get a much better deal elsewhere.
From time to time, it is a good idea to reach out to an independent broker for advice. They will help you determine if your current deal is any good, while checking out what else is on offer to see if there is anything better. It costs nothing to find out, so there is nothing to lose in giving it a shot.
5. Stop Driving Aggressively
Last up, nothing puts greater strain on a car’s components than overly aggressive driving. Unnecessarily fast acceleration sees fuel efficiency plummet, taking corners too fast reduces the lifespan of tyres and driving like a maniac in general can be hazardous to your health.
Braking too hard, driving too fast, swerving around all over the place – aggressive driving can and will damage your car. All the while significantly increasing your likelihood of causing an accident, this could put an even bigger dent in your wallet.