Everyone likes to save money. When it comes to driving around, there are some pretty easy ways to save. Using common sense, changing small habits and being smart when you buy your car are all crucial. Here’s Carspring’s top tips to help save you cash when you’re out and about:
1) Drive economically
This is one of the easiest ways to save money. Take it easy on the throttle and change up before you hit the high revs. Also, don’t brake too quickly as this wastes energy. And, as much as everyone likes to keep the temperature at a nice consistent level, turn that air con off. However, when it comes to saving fuel the most effective way is simply to slow down. Unfortunate, but true.
2) Pick an economical car
Cars are getting more economical, so this one is becoming easier all the time. You don’t have to drive around in a weird looking hybrid anymore. And, although a supermini is always going to be the most efficient, it’s really all about finding the most economical model for the type of car you’re looking for. Economical cars not only save you cash on fuel, but also on tax, London Congestion Charge and your insurance premiums.
3) Keep your car in good health
Prevention is always cheaper than the cure. Recommended service frequencies are there for a reason, so take notice to what it says in your car’s owner’s manual. But really, this is all about doing the little things. Make sure that you keep your tyre pressure at recommended PSI and that engine fluids are the correct levels. Using the latest diagnostics apps on your smartphone also lets you know if there are any issues on the horizon.
4) Beat the insurers
There are plenty of ways to save on your insurance bills. Obviously shopping around is the easiest, with the explosion in price comparison sites. Also, think about whether you can cope with basic cover, as insurance companies will always try and upsell. Other ways to save are to add a safe driver to your cover, increase your excess to save on your premiums, or appease the insurers with a ‘black box’ system, that monitors your driving habits.
5) Empty your car of rubbish
We all hoard unnecessary junk in our boot. But what you may not realise is how much it’s costing you in. Classic boot detritus includes sports equipment, old walking boots, and tools. Many people also consider it a good place to store rubbish. Whatever you’re keeping in your boot, your laziness in leaving it there is wasting fuels and costing you cash, so take it out.
6) Don’t waste cash at the garage
When it comes to servicing, again, shop around. This isn’t just about going for a place that offers the cheapest price, but the most dependable service. When it comes to your MOT, double check the little things like your headlights, windscreen and tyres first to see if there’s anything you can do yourself. You should also consider using council-run MOT centres, as they have no vested interest in exaggerating repair bills.
7) Be forecourt smart
Be smart when you buy your fuel. Always avoid buying at motorway service stations, as they’re always more expensive. Try using a cashback card, such as an American Express, giving you 5% cashback on fuel purchases. Also, unless you’ve got a high performance car, don’t opt for ‘high performance’ fuel – it costs more and doesn’t make much difference. For those real penny-pinchers, there are now websites out there where you can find the cheapest petrol station in your area.
8) Make your car pay
Ok, so this one is money-making rather than money-saving. There are an increasing number of ways you can monetise your car. Whether it’s hiring it out on sites such as Drivejoy, sharing it on sites such as Bla Bla Car, or even becoming an Uber driver. You can also help cover costs by turning your car into a mobile billboard, with addition of commercial vinyls to advertise a product or service.
9) Ensure you don’t buy a lemon
Don’t buy a piece of junk. Yes, this is easier said than done. There are plenty of dealers out there who are looking to make a quick buck. If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. And, in reality, it’s going to cost you a whole lot more in the long run. Carspring cars all go through a stringent multi-stage inspection process including a 128-point AA inspection and an assessment by the in-house team.
10) Buy a used car
New car depreciation costs you a bomb. The difference between the new list price and the price after a year is actually incredible. Although, this varies from car to car, you’re usually looking at around 20%. However, for some models, such as BMW 3 series, you can be talking about losing up to £12,000 in the first year alone. You can find what you’re looking for buying used these days, so it hardly seems worth it. Take a look at the models we have to offer and see how much you can save.
