3 simple changes that will save hundreds off drivers motoring bills

“UK consumers are facing an incredibly tough time in the cost-of-living crisis, and recent behaviour from petrol suppliers is hardly helping. “Paying £80 to fill up a medium-sized car would’ve seemed absolutely ridiculous five years ago, but it’s the reality that we find ourselves in and we have to adapt accordingly.

“These tips could save you as much as £1,400 – a huge amount in the current economic climate.”

Understanding the significance of regular car maintenance is crucial for ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of your vehicle. From routine tasks like oil changes and tire rotations to more in-depth inspections, consistent maintenance plays a pivotal role in preventing potential issues and identifying minor problems before they escalate.

Proactive car care not only contributes to the smooth operation of your vehicle but also enhances safety on the road. Timely maintenance checks can detect and address issues with brakes, lights, and other vital components, reducing the risk of breakdowns and accidents.

Moreover, by keeping up with regular maintenance, you not only extend the lifespan of your car but also potentially save money in the long run. Addressing minor issues early on can prevent costly repairs and breakdowns that may result from neglected maintenance.

1. Improve driving efficiency

The RAC says the price of filling up a 45-litre tank in a medium-sized car currently costs an estimated £80.91, on average.

Most Brits drive around 7,400 miles a year, meaning they’re spending £1,139 on petrol every 12 months.

But improving driving efficiency can cut fuel costs by as much as 30 per cent – or £341.7p for a car with a 45-litre tank.

Motorists can declutter their cars, remove the roof rack and only add fuel to the tank when they need to.

That’ll help cut the weight on the car, meaning there’s less strain on the engine when accelerating.

When driving at lower speeds, open windows and turn off the air-conditioning to cool down – but do the opposite when driving faster.

Having windows open increases drag, which holds back the car and increase fuel consumption.

2. Pay for car insurance upfront

Paying for car insurance in instalments is, on average, more expensive.

It won’t be possible for everyone to pay for a year all at once, especially during the cost of living crisis, but doing so can save £59 per year according to data from Compare the Market.

That’s is because monthly payments are akin to taking out a loan, which means that drivers can be faced with higher rates of interest depending on the specifics of the deal.

To make paying upfront easier, motorists might consider setting up a sinking fund, which means saving a certain amount of money for a set event.

3. Regularly check tyre condition and pressure

A complete set of brand new, high-quality tyres can cost as much as £1,000 depending on the car.

Tyres being over- or under-inflated can lead to a car burning more petrol.

One easy trick is to use a 20p coin to check if your tyres met current UK laws, which state that tread on cars must be at a minimum of 1.6mm across the central three quarters of the tread.

A 20p coin is the perfect size for the test – and £999.80 cheaper than the alternative, a new set of expensive tyres.

Drivers considering putting excess weight in the car – for example, during a house move – should also be careful.

It can cause your tyres to overheat and, in extreme circumstances, puncture or explode. Many tyres clearly label its load index, which is worth making note of.

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