Shop Around for PetrolThe price of petrol is one of the biggest ongoing costs of owning a car. In the past, shopping around for the best petrol prices would have meant trawling from station to station. But since the birth of smartphones, applications now exist which enable you to determine the cheapest possible petrol prices in your area. If you have a small business and you do a lot of business mileage then you should also consider a fuel card although this will have tax implications so make sure you check to see if this is the best option for you.
Find Cheaper Car Insurance Car insurance can be very costly, so it is essential that you shop around to get the best possible quote. Instead of going direct to the major insurance companies, you should make use of the many car insurance price comparison sites. These will give you the most competitive insurance quotes from the best car insurance companies, as well as a few obscure ones too. Several other factors such as installing security devices and not customising your ride too much will also reduce costs. Finally, don’t lie on your insurance form. Make sure you do a comparison every time you need to renew and don’t just accept your renewal quote.
Look After Your VehicleThe cost of running a vehicle can increase dramatically if you don’t take care of it. It’s common sense really, but you’d be surprised at how many people thrash their vehicle around and then wonder why their automotive outgoings are so high every year. Incorrect gear selection, riding the clutch and revving too high will all contribute to the deterioration of your vehicle and should be avoided at all costs. In terms of vehicle maintenance, having regular oil changes and services is a must. Sure, it will cost you more in the short term, but the long-term savings will be significant.
Breakdown cover
Breakdown cover may seem like an expense that you can do without but if you ever need to use a rescue service and you don’t have cover then you will soon regret it. Cars can break down no matter how old they are so ensuring that you have adequate cover will give you peace of mind and protect you from expensive bills if the worst should happen. Even something as common as a flat tyre can cost a fair amount to get fixed. Do make sure you shop around and, like insurance, don’t just accept your annual renewal prices.
A Little Perseverance
There’s no denying that owning a vehicle is very expensive, particularly when you are trying to support a family. But with a little perseverance via the methods listed above, you can reduce your car-related costs by a fair amount.