Saving Money On Your Motor

Motoring can be an expensive business and outside of the cost of owning or renting a property, it is the most expensive part of most family budgets. There are, however, many ways in which we can all take steps to be more fuel efficient on the road and to save money on other associated running costs.

Before You Start
A great deal of fuel conservation can be carried out before you even get into the car and set off on your journey. Making sure that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure isn't just a vital safety element, it will also make your vehicle more fuel-efficient at the same time. Be sure to check those tyres once a week at the very least and you will find that you need to visit the fuel pumps less frequently.

You should also remember to declutter the car and be sure to take any heavy items out of the boot or passenger seats if they don't need to be there. Even the removal of litter can contribute to a more aerodynamic vehicle so remember to keep it clean at all times.

If you have a roof rack fitted to the car then you should remove it unless it is actually in use. This is another contributory factor when it comes to wasting fuel unnecessarily so store it in the garage until it is needed.

On the Road
Our driving techniques help to dictate how much fuel we actually use, even when it comes to the shortest of journeys. Keeping to the designated speed limits at all times will conserve your petrol, as will gentle and steady acceleration.

If you find yourself in heavy traffic and stuck at traffic lights or level crossings for a long period of time, remember to switch off your engine. Idling can drain your petrol or diesel very quickly so turn off the ignition when it is appropriate to do so.

If you have air conditioning in your vehicle then you should only use it when absolutely necessary as this can be another powerful drain on your overall fuel costs.

Shop Around
Comparison sites have become very popular and you can now use them to save money on virtually every aspect of your household budget. The costs of insurance continues to rise every year so use those sites when your renewal comes round and find the best insurer for your needs, based on price and level of cover.

You can get great travel insurance deals here too and you can check on your home and life insurance at the same time. There are also other sites available which you can use to compare the cost of fuel in your area.

A quick postcode check will give you details of all registered providers in your town and you can find the best prices on petrol and diesel at any given time. Regular weekly updates can also be sent to your inbox for added convenience.

Fuel prices and other running costs may be on the increase but that means that there's never been a better time to practise these good habits. By paying attention to regular price comparisons, routine car maintenance and your technique behind the wheel, you can start to make significant savings in a very short space of time.