5 Tips to Save Money on Motoring
Running a car can become very, very expensive. If you add your fuel costs, insurance, car loans and general maintenance together, you will be surprised at the amount of cash you’ll have spent. Here are some tips to help you save money when it comes to motoring. Some are familiar tips, while some may be new. Hopefully, you will learn something new to help you keep those costs down.
1. Cut Your Fuel Cost – Cutting your fuel cost involves many things, from your driving habits to the things that you put inside your car. Closing your windows when driving, especially on long drives will improve fuel efficiency by reducing aerodynamic drag. When driving, move gently and smoothly from the stop light and maintain a constant speed. Avoid accelerating and then decelerating; this is a huge fuel waster. Finally, lighten your car by taking out anything that may add weight that is unnecessary. Roof racks also tend to add unnecessary weight to the car, so add more to your fuel costs.
2. Shop For The Best Insurance Deal – Since insurance is a requirement to legally get your car on the road (in most countries are least), it is advisable that you shop around for the best insurance deal. There are loads of sites out there on the internet where you can shop for the best deals. The advantage to this over the old model of calling companies individually is you can see all the quotes in one place, side by side with multiple criteria to compare. Of course, you can ask for a referral from friends, and this is another fantastic way to find out about great deals.
3. Plan Your Trips – To save money on motoring, plan your daily or weekly trips. Try to study your daily routine and find out if there is a better route to wherever you’re heading. Every extra mile, or every minute stuck in traffic is extra cost. It could even be a good idea to invest in a satellite navigation system, so you can find the quickest route and you won’t have to buy a map every time you head to an unfamiliar location.
4. Have A Car Maintenance Plan – Even new cars need preventive maintenance, like oil changes, tire checks and a few other things. Prepare a list and prepare a maintenance plan. This way, you can schedule your trips for maintenance, and you can purchase in advance any car parts, car fluid or car accessory you many need.
5. Be Prepared To Sell Your Car – This may sound unusual. But yes, be prepared to sell your car if you experience frequent breakdowns or if it becomes too expensive to maintain. Ask advice from those knowledgeable in this area to assist you. It can often be cheaper to get a new car than to keep throwing away money and time on repairing an old one.
