Save yourself money on your daily commute with these tips
The modern day commute is an expensive part of our monthly budget, even 67% of adults have stated that they would happily take a pay-cut and work locally to reduce the cost of their commute. So how can you save money?
With British motorists now traveling an average of 16.7 miles a day to get to work and a standard, low economical car expected to cost up to 50p per mile in fuel, Britain’s drivers are predicted to pay as much as £3,048 a year on commuting costs.
Phill Jones, Commercial Director of Motors.co.uk said: “The Government managed to appease many British motorists during the last budget report, offering another temporary freeze in fuel tax, promises to repair roads and a reduction in fuel costs. However, whilst these policies provide some momentary comfort, several issues still need to be addressed.”
“The people of Britain have clearly reached the edge of their frustration with the amount of money they sacrifice each year on commuting costs, not to mention the worrying lack of parking available to them in commuting towns. With countless numbers willing to take pay cuts to avoid the cost and stress of travelling long distances to work, there is a growing concern that essential workforces are being driven away from areas that desperately need them.
“The Motors.co.uk research shows that the British public is fed up with having to waste their hard earned cash on things like commuting costs and parking fines when in reality, they urgently need it to heat their homes, feed their families and enjoy a decent quality of life. It’s encouraging to see the Government taking some steps to improve motoring conditions in the UK, but they still have some way to go in understanding the real day-to-day problems the people of Britain face.”
So to help you cut the cost of your commute we have these exclusive tips.
Top 10 money saving tips provided by Phill Jones, Spokesman at Motors.co.uk
Improve your car's fuel efficiency
The heavier something is, the harder it is to transport. If you have useless items clogging up your car, then get rid of them. An important rule to keep in mind is the heavier the car is, the more fuel it consumes. Make sure you have unloaded all unnecessary items and keep your journey light. Even driving with the windows down will increase drag.
Drive less
It sounds obvious, but simply reducing the number of journeys you make will save money. Combine errands when going out for a drive and consider walking if the journey is in town. Short journeys are dreadful for fuel consumption and can also affect parts of the car, such as the clutch and gearbox.
Keep those tyres pumped
Always check to see that your tyres are inflated correctly. If the pressure is low, your car will drag at a much higher rate, which will have a dramatic effect on fuel consumption. We advise motorists check their tyres once every few weeks or so to be safe. More than this, wrongly inflated tyres can cause blow outs or punctures given the stress placed on wheels, particularly at high speed.
Accelerate slowly and choose the right gear
Overworking the accelerator is another sure fire way to burn fuel. By gradually speeding up and making sure you’re driving in an appropriate gear, you will use fewer revs which require less fuel to be burnt. You may also increase the life of your brakes by not having to sharply slow down to overcorrect any aggressive acceleration.
Slow down
The higher your engine is revving, the more energy it is burning. Combined with the effects of wind resistance on the car, the faster you go, the more your fuel consumption is impacted. According to the Driving Standards Agency, driving at 70mph burns 30% more fuel than at 60mph – although the actual figures will vary by car, the principles of physics apply to us all.
Keep the air-con off
There are of course going to be times when the AC needs to be on, but for the other 11 months of the year, try and keep it switched off. It may be surprising, but this simple practise seriously decreases your fuel consumption.
Buy smart
Make sure the car you are buying is right for your needs and research thoroughly before buying. By having a good knowledge of the price of cars and what you need, you will be much better placed to purchase a good value car. Remember, it’s not just the purchase you have to consider, but insurance, servicing and likelihood of repairs. You can buy a second hand Rolls Royce for less than £10,000, but you might well need thousands if it needs repairing. The internet is a great tool for research, use it.
Prepare for your MOT and service
A month or two before your car is due an MOT or service, take a good look at what you think could be wrong with the car. This allows you to shop around to have things sorted at a competitive price rather than being beholden to the MOT or service provider (remember if a car fails its MOT it will not be allowed back on the road). Particular things to spot are tyres and exhausts, but also small things such as washer, brake and anti-freeze fluids. It could avoid your MOT or service bill from creeping up.
Search before you park
Car parking fees and fines seem to continuously rise. When going on a journey to a new place, use the internet to understand parking costs and alternatives such as park-and-ride and on-street parking. Although you may lose some of the inconvenience of parking closely, you could save money. Likewise, by researching beforehand you may prevent being caught out by sneaky rules which may be difficult to understand when you’re on the street.
Compare insurance costs
As a rule, never accept a quote of renewal from your existing insurer because you might be able to save thousands of pounds by looking elsewhere and comparing the market. There are lots of comparison sites out there, and by doing your own research you can save a pretty penny. Consider the whole deal though and read the terms and exclusions, it could save you money in the long run.
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