Money saving hacks every driver should know

Here are some simple, effective ways to cut your driving costs – from fuel and insurance to maintenance – while busting common driving money myths along the way.

Whether you’re buying your first car or just looking to cut down on everyday costs, one thing’s for sure: driving isn’t cheap. Between insurance, fuel or charging, and maintenance, the expenses can add up fast.

The good news? It doesn’t have to break the bank. We’ve got some practical tips to help you stay road-ready and save money along the way – plus, we’ll bust a few common money myths about driving, too.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can also sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

1) Cut the cost of car insurance

Car insurance is a major expense for most drivers, especially if you’re under 25. But no matter your age, there are ways to bring that cost down:

• Compare before you commit: Don’t renew blindly. Use comparison tools such as Go Compare, MoneySavingExpert or Compare the Market to shop around for annual quotes and compare both comprehensive and third-party options.
• Consider black box insurance: This is especially useful for lower-mileage or cautious drivers. These policies use a tracker or app to monitor your driving habits and reward you with lower premiums.
• Add an experienced named driver: Including a parent or partner with a clean record can reduce premiums – just make sure the main driver is correctly listed.
• Raise your voluntary excess: Choosing a higher excess can lower your premiums. Just make sure it’s an amount you could comfortably pay in case of a claim.
• Pay annually if you can: Monthly instalments typically include interest, so making payments annually can sometimes lead to savings.
• Skip unnecessary add-ons: Only pay for what you really need. Extras such as windscreen cover or breakdown recovery can often be bought more cheaply elsewhere.

2) Choose a car that’s cheaper to own

Choosing the right car can make a huge difference to both upfront and ongoing costs:

• Smaller engines = smaller bills: Smaller engine sizes usually mean cheaper insurance and better fuel economy.
• Avoid modified cars: Cosmetic or performance models can make insurance more expensive and attract unwanted attention.
• Check the insurance group: Cars are categorised from 1 to 50 based on risk. Lower numbers means they’re cheaper to insure.
• Factor in fuel efficiency: Whether you’re opting for petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric, check the fuel consumption or range based on how and where you drive most.

3) Stay on top of maintenance

Preventative maintenance helps keep your car reliable and can save you from unexpected repair bills. The FLOWER checklist makes it easy to remember:

• F – Fuel: Check the fuel level and ensure you have enough fuel for your journey.
• L – Lights: Regularly check all lights for visibility and legality.
• O – Oil: Check levels monthly as running low can destroy your engine.
• W – Water: Keep coolant and screen wash topped up.
• E – Electrics: Test your battery, horn, indicators, and wipers.
• R – Rubber: Check your tyres for wear, pressure, and any damage.

These quick checks can extend the life of your car and catch small issues before they become big, costly ones.

It’s also important to keep your car serviced on time to avoid causing expansive damage to your engine. A £100 oil change will prove much cheaper than a full engine rebuild further down the line.

4) Drive smart so you spend less

Fuel and charging prices may fluctuate, but how you drive has a lasting effect on your running costs:

• Drive smoothly: Avoid harsh braking and rapid acceleration as this will eat up fuel and wear out brakes and tyres faster.
• Plan your routes: Use parking apps to avoid pricey car parks and find free spaces. Also, plan ahead to avoid traffic-heavy routes that waste fuel and charge.
• Don’t idle: Parking for over a minute? Turn off your engine or electric car. Idling wastes fuel or battery and adds unnecessary emissions. Just make sure you keep your engine running if you’re just in traffic, switching it off will make it impossible to take any evasive action in an emergency.
• Avoid misfuelling: Over 150,000 UK drivers misfuel their cars each year, according to the RAC. That mistake could cost you hundreds in repairs – double-check before you fill up.
• MOT and servicing: Book early and shop around for trusted local garages. Some even offer loyalty discounts or payment plans.

What not to do: debunking driving money myths

Some well-meaning tips can end up costing you more in the long run. Here’s what to steer clear of:

Myth: Third-party insurance is always cheapest

Not true. Comprehensive cover can often be cheaper and offers much better protection.

Myth: Premium fuel is better for all cars

Unless your car specifically requires it, super unleaded fuel offers little to no benefit – but costs significantly more (an average of 16p more than regular unleaded).

Myth: DIY repairs save money

Unless you’re experienced, DIY fixes can void warranties or cause bigger problems. Always speak to a mechanic for anything beyond basic maintenance.

Myth: Skipping servicing saves you cash

Avoiding regular services can lead to bigger, costlier problems down the line. Prevention is almost always cheaper than repair.

Myth: You have to stick to the same insurer

Loyalty rarely pays. Always shop around as your current provider may not offer the best deal, even with a ‘loyalty discount’.

It’s time to drive smarter, not harder

Driving doesn’t have to empty your wallet. No matter how long you’ve been on the road, a few smart habits and choices can make a big difference.

From picking the right insurance and keeping your car in good shape to driving a bit more efficiently and skipping the common mistakes – it all adds up. Small changes now can save you a lot down the line.

“Cars are a significant investment, and with a little research, you can find ways to save money without cutting corners,” says Claire Wills-Mckissick, a temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover. “These tips will help you explore ways to save on maintenance, insurance, and everyday running costs, ensuring your vehicle stays in great shape while reducing costs where possible.”

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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