More than ever, people are looking to save money on how they get from A to B. The good news is that there are some tips and tricks to follow to help cut your car running costs, ensuring that you’re getting the best possible efficiency out of your vehicle.
Here at Prestige Cars Kent, we have several used vehicles that can bring significant efficiency gains compared to older models, so check them out today. But in the meantime, let’s find out how you can cut back on your car running costs.
Keep on top of servicing
One of the best ways of reducing your car’s running costs is to keep on top of servicing. Regular maintenance will ensure that your car is running as smoothly as possible, helping to reduce fuel costs in the process. A well-serviced car will use less oil, too, and will be less likely to break down.
If you take a car to see a trained engineer regularly, they’ll be able to spot any potential issues before they develop. So while you may need to spend a small amount of money to get it fixed, it could be better than a higher cost further down the line.
Ensure tyres are topped up to the right pressures
Tyres are an aspect of a car that is often overlooked. However, they’re vitally important - they are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road, after all. They also have a big impact on how efficiently your car operates, too.
Under-inflated tyres increase fuel consumption and will wear inconsistently, too. Make sure that they’re inflated to the correct pressures. You can usually find the right ones for your car in the vehicle’s logbook, on a panel inside the driver’s door or behind the fuel filler flap. Keep them topped up and you’ll always be sure that your car’s tyres are performing properly. Don’t forget your spare tyre, too!
Shop around for insurance
Insurance is one of the biggest motoring-related expenses that drivers have to contend with. However, it’s a legal requirement in the UK, so while it might be painful, it’s something that everyone heading out onto the roads will need.
We’d always advise shopping around for insurance to make sure that you’re getting the best possible price. While paying in monthly instalments is easier for most drivers, if you’re able to pay for it outright, you’ll save money over the whole period of the policy.
Switch to an Eco mode when driving
Many cars available at Prestige Cars Kent come equipped with a dedicated ‘Eco’ mode. When pressed, this feature reduces the throttle response and limits how much you’re able to accelerate, in turn reducing fuel use. On electric cars, this feature maximises regenerative braking and reduces motor power to help boost range.
If you’re looking to cut back on running costs, try using Eco mode more often - it can make a big difference.
Tweak your driving style
Making some changes to how you drive can also help to lower your running costs. Driving at a slower speed is a core one, as even a small change here can make a difference in terms of fuel efficiency. If you’re in a car with a manual gearbox, then try changing gears a little earlier and without revving the engine too hard - this burns more fuel and costs more overall.
Try to add a little bit of planning when driving, too. For instance, when driving up a hill, accelerate up the incline and then lift off just before the crest, coasting over and then back down. This can help to reduce fuel usage even more.
Consider a change of car
While this sounds counterintuitive, swapping cars could be a good way to reduce costs in the long run. If your current vehicle is older and inefficient, for instance, then swapping into something newer and cleaner could be an easy way of bringing down your running costs. This can come through improved fuel consumption, lower rates of tax and fewer repair bills.
Here at Prestige Cars Kent, we’ve got a wide variety of cars that can bring big gains in terms of efficiency and help you to reduce your running costs overall. Check them out today or book a test drive with us.