Saving Money

Drive Down The Cost of Motoring

Want to know how to save money when driving your car then look no further???

In today’s credit crunching times, times are very tough on a lot of car owners and fuel continues to rise almost every month and this is having a knock on effect on the pounds in our pockets. We at best breakdown have come up with a few easy to follow tips that will keep those pounds in your pocket. By changing just some of your driving habits, you can save you an enormous amount of money over a period of time. By performing some simple routine maintenance, you will keep those pounds in your pocket, plus you will help cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Cutting the weight down in your car:

Is your boot full of items, why? Having lots of excess kit in your boot considerably adds to the use of petrol consumption therefore costing you money you can ill afford to lose. Keep all of the excess items and put them in a place of storage. Also, keep the windows closed whilst driving as this is a major factor on the car’s aerodynamics.

Roof Racks:

Having a roof rack is great if you are traveling on holiday or moving items from one place to another, but did you know that the aerodynamic drag changes the air flow across the car, and significantly increases the amount of fuel that you use and again costing you unnecessary cost to your budget. If you are not using your roofrack, then it would be advisable to remove it and store it away while you need it.

Tyre Saving tips:

If you have tyres that are under inflated you are increasing the resistance of the car and are using more fuel. Checking your vehicles manual gives you an indication of the amount tyre pressure that is recommended. If your tyres are under inflated by 20% you will use in access of 3% more fuel and this also reduces the actual tyre life by approx 30%. Inflate your tyres at your local garage this is usually free.

Driving short distances :

Your car engine won’t operate at its maximum efficiency until you are fully warmed up; therefore if you just nip to the shops or take a short journey you are burning fuel more than if you were to take a longer journey. Our advice is that if you are just nipping to the shops; why not take some exercise and burn of those calories, keeping fit, as well as saving pounds in your pocket.

Maintaining Speed.

Whilst you’re driving at a steady speed, try to use the highest gear possible. Driving at around 45-50mph is the typical speed in the UK. By increasing your speed, your fuel consumption rapidly increases; according to the Department of Transport driving at 70mph uses approximately 9% more fuel than if you were driving at 60mph and amazingly up to 15% more than if you were driving at 50mph.

If you are unfortunately stuck in a traffic jam for any length of time, by switching the engine off will not only save you money, but you are contributing by cutting green house gas emissions.

Don’t just leave your engine ticking over in order to warm up your vehicle, this not only wastes your money (fuel) by has an impact on the wear and tear of your engine.

Are you planning on taking a journey, then an ideal tip would be to plan out your route, this can help you avoid roadworks as well as avoiding road congestion.

We at best breakdown hope that you found these tips useful and hope that you practice putting them into practice, because in the long run you will save money by implementing the above tips. Importantly check your manual, on a regular basis to avoid calling out a repair breakdown expert, to get you back on the road.