Are your driving habits hitting your pocket?
If you’ve just passed your driving test and are about about to buy your first car, then keeping running costs as low as possible is likely to be your main concern. For those already on the road, between forking out for MOTs, services, insurance and fuel, running a car can be a major expense. So if your motoring costs are getting you down, it could be the ideal time to do something about it. Here are three driving habits that could be making you spend much more on your car than you need to.
You don’t shop around for your insurance
Although car insurance is a must-have for any driver, there’s no reason why this type of mandatory cover should cost you a fortune. Letting your policy roll over into a new contract with your provider year on year means you could be missing out on the chance to save yourself some cash. Instead, you could use the services of a specialist broker such as Chill.ie to view and compare a whole host of policies from leading providers, giving you the opportunity to find car insurance that perfectly suits you and your budget. Cutting back on how much you spend on your premiums is a guaranteed way to help you keep your spending in check.
You refuel on the motorway
As a motorist, You’ll appreciate that filling up your car on a regular basis is a driving expense that you simply cannot avoid. However, did you know that where you choose to refuel could be costing you big? Petrol stations located on or near motorways are the biggest culprit for making you spend much more on topping up than necessary. Although these stations may be conveniently placed for you to stop at on your way to work or if you’re heading off on a long journey, the prices tend to be much higher compared to stations that are located elsewhere, such as at supermarkets or in town centres.
So to avoid splashing too much cash when you fill up, it pays to be selective. Instead of opting for convenience, you could think ahead and get your fuel from a station that offers lower prices to save yourself some money.
You drive around with unnecessary weight in the car
If you tend to drive around with heavy, bulky items in your car, it’s likely your fuel consumption will be higher. Large items, such as golf clubs, sports equipment and prams, add extra weight to your car, meaning you use up more fuel.
So if you’re guilty of leaving your stuff in your boot, making the effort to remove the heavier items when they’re not needed could significantly reduce how much fuel you use, meaning you take fewer trips to the petrol station. By making some simple adjustments to your driving habits, you could stand to save yourself a hefty sum of money.
