In tough economic times like these, owning a car can be a real financial burden. Yet with a little online savvy, combined with some practical knowhow, you can cut the cost of almost every aspect of motoring, from buying a vehicle to running it.
If you are about to buy a new car then don’t delay as VAT returns to 17.5 per cent on January 1. Given the hike represents £250 in every £10,000, it is well worth considering bringing forward your purchase.
Don’t overlook the government scrappage scheme – worth £2,000 towards a new vehicle. It applies to cars registered on or before 29 February 2000 (V reg) and eight-year-old vans. The scheme is due to end at the end of February 2010. All you need to do is check your local dealer is part of the scheme and they will do the rest.
If you’re in the market for a used car before Christmas then it’s worth taking a look at Arnold Clark. In a very unusual move, more typically associated with restaurants and supermarkets, they are offering £300 off with an Arnold Clark coupon.
Fuel is the biggest week-to-week outlay for car-owners. PetrolPrices.com is absolutely indispensable for the frugal motorist. Create a free account and type in any postcode to find the cheapest petrol prices in the area. It is also available as an iPhone app so you can save money on roadtrips without requiring military levels of planning.
Buying petrol on a cashback credit card will also claw back a little money on fuel costs – typically around 1%. Just ensure you clear the balance at the end of the month or the interest charged will wipe out any gains.
There are also some practical tips to actually use less petrol without resorting to the drastic Top Gear Hammerhead Eagle option! Ensure your car is as light and aerodynamic as possible – dump unnecessary items from the boot, remove your roof-rack and keep your windows and sunroof shut.
A well-maintained and regularly serviced car will cost less in the long run. Keep your coolant level topped up, change your oil regularly, ensure wheel alignment is correct and replace your car battery as soon as possible when it’s nearing the end of its life. These simple things will help you avoid hefty repair bills and increase fuel economy at the same time.
If you do a lot of driving and are deadly serious about saving money you can chip or remap your engine. Typically done to increase power, it also improves fuel economy. This is not cheap – it will cost around £300 for a small car – but you will earn it back through fuel bills that are up to 15% lower.
How you drive is also very important. Cultivate a smooth driving style – harsh acceleration gulps down the fuel. Changing gear at around 2,500 rpm (or 2,000 rpm for a diesel vehicle) cuts fuel consumption and also puts less strain on your engine. It also pays to keep your tyres at the recommended pressure.
Driving slowly while your engine warms is a big money-saver as a cold engine uses twice as much fuel as a warm one. It usually takes several miles to warm the engine so short trips in winter are best avoided.
Paying your car tax online and opting for a full year instead of six months will cut the bill by up to £40 plus postage. If you do this in the month of December 2009, you will be entered into a draw to win a SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive 1.4TDI.
Guest Post by Simon Migliano of VoucherCodes.co.uk
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