Owning a car can be an expensive privilege on top of the initial investment in the vehicle. Running costs like insurance, tax, petrol and maintenance can really add up. Therefore, knowing how to save a little here and there on your monthly and yearly running costs can make a big difference in the long run.

So, what are some tips and tricks to save money on essential running costs for your vehicle?

Insurance

Insurance is a significant, yet legally required cost every year – especially if you are a new or younger driver. Comparison sites are your friend here because they will automatically find you the best deal from a wide range of insurers.

The more you can lower your risk, the more money you will save as well. Consider your parking arrangement or upgrade your security devices. Alternatively, add a low risk named driver onto your policy, but don’t pretend that they are the main driver.

MOT, Servicing and Repairs

Any vehicle more than 3 years old is legally required to have a yearly MOT. If you’re unsure, find out when your MOT is due and get it booked in advanced to make sure it is tested before your previous MOT certificate expires.

You may be tempted to just go to your local garage for any services or repairs that need doing. However, you may be able to save money by exploring your local area and comparing prices. Regular servicing may reduce the risk of more significant damage to your car which will save you money in the long term.

Fuel

The price of petrol and diesel are subject to supply and demand, and thus prices can often be exorbitant. You can save on filling up by searching around your local area for the cheapest fuel prices – even if you do have to drive a little further, the overall cost should be lower. Furthermore, utilising loyalty schemes can help you to reclaim some of that cost in the form of vouchers or cashback.

Whilst driving, your fuel efficiency can be improved by maintaining your car and reducing your average speed. Smooth driving can also help to avoid wasted fuel from unnecessary acceleration and deceleration.

Breakdown Cover

It is always worth having breakdown cover for that unforeseen circumstance. Again, comparing breakdown cover on comparison sites will give you the best deal and it shouldn’t be that costly if your car is relatively new. The cost of breakdown callouts is ridiculous, so the small extra expense to be covered is certainly worth it.

So, if you want to save money on your car running costs, the above tips and tricks will be a good place to start. Small savings every month will really add up over the course of the year, giving you a nice pot of money to save or spend on something else.