Driving offers convenience and a greater degree of freedom but owning and running a car can be expensive. Whether it’s tax, insurance, fuel, servicing or repairs, the costs can really add up. Therefore, any way in which you can save money as a driver can make all the difference. There are many ways in which you can make a dent in the expenses of running a car, some of which may be easier than you think.

Fuel

One of the largest driving expenses is fuel and depending how often you use your car, it can become a substantial cost. There are a variety of ways in which you can make savings when filling up your vehicle. The most obvious approach to saving money is to find the cheapest provider in your local area. Fortunately, there are many smartphone apps which can help you with is. Whilst it may seem like a small saving, these can really add up over the year.

The type of fuel that you use is also important as you can choose from petrol, diesel and premium. The majority of drivers will get the best value for money by filling up with standard petrol. Diesel is best suited to specialised vehicles and those who driver longer distances. Premium fuels are relatively niche and although recommended for some vehicles, they’re just an added expense for the average driver

Once you have chosen your provider and the fuel type, it’s time to pay. Many supermarkets and some fuel providers offer loyalty schemes in which customers can collect points each time they fill up. These points can then be used for fuel in the future and can offer a substantial saving.

Energy Efficient Tyres

Although often an afterthought for most drivers, tyres can actually have a noticeable effect on driving costs. Understandably, many car owners will opt for a cheaper tyre in order to save some money but this can be a false economy. Cheaper tyres are not only less effective, but they can also lead to a greater fuel consumption. They are also more likely to need repairing or replacing sooner than their more expensive alternatives, again costing money. Whilst the upfront cost of high-quality tyres may be off putting, it often does save you more money in the long-term.

When you’re choosing new tyres, look for a good fuel efficiency rating, which can be found on the EU tyre label.

Insurance

Another major expense for drivers is insurance. Obviously, the cost of insurance is different for every person, with the type of vehicle, how it’s used and the age and sex of the driver all having an effect.

When looking for insurance, it’s always best to shop around and try to find the best deal available. If you already have insurance and you’re close to renewing- there is always room to haggle with your provider. If you aren’t happy with the auto-renewal quote, it’s always worth negotiating with the insurance company.

There are other way in which drivers can reduce the cost of their insurance. For example, avoid risks when driving and parking as this will reduce the likelihood of accidents. You could join a family plan, which is often a cheaper alternative for younger drivers.

Many drivers are now choosing “black box” insurance policies. This involves the provider installing a small device within your car, which tracks the cars movement using GPS. This will provide real-time data on mileage, speed and general driving behaviour. This type of policy is best suited to careful, casual drivers but regular drivers who travel longer distances are less likely to see substantial savings.

Parking

We all know how expensive parking can be, especially if you’re regularly paying for it throughout the working week. Fortunately, there are ways to ensure you aren’t shelling out more for parking than you have to. Understandably, many drivers will utilise the nearest or most convenient car park or parking spot but this isn’t necessarily the cheapest option available. There are a number of useful smartphone apps that will utilise your GPS to find the most cost-effective parking spot near your location. Many of these apps will even allow you to reserve and pay for your parking using your phone, saving time and simplifying the process.

Many driving expenses are unavoidable but there are ways to ensure you aren’t paying more than your fair share.