Driving a car is not as affordable as it once was. Getting behind the wheel is an increasingly burdensome decision for many drivers in the UK, on account of several different factors – chief amongst which are higher costs across the board. From fuel and insurance to general maintenance and beyond, the price of keeping a car on the road is growing ever steeper, putting growing pressure on UK drivers to be financially savvy behind the wheel.
If a car is a non-negotiable for you, but your bank account balance is similarly non-negotiable, you may be wondering how to approach driving with cost efficiency in mind. Here, you’ll find some key tips for getting a handle on your car-related finances.
Fuel Efficiency Starts With Driving Habits
Your choice of car can have a lot to do with the amount of money you ultimately spend each year; fuel efficiency and reliability are variables you need to consider with each model, after all. We’ll return to this shortly, though. First, it’s important to recognise the other party in this: you.
The way you drive will naturally impact the fuel efficiency of anything you drive. If you accelerate hard out of traffic lights and brake hard into them, your engine is burning more than it needs to. Careful, eco-conscious driving can make a good vehicle go longer, and save you money in the process.
Routine Maintenance
Likewise, your commitment to your car’s health is just as important as the car’s reliability. Regular check-ups and personal handlings of the essentials – tyre pressure, topping up fluids, keeping on top of the battery – will minimise unnecessary wear and hence minimise the overall costs associated with maintenance.
Choosing The Right Vehicle For Long-Term Affordability
Of course, it’s impossible to talk about vehicle affordability without talking about the vehicle itself. As an absurd example, it’ll cost you far more to safely run a vintage Ford GT40 than it will a recent hatchback. Short-term affordability is one thing, where the upfront cost of buying a new car can be devastating for even well-prepared bank accounts – but long-term affordability is something else entirely.
This is particularly true for certain regions of the UK. If you’re living in Norwich used cars are kinder to your wallet, on account of the higher cost of living round there. Buying used is, more generally, an excellent opportunity to save money – not just because of the reduced cost against showroom vehicles, but also because used cars have spent some time on the market. These are tried-and-tested models, with reviews and data to back up their long-term performance. With the right research, you can make a cost-effective purchase with high reliability and low-depreciation.
