The most obvious and cost-effective solution to cutting long-term driving expenses would be to not use your vehicle at all. But unfortunately, that is not always an option for people living outside of the city. Whether you’re driving long distances for work, pleasure or entertainment, try incorporating these smart driving tips into your trip. It could significantly save you money and time.
Making the most of the fuel in your tank is the first step to keeping costs down. If you have a tendency to race around, be prepared to pay a lot for fuel and car maintenance. Acceleration uses fuel and constant braking wastes the momentum, so keep your speed as constant as possible. Also check your seats for anything you don’t need, because the unnecessary weight is making your car work harder.
Another key to making your vehicle more efficient is to spare its air conditioning if possible. A vehicle’s aircon increases fuel consumption by as much as 10%.
Driving around in a vehicle that is properly serviced and safe is more economical for the roads and for your pocket. If you let these services slip, the chances of you landing yourself in debt is real. Hopefully, your new car comes with a service or maintenance plan. If you can choose between the two, rather choose a maintenance plan as it covers anything that could go wrong and not just selected services.
For most drivers, this is forgotten. Make sure to check your tyre pressure and the kind of air you’re putting into your tyres. Both are a safety hazard if done wrong. If your tyres are overinflated, they could burst and if they are underinflated, they could cause wheel handling problems. Not only is tyre pressure a safety hazard, but it affects fuel consumption by as much as 20% to 30%.
Getting yourself into complications with other cars can happen every day. It may not always be your fault, but out on the open road, anything can happen. Car insurance is one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing a car. It is pricey, but having to repair your car after a bumper bashing is even more expensive. The good news is that the older your car is, the less your payment is.
Speeding is just about as bad as drinking and driving slowly. It’s horrible because of the danger you’re not only causing for yourself but also to those around you. And the faster you drive the more you’re wasting petrol. Another downside to driving fast is constantly being caught by speed cameras. It’s really an easy way to flush money down the drain.
It’s no secret that diesel vehicles are lighter on fuel. Today, these cars are highly refined, quiet and extremely kind to the environment. In fact, you can slash your fuel bill by 20% just by using diesel.
Some used audi vehicles that are diesel can also reduce emissions, benefitting the environment.
Used cars represent tremendous value for money, not just in the actual car savings but simply on the depreciation amount that you’re losing out on. Also, when buying a car, try to avoid trading in your old vehicle and rather sell it yourself. It’s quite normal for the dealer to offer you a bargain-basement price for your old car to benefit them when reselling your car.
This is one of those things that are so simple to do but make you cringe when getting caught. When it comes to driving, make sure that all your licensing documents are up to date. Be it your disk or your actual driver's licence, make a note of your dates to avoid getting caught and paying a nasty fine.
Not doing the regular oil and water check is extremely bad for your car’s engine. Oil is an important component of your engine as it lubricates the moving parts. Putting in oil prevents your car from overheating, and if you avoid this, you’re only damaging your car further. This can lead to nasty repairs and even the need for a new engine.
Parking in the city can be a bit of a headache. And even though it’s easier to park underground for your next business meeting, try to stay away from underground parking at malls or business parks because the ticket costs are usually high. Once is fine, but consistently can cause major damage to your pocket.
