Running a car in the UK costs an average of £3,500 per year. But with some simple maintenance habits, you can significantly reduce that figure. Here are 10 proven tips to save money on your vehicle.
1. Stick to Your Service Schedule
Regular servicing prevents small issues becoming expensive repairs. Most manufacturers recommend servicing every 12,000 miles or 12 months. Skipping services can void your warranty and reduce your car's resale value by up to 30%.
2. Check Your Tyre Pressures Monthly
Underinflated tyres increase fuel consumption by up to 3% and wear out faster. Check pressures when the tyres are cold and inflate to the manufacturer's recommended settings, usually found on a sticker inside the driver's door frame.
3. Top Up Fluids Yourself
Oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and screenwash are all easy to check and top up at home. Keeping fluids at the correct level prevents breakdowns and expensive repairs.
4. Drive Smoothly for Better Fuel Economy
Aggressive driving, hard acceleration and late braking, can increase fuel consumption by 33%. Anticipate traffic flow, maintain a steady speed, and use cruise control on motorways. Shifting up early in a manual car also saves fuel.
5. Compare Fuel Prices
Fuel prices can vary by up to 20p per litre between nearby stations. Over a year, choosing the cheapest option could save you £200-£300. Revn's fuel price finder shows you the cheapest stations near your location in real-time.
6. Don't Ignore Warning Lights
Dashboard warning lights are there for a reason. Ignoring the engine management light might save you a garage visit today, but it could lead to a catastrophic (and expensive) failure tomorrow. Get warning lights investigated promptly.
7. Replace Wiper Blades Annually
New wiper blades cost £15-£30 and take minutes to fit. Worn blades smear instead of cleaning, reducing visibility and potentially causing an MOT failure. Replace them every 12 months or when they start to streak.
8. Shop Around for Insurance
Never auto-renew your car insurance. Loyalty penalties mean existing customers often pay 20-50% more than new customers. Look at the market a few weeks before renewal rather than letting the policy auto-renew. Revn reminds you 30 days before your policy expires.
9. Learn Basic DIY Repairs
Changing a bulb, replacing an air filter, or fitting new wiper blades are all simple jobs that garages charge £20-£50 for. YouTube tutorials make these jobs accessible to anyone with basic tools.
10. Plan Your MOT
Book your MOT in advance, many garages offer discounts for early booking. You can have your MOT up to 30 days before it expires without losing any time on your certificate. Preparing your car before the test (see our MOT checklist) reduces the chance of costly failure repairs.
How Much Can You Save?
By following these tips, a typical UK driver can save:
- Fuel: £150-£300/year (by comparing prices and driving efficiently)
- Insurance: £200-£400/year (by comparing quotes)
- Maintenance: £100-£200/year (by doing basic DIY and preventing issues)
- MOT: £50-£100/year (by preparing properly and booking smartly)
Total potential savings: £500-£1,000 per year, per vehicle.