Keep your car costs to a minimum with Martin Lewis’ top money saving tips
Buying a car can hurt your wallet, but with huge hikes in petrol and insurance, running it can make you wince. The AA says average new cars now cost £5,500/year to run. To help, here are my top ways to screech motoring costs to a halt.
Hidden council MOT centres see fewer fails
The annual car check-up once your vehicle's three years old can come at a hefty price. For most, the problem's not the test's cost, but the potential £100s in repairs.
Try council-run MOT centres. These are usually for buses and taxes, but allow cars too. As they don’t do repairs, anecdotally people find their cars fail fewer tests, cutting costs. Though if you’re dead certain your car will pass everything, go for the cheapest centre, whether council or private. Full list of council centres at www.moneysavingexpert.com/mots
Shop and hospital car parks CAN'T fine you
If a private company gives you a parking ticket, it's not a fine (only councils can issue one), just an invoice for alleged breach of contract. If you think it's unfair, write to explain and reject it. Full info on how to fight unfair tickets of any kind at www.moneysavingexpert.com/parking
Rent out your parking space
Parking spaces in urban centres (especially London) can command £200/month, so if you're based near a big city there might be easy money on your doorstep. Check out sites such as www.parkatmyhouse.com and www.parklet.co.uk
Haggle down breakdown
Loyalty costs – so breakdown renewal prices are far higher than the top new customer deals. If you want to stick, try hunting for the cheapest suitable option and haggle to ask ‘em to match like-for-like. A poll on my site found 73% of AA hagglers succeed and 59% of RAC.
Urgently check your driving licence is valid
Photocard driving licences started in 1998; the photo needs renewing every 10 years. Those driving on expired cards risk a £1,000 fine. Check the end date (section 4b) – the update costs £20.
Do a DIY check pre MOT
20% fail MOTs due to popped light bulbs. It's a staggering stat, and many more fail due to windscreen wipers or empty oil. So do a quick walk around your car first and, where possible, fix glitches before the test.
Most cars don’t need fancy fuel
Many forecourts sell 'high performance' fuels, yet unless you've a sports car, there's little difference – don't waste your cash.
Car insurance is a must – even if not driving
It's a common misconception that cars don't need insurance when not driven. In fact, legally, cars must be insured, unless they've been untaxed since Jan '98 or you’ve declared it off-road.
Break the rules and there's a £100 fine followed by clamping, seizure or the car being destroyed, though warning letters come first.
DON'T assume 3rd party insurance is cheapest
The lowest level of cover, counter logically, isn't always cheapest. For some, comprehensive wins, as choosing it may mean you're considered a lower risk. So if you were planning on third-party, also get a comprehensive quote.
These are just the start. For over 40 ways to slash motoring costs, see www.moneysavingexpert.com/motoringtips
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Tesco Bank offers competitive car insurance and breakdown cover, as well as further hints and tips articles about car insurance, safety and maintenance. Visit the Tesco Car Insurance page for more information.
