Car running costs: how to save on insurance, fuel and servicing ~ station of gear

12 Aug, 2015 3:00pm

Save money on motoring with our simple guide to cutting your car insurance, fuel and service costs

Owning and running a car is an expensive business, so we’ve broken out the calculator and looked at every part of it to see where you can easily cut back on your car running costs and save money.

It's a familiar feeling for motorists; you’ve just renewed your car insurance, and a service has been scheduled for next week. You’re about to go for a quick drive, and on the way back need to fill up with petrol or diesel. Standing by the fuel pump, the sudden realisation hits you: it’s been an expensive day.

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It's all too familiar but is there really anything car owners can do about the cost of running a car? Many drivers often forget the large toll that motoring has on their finances or at least put it to the back of their minds. In reality though, the most recent figures from the AA and Auto Express’ Driver Power 2015 satisfaction survey show a new £18,000 car will cost on average £2,559 to run per year, based on a petrol model covering 10,000 miles and returning 45mpg.

Like all great accountants, Auto Express is here to help cut the costs of running a car with a line-up of tips and advice covering everything from how to get cheaper insurance and saving on servicing to tips that will keep your fuel bills low.

Click the links below or on the top left of this page for our specialist advice in each of the key areas, then see how much we managed to save below...

How much have we saved?

Our top tips on cost savings show that most UK motorists could save nearly 20 per cent, or just under £500 a year, on their motoring costs (based on someone covering 10,000 miles in a petrol car averaging 45mpg).

If you’re a young driver eligible for a black box insurance policy, the savings could be greater still. And the great thing is, you don’t have to put in much effort to reduce your motoring outlay by this amount; all it takes is a bit of preparation.

Annual car costs:

	Average cost	Auto Express savings
Road tax	£180
Insurance	£374	£144
Breakdown cover	£50	£30

Car costs per 10,000 miles:

	Average cost	Auto Express savings
Fuel	£1,126	£180
Tyres	£194
Servicing and repairs	£435	£127
Parking and tolls	£200

Total average car costs: £2,559
Total Auto Express costs: £2,078

How much we saved: £481

What are your top tips for cutting your car costs? Let us know in the comments section below...

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