EVERY LITTLE HELPS

The cost of living crisis means we're all paying closer attention to our motoring bills. John Evans knows how you can make a number of small savings that add up to a lot

- John Evans

With inflation nudging 10% and the cost of fuel going through the roof, be it liquid or electric, more British drivers are looking for ways to save money on their motoring.

A survey by Kia has found that almost 40% are using their cars less for short, urban journeys and the same percentage are walking or cycling when practicable. These are common-sense solutions, and here we offer a few more. 

Our conclusion? Despite the squeeze, shopping around is still the best way to save money.

CHANGE YOUR DRIVING STYLE

Sticking to speed limits, anticipating conditions ahead, changing up early and braking smoothly all help to reduce fuel consumption. Slowing down in plenty of time as you approach roundabouts (you will be surprised how often you can join without having to stop) and traffic lights also adds precious extra miles. Driving like this, I get 53mpg in my Volkswagen Golf 1.5 TSI 150 Evo DSG on mixed roads, compared with its official combined economy figure of 45.6mpg.

SHOP AROUND FOR TYRES

Tyre prices increased by 20% between July 2021 and January 2022, according to pricerunner.com, and fleet management specialist i247 Group says that rising energy and raw-material costs, larger wheel sizes and the new generation of advanced, EV-specific tyres are responsible. On that point, it claims there's a 246% difference in price between like-for-like Michelin tyres for my Golf and its electric equivalent, the ID 3. Clearly, the case for shopping around for the best tyre deal has never been stronger. For a new Michelin Primacy 4+ supplied and fitted by my local ATS depot, blackcircles.com quoted me £80 - £30 less than that same depot quoted.

FIX YOUR SERVICING