How to cut the cost of driving: 5 tips from the experts

Feeling the pinch? Try our top five tips for minimising the ever-rising costs of driving

Keeping a car on the road can be expensive at the best of times.

We're all too aware of how quickly the price of petrol and diesel can fluctuate, and when an out-of-the-blue car emergency hits?

It can be a financial headache.

However, driving is an essential part of modern life for most of us. And who wouldn't want to make sure they're taking to the road in the most cost-effective way possible?

There's a way to make driving the latest cars and tech more affordable too: leasing a car, rather than buying outright.

Car leasing, whether for personal or business use, allows you to get behind the wheel of some of the most popular new models on the market with no fear of depreciation – and a whole host of other benefits too.

You'll have access to the latest technology, can trade up every few years, and monthly payments are generally lower than PCP options.

But when the car is delivered to your door, you'll still want to be running your car as cheaply as possible.

Never fear.

We've pulled together five easy ways to keep you behind the wheel, and more of your money in your pocket.

Consider a maintenance package

One of the most frustrating things about being a driver is the shock of unexpected maintenance costs.

We've all been there.

Something seems a bit awry, so you dutifully book in with your trusted local mechanic, only to find an astronomical bill standing between you and your beloved lease car.

And it normally comes at a terribly inconvenient time.

Keeping on top of regular servicing and MOTs can help reduce the occurrence of these surprise bills, but it won't eliminate the risk altogether.

By far the most cost-effective option in terms of keeping your vehicle in tip-top condition is to take out a monthly maintenance package when you lease. It does add a little more to your monthly rental, but ultimately it could lead to huge savings.

From scheduled servicing and MOTs, to tyre and windscreen wiper replacement, a maintenance package is the way to make sure you've covered all your bases.

However, some things aren't included, so it pays to familiarise yourself with the specifics of your chosen plan. If you're in any doubt, speak to your dedicated Leasing Consultant, who will be able to help.

Switch to electric

Electric vehicles (EVs) have been around for quite some time. And in recent years, their popularity has soared, especially with the ban on petrol and diesel cars approaching and the ever fluctuating cost of fuel.

The environmental benefits of switching to an EV are well documented, but it can save you a whole wad of cash too.

Granted, whether you're planning on leasing or buying, the initial outlay on an EV can be a little more pricey than standard internal combustion engines (ICE) vehicles, but once you're on the road, you'll be laughing.

The lack of a traditional combustion engine in an EV means less maintenance – and fewer nasty repair bills.

And, although the exact cost of running your EV will depend on the battery size, which energy tariff you're on, and whether you charge at home or use public chargers, costs are still considerably lower than an ICE vehicle.

Anyone who regularly drives in London will reap the benefits of escaping congestion charges, as well as other low emission zone costs.

And for those considering an electric car business lease, the Benefit in Kind (BiK) tax is also much cheaper than on their combustion engine counterparts. It's currently set at 3%, and will rise by 1% each year until 2028.

For comparison, a petrol Vauxhall Mokka sits in the 30% band.

For a 20% tax payer, this works out to around £121 monthly, whereas a Vauxhall Mokka Electric is only £13 a month.*

*Prices correct at time of publication

Drive efficiently, save fuel

Drivers of ICE vehicles, don't fret.

There are still plenty of small changes you can make to your daily driving habits to make your commute cost-efficient.

Here are some handy tips that could save you some serious cash:

• Keep your tyres inflated: Making sure your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure not only prolongs the tread, but improves fuel efficiency too, keeping your petrol bill down.
• Switch off the air con when not needed: Self-explanatory really, but also re-gas it every two years. An air conditioning system with low refrigerant will blow warm air into your vehicle's cabin, making the system work harder to produce cold air. This, in turn, makes the engine work harder and burns more fuel.
• Have a clear-out: For some people, their car is a sanctuary in which not a hair is left out of place. For others, their vehicle inevitably collects all of life's bits ‘n’ bobs. Having a spring clean is one of the simplest things you can do to save fuel, getting rid of the additional weight and helping your engine work more efficiently.
• Spot check your driving habits: We're all guilty of slipping into some questionable habits behind the wheel, but it's worth being aware of how your driving style can hamper your fuel economy. Accelerating gently and maintaining a steady speed can help conserve your fuel.

Be parking savvy

Nobody likes a parking ticket, so it pays to familiarise yourself with any regulations in areas you're parking in.

One of the single most effective ways to make sure that you never fall foul of a traffic warden again is to use a parking app.

Some allow you to select the duration you want to park for, and will send you a handy reminder when your session is due to end. You can also extend your session if time escapes you. While others are open-ended – you simply end the session when you get back to the car.

No more fumbling for the exact amount of cash, and no worries that you're going to run over time?

We're in.

Scrub up

Far from being a purely cosmetic pursuit, keeping your vehicle spick and span can make it safer to drive.

But why have we included it in a blog about keeping your costs down?

Well, the costs of a weekly cruise through your local car wash will soon stack up. If you've got the ability and a spare half-hour at the weekend, cleaning your vehicle yourself might be the way forward in the name of saving cash.

Here's a quick run-down of what you might need:

• Stiff brush for cleaning material seats and getting rid of dust.
• Aloe-based conditioner for leather interiors.
• Damp cloth for cleaning around the gear stick.
• Vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment for cleaning the floor of your car.
• Hosepipe and specialist car shampoo for the exterior of your vehicle.
• Glass cleaner made especially for vehicles and a soft, lint-free microfibre cloth.
• Soft dry cloth to wipe down the exterior after washing – leaving to air dry can leave marks.

Dirty windows and headlights are cited as a cause of many road crashes, especially in wintry, dark conditions.

Regularly cleaning your car also allows you to keep tabs on any minor scuffs and dents that could rust if left unnoticed and lead to more expense.

You'll also be able to note any damage that might fall outside of the fair wear and tear guidelines. If you get these sorted before you hand the car back, you could save yourself from having to pay out excess damage charges at the end of your car lease.

Your wallet will thank you

We're all feeling the squeeze from rising costs these days, but your car expenses don't need to be another financial headache.

With a bit of forward planning and these simple adjustments in your life, you can make significant savings in your motoring costs.

Whether it's the peace of mind that comes with a maintenance package, the long-term savings of going electric, or just being more mindful of how you drive and care for your vehicle, each small change adds up to substantial savings over time.

And let's face it – who doesn't want a bit more money left in their pocket at the end of the month?

Your future self (and your bank balance) will be eternally grateful.

After all, smart driving isn't just about where you go.

It's about how you get there, in every sense of the phrase.