Saving money on car running costs = More to spend on shoes!

Top 10 tips to run your car more efficiently

With petrol prices getting close to record highs again, here are a few tips to help make your car more efficient and therefore cheaper to run = more money for shoes! You’ll be surprised at how just a few simple changes can make your car run more smoothly and feel more fun to drive as well as saving you money.

• 1. Do you really need to drive?
That’s the question you should ask yourself every time you go to pick up your car keys. Most wear and tear happens when the engine’s cold and it can take around three miles of normal driving before cars are up to their proper working temperature. If you can, why not consider leaving the car at home and walking to the shops? It will be far better for both you and your car (think how much better your favourite little black dress will look once you’ve dropped a couple of pounds!) Not only does walking instead of driving for short journeys save harmful wear and tear to the car, it also saves fuel (v expensive at the mo) and the planet (a modern car's pollution-catching catalytic converter can take up to six miles of normal driving before it works effectively).
• 2. Clean up your act!
Keeping your car clean and tidy can actually save you money! Not only does cleaning your car on a regular basis help to protect its value and make driving safer, it can also improve your car's efficiency. If your car resembles more of a travelling wardrobe than a car, it’s time for a clear-out! The weight saved will help reduce your car's fuel consumption = more money for shoes! It's also worth polishing up the body of your car as a sleek, clean car cuts through the air much more easily than a muck-spattered motor. Don’t forget to hose down the underside too.
• 3. Healthy car = low costs = more money for shoes!
Routine maintenance is a sound idea for any car as it helps ensure that it is reliable and safe as well as efficient. A little time spent keeping your car in the best of health can avoid a lot of hassle and expense later on. Make sure to do the simple things, check the oil and the water are toped up and don't let any warning light go unheeded. Come on ladies, we can totally do that!
• 4. Under-pressure
Think about it - tyres are one of the most important parts of your car and the only thing keeping you in touch with the ground. As a general rule, check your tyre pressure every time you fill up the tank. Tyres at the correct air pressure will help reduce fuel consumption, reduce noise and wear, and allow the car to steer and handle as it should. Under-inflated tyres can reduce fuel economy by up to 15 percent. Also, make sure that the tread has plenty of depth and look out for any stones or nails that may cause a puncture. Cheap replacement tyres can be a false economy as many wear more quickly. Look for a quality name at an affordable price – just as would do with a pair of staple black shoes.
• 5. Is it really that hot?
There's nothing more refreshing than a cool blast of air conditioning on a hot day but be aware that air conditioning can reduce fuel economy by up to 10 percent, so using it selectively can save you a bundle of cash when it comes to refilling the tank. Let’s face it though, it’s not that hot in the UK! However, not using your car's air con regularly can lead to some expensive repair bills so even in winter, it’s recommend that you should switch on the air conditioning for a short period every week to keep it working in fine order – just remember to switch it off when you’re done!
• 6. Wind up that window!
Just as air conditioning can lower fuel economy by up to 10 percent, driving with the windows and sunroof open can also increase fuel consumption by the same amount. When driving around town, open windows are fine, just remember to wind them up when heading out onto freer flowing roads and motorways.
• 7. You’re a smoothie!
Driving smoothly is always a good idea both for the car and also for your fuel consumption. Harsh braking and acceleration make the car do a lot more work, use more fuel and cause greater wear on certain parts such as the clutch, brakes and tyres. Look ahead and anticipate what other cars around you are likely to do. This way, you can adapt your driving in advance to avoid sudden changes, so your driving will be smoother and passengers will have a more relaxing journey too.
• 8. Shop around
Any savvy shopaholic knows that shopping around is the best way to a bargain, yet many drivers don't shop around enough when it comes to their cars. Everything from servicing to petrol is available at a keener price if you spend a little time doing your research.
• 9. Remember the 5 Ps!
Proper planning prevents poor performance: plan your route online before heading out to see if there are any likely hold-ups or delays. On your daily commute, try organising a car-share where you can pick up colleagues to share the cost of fuel and parking. The little extra distance you may have to travel will easily be offset by the split costs, and you’ll have someone to have a natter with on your way to and from work.
• 10. R&R does you good
Everyone hates being stuck in traffic jams, so why not use that otherwise wasted time for a little R&R? As long as you've allowed plenty of time for your journey, an occasional hold-up shouldn't cause a problem. So sit back and keep calm: turn on the radio or plug in your MP3 player, let a bit of fresh air in and drink some water as staying hydrated is proven to help driver alertness. If it’s clear that the traffic isn't moving, turn off the engine and wait until the queue begins to move before restarting. This simple practice will save you money in fuel and taking control in this way will make you feel better rather than more stressed.

So there you have it, 10 simple tips to help save you money on your car running costs and leave you with more money for the important things in life, namely shoes, clothes and chocolate!