Cut the cost of driving
Driving and running a car can be expensive, but there are tips and tricks to keep your costs down. The costs of insurance, breakdown cover, parking and fuel quickly add up, but it's possible to save on all of these.
By checking websites to find the cheapest fuel locally, shopping around for cheaper car and breakdown insurance, and using hidden MOT centres, you may find you save yourself some money.
Shop around for cheaper car insurance
Car insurance rules changed at the start of 2022, which means insurers are banned from charging renewing customers more than new customers, but this doesn't necessarily mean you'll get a cheaper deal from your insurer at renewal.
It takes just a few minutes to use an insurance price comparison website, and you could save yourself £100s by switching insurer. It can be worth checking a few price comparison sites, as you may find different insurance companies on different sites.
Go to the Money Saving Expert website for more tips on saving on your car insurance: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/insurance/car-insurance/
Breakdown cover
Breakdown cover can be a good investment and is cheaper than having to get your car towed privately if you breakdown or have an accident.
If you already have breakdown cover, it can be worth shopping around when it's due for renewal. Like car insurance, you could save money by quickly comparing policies.
Find out more from the Money Saving Expert website: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/insurance/breakdown-cover/
Simple car DIY
Keeping your car serviced and maintenance costs, but can save you money in the long run. Getting your car regularly serviced can help identify and fix problems before they happen.
Servicing can cost over £100, but you may be able to find it cheaper if you shop around.
You can learn to do some basic car maintenance to save you money too:
- Make sure you check your oil and fluid levels regularly and top them up when necessary. This keeps your car in good working order and can save on expensive visits to a garage.
- Check your tyre pressure as under-inflated tyres means they could wear down quicker and you'll use more fuel.
- Make sure all of your lights are fully working, as broken bulbs can cause your car to fail its MOT. Have someone sit in the car while you walk around checking every light: front, rear, headlights, dipped headlines, hazards and indicators. If you need one, buy a new bulb and replace it yourself to save money.
Save money on fuel
Cut your petrol costs by finding the cheapest fuel prices in your area.
The Petrol Prices website compares local petrol and diesel prices. You'll need to register for an account, but it’s free to sign up and you can download a handy app for when you’re on the go: www.petrolprices.com
Public transport
Public transport is often cheaper than driving, but there are still ways to save yourself money - often by planning ahead.
Saving on train tickets
- Find out if you can get a railcard. Railcards can save you up to 1/3 on selected train fares, so they usually pay for themselves within a few journeys. There are a range of cards available, including 16-25 and 26-30 railcards, senior railcards for the over 60s, railcards for those who often travel as a pair, and veterans railcards. Head to the railcard website to find out if there's one that works for you: https://www.railcard.co.uk/
- If you travel regularly, a season ticket may save you money.
- If you're planning a journey, check for advance tickets. You can usually buy these up to three months before your journey and they're often a lot cheaper. If you're travelling very soon, it's still worth checking - they may still be available the day before your journey.
- Split your ticket. For longer journeys, it may be cheaper to buy several tickets for different parts of the journey but you must make sure the train calls at all the stations you buy tickets for. There are some websites that can help you do this, just search for train ticket splitting websites.
Catching the bus?
- If you've reached the female State Pension age, whether you are a man or a woman, you can get an Older person's bus pass. This provides you with free travel on local buses anywhere in England. You can travel from 9.30am to 11pm on weekdays, and all day at weekends and on bank holidays. You can get your bus pass from West Northamptonshire Council online or by visiting a library. Find out more: https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/buses-and-transport/older-persons-bus-pass
- Disabled people are eligible for a free bus pass, which allows you free travel on local buses in England. This is from 9:30am to 11pm on weekdays, and all day at weekends and on bank holidays. You will need to provide proof of your disability - the proof you need depends on your disability. Find out more: https://www.westnorthants.gov.uk/buses-and-transport/disabled-persons-bus-pass
- Northampton Buzz Card - The Northampton Buzz Card is a ticket that can be used for unlimited travel on most bus services in Northampton. Daily and weekly buzz cards can be purchased on buses. An adult day ticket costs £5 and a weekly card is £19. The card can be used across Northampton, and also in Boughton, Buckton Fields, Grange Park and Moulton. It's valid on all bus services run by Arriva, Britannia Bus, Centrebus, Stagecoach, Uno, The Village Hopper, and Z&S Transport. Just ask the bus driver for a buzz card!