MoneyMagpie Editor and financial expert Vicky Parry shares top tips to keep car costs low and avoid unexpected fines
As the weather turns wetter and colder, keeping your car running safely is increasingly important.
But you don’t need to spend hundreds of pounds – and you could save yourself on some hefty fines, too – if you follow these simple tips.
Get a free car safety check
Both KwikFit and Halfords offer free car safety checks. They don’t take very long and you don’t need to buy anything first to qualify. For Halfords, you need to sign up to their club but the check is included in the free version.
Your brakes, windscreen, battery, tyres, and bulbs are vital to safe operation but early problems can easily be missed. The free car safety checks will help you spot potential issues before they become costly mistakes.
If you have a new car that comes with services included in the first few years, make sure you claim them! Not only will this ensure a smooth-running car that won’t cause a costly breakdown, but it also ensures you’re within warranty agreements, too.
Don’t miss your MOT
Driving without a valid MOT on your vehicle could land you a fine up to £1,000. Don’t risk it! You can set up a free MOT reminder text and email to make sure you never miss your MOT date.
It’s possible to get your MOT up to one month (minus one day) without losing your renewal date. If you drive your car after it has failed for a dangerous fault, you could be fined up to £2,500.
Shop around for your insurance
It’s easy to let auto-renew do its job on your car insurance to take a bit of life admin off your plate. However, you’re doing your wallet a disservice if you allow it to happen.
Set reminders a few weeks before your insurance is due for renewal. Your insurance provider will also send a reminder that the policy is due to renew soon, with a new quote figure. Shop around online by using comparison websites as well as going direct to providers not on websites (such as Direct Line), and get a like-for-like quote.
If your quote is cheaper than your renewal, contact your current provider to ask for a price match, if you’ve been happy with their service. Or, switch to a new provider if you prefer them. Doing this simple check that takes about half an hour could save you hundreds of pounds a year!
Revise the Highway Code
When did you last read the Highway Code? Most people will have learned it when they did their test, and then never since. But things change over time, so you could accidentally be breaking the rules and face fines.
For example, did you know that in 2022 the code changed to give pedestrians right of way at a junction? Road users must give way to pedestrians either already crossing or waiting to cross a road into which or from which you are turning. The Gov.uk website has a handy guide of all Highway Code updates.
Be fuel savvy
Keep your fuel costs down by making the most of supermarket deals. Throughout the year, most supermarkets that also have petrol stations that offer deals such as 5p off a litre after you shop in store.
Consider also using a supermarket credit card when you buy fuel, to top up your loyalty points quickly (always check the terms and conditions). You can also use websites like PetrolPrices.com to make sure you’re getting the cheapest fuel around.
Practice the four-point check before you drive
You could inadvertently get a fine if something goes wrong on your car as you’re driving along. For example, if a bulb is out and you’re stopped by police, that could land you with a ticket. Not to mention some failures could cause very costly accidents, too.
Make it a habit to do a four-point check every time you get in the car. Walk around to check your tyres are safe and have nothing sticking out of them. Make sure your screenwash and wipers work. Check each light works before you set off, too. Finally, make sure your mirrors are angled correctly and free of smears or debris.
You should also regularly check your tyre pressure, engine oil levels and other critical fluids, according to your car manual’s instructions.
Use a car cover
There are two reasons to use a car cover if you park your car outside, especially if you park it on the street. First, it helps protect against the elements, especially if you don’t regularly drive the vehicle. It also makes it much easier to drive off quickly on very cold or snowy days.
Second, it stops you from being scammed by registration plate clones. Cars parked in full view on a road are easy to find and take note, meaning scammers will clone your registration plate and put on the same model car.
They’ll speed and commit motoring offences, and you’ll be the one to get the Penalty Charge Notice. A car cover is a deterrent, as it is harder to quickly take note of the registration plate or model and colour. Follow all of these tips, and you could keep your car running costs low this winter!
- Some of the brands and websites we mention may be, or may have been, a partner of MoneyMagpie.com. However, we only ever mention brands we believe in and trust, so it never influences who we prioritise and link to.
