One of the most significant ongoing expenses of owning a car is fuel. There are several ways to reduce your fuel cost:

1. Drive more efficiently
   By driving more efficiently, you can reduce the amount of fuel you use, make your tyres and brakes last longer and avoid servicing your car earlier than planned. Some tips for driving more efficiently include accelerating slowly, maintaining a steady speed, and avoiding sudden stops or starts. How to remember to do that? Simply imagine your child falling asleep in your car and adjust your driving style so you can enjoy the peace… for a little longer.

2. Keep your tyres inflated
   It’s important to check and maintain your tyre pressure. Under-inflated tyres create more drag on the road, increasing fuel use. Under-inflated tyres cause erratic wear that results in expensive replacements and an increased chance of blowouts.

3. Check your wheel alignment
   Every 10,000km, or twice a year (whichever comes first), you should also check your wheel alignment. This will ensure that all of your wheels are working together properly and will increase fuel efficiency, reduce suspension wear and extend the life of your tyres.

Reduce maintenance cost

Regular oil changes, air filter replacements, and tire rotations can all help your car run more efficiently, improve its fuel efficiency and avoid high repair costs. But regular maintenance can also be expensive. So here are some tips to reduce your maintenance costs:

4. Follow the recommended maintenance schedule
   By following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, you can prevent more costly repairs down the road.

5. Choose a reliable car
   When purchasing a car, choose a reliable make and model that is less likely to require frequent repairs. Sometimes spending a little more in the short term will help you spend less in the long run.

Reduce insurance cost

We all know how frustrating it is to compare insurance policies, premiums and payment options,  but shopping around, comparing prices and negotiating with your current provider can save you hundreds of dollars per year. Here are some other things you can do to save on car insurance:

6. Pay annually instead of monthly
   Many people pay by the month for their insurance policies because it seemed cheaper at the time. But they don’t know that this could cost them hundreds per year.

7. Bundle your policy with other products
   Many insurance companies offer discounts if you bundle multiple policies, such as car and home insurance.

8. Increase your excess
   A higher excess can significantly reduce your monthly insurance premiums. If you can afford it, this is certainly an option to consider.

And if you want to discover all the ways you can save on car insurance, you can read this guide from Canstar. There you have it: the 8 ways you can save on your car running cost. Now you can put them into action and rescue your household budget from the high cost of living. Do you want to know how to bundle all those savings into one simple strategy?