The average UK driver spends thousands keeping their car on the road each year – but there are ways to cut these ongoing costs without giving up your wheels
Purchasing a car might be one of the heftiest investments you’ll make, but the costs don’t end there. Between insurance, petrol, upkeep and unforeseen repairs, the average UK motorist spends thousands keeping their vehicle on the road each year.
With household budgets already stretched thin, drivers across the nation are constantly seeking ways to trim these ongoing expenses without having to give up their vehicles. This is according to William Fletcher MBE, CEO of Car.co.uk, who has outlined how minor adjustments to your driving and car care routine can lead to substantial savings.
“Most drivers don’t realise how much money they’re leaving on the table through simple oversights,” said Mr Fletcher. “Whether it’s paying over the odds for insurance or ignoring basic maintenance, these habits can cost you hundreds every year.”
Below, Mr Fletcher divulges his top tactics for keeping more cash in your wallet while staying safely on the road.
Expert-approved methods to cut your yearly motoring expenses
Smart insurance shopping is your biggest money-saver
Don’t just press the renewal button when your car insurance is due. This single habit could be costing you hundreds each year. The insurance market is fiercely competitive, and loyalty rarely pays when it comes to premiums.
“I see drivers paying £200 to £300 more than they need to simply because they can’t be bothered to shop around,” Mr Fletcher revealed. “Set a reminder a month before your renewal date and spend an hour comparing quotes. It’s probably the best hourly wage you’ll ever earn.”
The same principle applies when taking out fresh cover. Obtain quotes from at least five different insurers and don’t forget to check if your bank, employer, or professional associations offer member reductions.
Drive as though petrol prices matter
Your driving habits have a more significant impact on fuel consumption than you might realise. Aggressive acceleration, harsh braking, and excessive speeding have been known to boost fuel costs by up to almost 70%.
Smooth, steady motoring is not only safer, but more economical. Accelerate gradually, maintain consistent speeds where possible, and anticipate traffic flow to avoid unnecessary braking. On motorways, going from 70 to 80mph can raise your fuel use up by 25%, so it’s better to be on the safe side.
“Think of your right foot as connected directly to your wallet,” advised Mr Fletcher. “Every time you floor the accelerator unnecessarily, you’re burning money as well as fuel.”
Keep your tyres in top condition
Under-inflated tyres are silent money drains. They boost fuel consumption, wear out quicker and can even be dangerous.
Check your tyre pressure at least once a month, ideally weekly. It takes five minutes and could save you pounds every time you fill up.
Correctly inflated tyres can boost fuel efficiency by up to 3%, whilst also dramatically prolonging tyre lifespan. Considering that a complete set of tyres can set you back £600 to £800, this straightforward check safeguards a substantial investment.
Mr Fletcher continued: “I’ve seen tyres that should last 30,000 miles worn out at 15,000 simply because they weren’t properly maintained. That’s literally throwing money down the drain.”
Maintenance – invest a little, save a fortune
Regular servicing might appear like an avoidable cost, but it’s genuinely one of the smartest investments you can make. A properly maintained vehicle operates more efficiently, consumes less fuel, and is considerably less likely to surprise you with hefty unexpected repair costs.
Oil changes, filter replacements, and routine checks identify minor issues before they develop into costly catastrophes. A £20 oil change today could prevent a £2,000 engine rebuild tomorrow.
“Prevention is always cheaper than the cure,” Mr Fletcher observed. “I’d rather spend £200 on annual servicing than £2,000 on emergency repairs.”
Make loyalty programmes work in your favour
Most leading supermarkets and fuel retailers provide loyalty programmes that can genuinely cut your petrol expenses. Tesco Clubcard, Sainsbury’s Nectar, and various petrol station apps deliver points, reductions, or cashback on fuel transactions.
Certain programmes provide 1-2p per litre reductions on fuel prices, which accumulates rapidly if you’re a frequent driver. Many of them also deliver double points days or special promotions that can amplify your savings even more.
Plan your trips smartly
A bit of foresight can go a long way. Merge multiple errands into one outing, utilise traffic apps to dodge heavy traffic, and try to schedule your journeys to avoid peak times if possible.
Cold engines consume more fuel, so several short drives will cost more than one longer trip covering the same distance. If you can stroll to the local shops instead of driving, both your wallet (and waistline) will be grateful.
Mr Fletcher said: “The truth is, most drivers are overspending on their motoring costs without even realising it. The tips I’ve listed aren’t complicated financial strategies. They’re simple, practical steps that anyone can take tomorrow. I’ve seen families save £300 to £500 a year just by being more thoughtful about insurance renewal and basic car maintenance.
“What surprises people most is how quickly these savings add up. A few pounds here on fuel efficiency, £50 there on insurance, and suddenly you’re looking at hundreds back in your pocket. The most important thing is consistency: make these habits part of your routine, and the money starts taking care of itself. Your car will run better, last longer, and cost you significantly less to keep on the road.”