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Costs and money , Maintenance and tyres , On the road · Aggiornato il 2026-10-18

Ways to lower your car running costs

You cannot make a car free to run, but you can usually make it cheaper without losing safety or reliability. The biggest savings come from a handful of habits and a few smart decisions, not from gimmicks. This guide goes through the main areas, starting with those that tend to bring the most.

Know where the money goes

Before you cut anything, find out what you spend. Record your costs for a few months, as described in how to track car expenses, and see the full list in the real cost of owning a car. Then you can focus on the items that matter for you. The cost of ownership tool helps you estimate the yearly total.

Drive less, and smarter

The cheapest kilometre is the one you do not drive. Combine errands into one trip, share rides, walk or cycle for short distances and use public transport when it is simpler. Cold engines use more fuel, so several short trips cost more than one longer one. Before a longer trip, you can check the cost with the trip cost tool and compare it with the alternatives.

Use less fuel

Fuel is a large, regular cost, and it responds well to changes in habit.

• Accelerate gently and look ahead to avoid sudden braking.
• Drive a little slower on motorways. Fuel use climbs quickly with speed.
• Keep tyres correctly inflated.
• Remove roof boxes, racks and heavy items you do not need.
• Use air conditioning sensibly.

These are explained in more detail in how to save fuel. Also be careful with price chasing: driving across town to save a little on the price of fuel can cost more than it saves.

Choose insurance carefully

Insurance renews on a schedule, which makes it easy to ignore. Once a year, compare quotes and check that the cover matches the car: an old, low-value car may not need the same cover as a new one. Raising the excess, if your policy allows, can lower the premium, but only if you could afford to pay it. Avoid cutting the legally required cover or leaving gaps. Read insurance types explained before you change anything. Rules differ by country, so check with the competent authority.

Maintain on time

Regular maintenance costs money, but neglect costs more. Small problems become large ones: worn brake pads damage discs, low oil can ruin an engine and a worn belt can break and wreck other parts. Follow the plan in how often to service and keep records in the service book.

You can still save sensibly:

• Get more than one quote for larger jobs, and ask for the work to be itemised.
• Ask what is necessary now and what can wait, and why.
• Use an independent workshop with good reviews and clear prices. See finding a good workshop.
• Do simple tasks yourself where you are confident and it is safe, such as topping up washer fluid, checking tyre pressure and replacing wiper blades. Leave brakes, airbags, fuel and high voltage systems to professionals.
• Choose parts of reliable quality. The cheapest parts can wear out sooner and cost more in the end.

Look after your tyres

Correct pressure, rotation and alignment extend tyre life and cut fuel use. Replace tyres before they are worn out for safety, but do not discard them early. See tyre basics and tyre pressure and rotation. Buying good tyres in a sensible size is usually better value than the cheapest ones, because tyres affect braking and grip.

Cut fixed costs

• If you rarely use a second car, consider whether you need it.
• Look for cheaper parking, or free alternatives within walking distance.
• Avoid fines by keeping an eye on deadlines and parking rules.
• If you finance the car, check the interest and fees and whether another option is cheaper. See car loan, savings or leasing.

Think about the car itself

Sometimes the best savings come from changing the car. A smaller, lighter or more efficient car costs less to fuel, insure and keep. A car that needs repeated expensive repairs may cost more than a replacement. Think about this before you drop more money into an old car. If you sell, see sell privately or trade in.

Avoid false economies

• Skipping a service or ignoring a warning light. See dashboard warning lights.
• Buying very cheap tyres or brake parts.
• Using the wrong oil or fuel.
• Cancelling cover in a way that leaves you exposed.
• Following advice that promises large savings from a gadget or additive without evidence.

What to remember

• Measure first, then save where the numbers are biggest.
• Driving less and driving smoothly reduce fuel use right away.
• Compare insurance and repair quotes regularly.
• Do maintenance on time and never trade away safety to save money.

Beginner Costs Do it yourself Fuel Insurance Service history Tyres