Cost of Living

The cost-of-living crisis: 5 ways motorists can save money

It’s hard to avoid talk of the cost-of-living crisis at the moment, with the impact of inflation and soaring expenses being felt across the UK. Understandably, households are looking for ways to tighten their budgets in all areas of their lives – including driving. According to Comparethemarket, more than a third of motorists found the cost of driving a struggle last autumn.

Here at #TeamArbury, we want to keep you in the driving seat during this challenging time. We’ve put together our top tips for saving money on driving during the cost-of-living crisis – including advice on the most economic models and hacks for getting the best out of your current vehicle.

Read on to discover these tips in detail…

1. Steer clear of unexpected servicing costs

Taking out a service plan can help prevent unforeseen or inflated costs, while giving you the peace of mind that your servicing is budgeted for. Spreading the cost of your servicing gives you the flexibility to pay over an extended period.

Choosing a service plan with Arbury will give you the reassurance that your pride and joy will be maintained by professional, manufacturer-trained technicians using competitively priced genuine parts. Our plans are fixed cost – and therefore inflation-proof! – helping you save money. We also have a range of courtesy cars available to book, meaning your daily commute won’t be interrupted.

So, whether your car is brand-new or a few years old, we have a plan to suit you and your budget, and we regularly update our service plan offers.

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2. Avoid a chilling fine

There’s nothing worse than an unexpected bill or fine coming through your letterbox – especially during the current tough times. With temperatures set to keep plummeting, it’s important to be aware of the various fines you could face if you’re unprepared for frosty conditions, and which could cost you thousands of pounds.

One of the most common is having a snowy (and therefore unreadable) registration plate, which can leave you £1,000 worse off. What’s more, you could be fined up to £10,000 for having inadequate tyre pressure (£2,500 per tyre that fails) and handed three points for careless driving. Although this is the case all year round, remember that tyres lose their pressure faster in colder weather.

3. Focus on MPG

If your contract is coming to an end, or you need to buy a new car, you might want to consider switching to a car with a better miles per gallon (MPG) – in short, cars that’ll give you more miles for your money. What’s more, more efficient cars can have lower emissions and hence lower car tax and company car tax. Win, win!

And the good news doesn’t end there. At Arbury, we’ve got some exciting offers on our favourite three cars for high MPG:

New Nissan Juke Hybrid – 56mpg (combined)

In addition to good real-world fuel economy, this dynamic SUV also offers head-turning styling, ample space and intelligent technology. It’s ready and waiting to take you on a family adventure…

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PEUGEOT 208 1.2 Puretech – 56mpg (combined)

Make the most of your time on the road in this stylish hatchback 208. This sporty model will turn heads with its low-figure, seductive curves and irresistibly bright body colours. Plus, with it’s amazing MPG, it will take you further than ever before!

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ŠKODA Fabia 1.0 – 51mpg (combined)

Savour every minute behind the wheel of this impressive hatchback. This stunning all-rounder offers confidence, power and balance at every turn – not to mention its enviable MPG, of course.

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4. Make the switch

Electric vehicles are a savvy investment. Aside from the obvious environmental benefit, they’re generally cheaper to run than their petrol or diesel counterparts. There are fewer parts to go wrong/that need servicing and charging costs significantly less than filling up at the pumps. You can also benefit from cheap overnight recharging (depending on your energy supplier), and free travel within clear air zones in major cities.

What’s more, going electric doesn’t mean compromising on driving enjoyment. A prime example of this is the upcoming new Abarth 500e Scorpionissima, which boasts sublime torque, more sprint and exceptional road holding. Not to mention, head-turning looks to boot!

There are also more used electric vehicles available now. Check out our quality Approved Used electric models at Arbury, which give you a fantastic choice at even better value, plus tailored finance packages.

At Arbury, our knowledgeable team can also talk you through the benefits of going electric, as well as discuss our available electric cars, charging, electricity tariffs and how Clean Air Zones work. Get in touch today!

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5. Drive smart

Of course, if you’re not in the market to buy a new vehicle, there are ways you can keep costs down when driving your current car. We’ve already discussed the importance of tyre pressure. But making sure it’s correct doesn’t just mean you’ll avoid a hefty fine – it will also make your vehicle run more efficiently.

What’s more, simple things like driving gently, having the correct level of engine oil, removing any excess weight (like a roof rack) and keeping your air-con usage down can all make a big difference. Last but not least, one of our favourite hacks is checking where to find the lowest-cost fuel near you – the Petrol Prices app is one handy source of this information.

At #TeamArbury, we’re here to help you inflation-proof your driving. To find out more about spreading the cost of servicing, getting the best out of your current vehicle or which cars are the most efficient, contact your local Arbury today!