21 money-saving ideas for your car

Many people love their cars, even people who wouldn't consider themselves 'petrol heads'. To prove it, ask anyone about the first car they ever owned and it's likely they'll talk about it with humour, warmth and a touch of nostalgia.

Your car is probably the second-most expensive purchase you'll ever make, second only to property. For that reason, we've put together 21 simple ways to save money that most car owners can take advantage of.

Compare petrol prices close to your home regularly. Also some supermarkets offer a discount at the pumps if you spend a certain amount in store. Keep an eye on petrol prices in your area to make sure you're finding the best deal.
When travelling long distances by car, try to share the cost of petrol wherever you can with a passenger.
When travelling long distances, take your own food with you, unless you're a fan of motorway service station food and prices.
Save up for your annual car insurance premium over the year, as paying it in full is generally cheaper than paying by Direct Debit over 12 months.
When renewing your car insurance, check the small print. A premium may appear cheaper, but the excess (what you pay in the event of a claim) could be higher - so weigh up how it would work out in the event of a claim too.
Beware when buying a used car. At the very least, research prices for the make, model and year of the vehicle you're interested in - and if you can, take a mechanic friend with you to check the car out.
If you buy a second-hand car from someone you know, they're (hopefully!) more likely to charge you a good price and you will have a better idea of the car's history - which can help you to avoid any nasty and expensive surprises.
Leave the car at home whenever you can.
If you live with a partner or spouse, many couples get by just fine with one car, but it does require some give and take.
If you are sharing a car with a partner, make sure you have the correct insurance.
On a night out, offer to be the designated driver. You'll save money on drinks, you'll be saving your friends the price of a taxi and you'll probably feel better than they do the next morning!
Learn how to save wear and tear on your car by avoiding accelerating or braking too hard. More information on this site: http://www.hypermiler.co.uk/
Learn the basics of car maintenance. You can fail an MOT if your windscreen wipers leave the screen streaky (affecting visibility), for example.
Take care of your car's appearance. If you own your own car and come to sell it later on, it's more likely to sell for more money if it's in good condition.
You can purchase your road tax annually, or for six months. Buying it annually works out cheaper than two six-month tax discs. Set aside money every month for this annual bill.
One way to save money on breakdown cover is by insuring yourself for one named vehicle. Some policies cover you if you drive any car, but these policies are generally more expensive. If you only ever drive your own car, then cover yourself for your named vehicle.
Some roadside assistance companies offer a discount if you cover your whole family or multiple vehicles.
Only buy the breakdown cover that you need. If your car is new, the very basic cover might be enough. If your car is older - and more likely to break down - more comprehensive cover is probably necessary for peace of mind.
When travelling overseas, you could buy European breakdown cover for a full year - but if you're only going for one trip, you can buy a single European trip cover policy, which can work out cheaper.
You could make savings on breakdown cover and car insurance cover if you shop around and/or buy online.
Keeping your car in good shape can help you limit the number of times you claim on your breakdown policy - there is often a limit on your number of call-outs before you have to pay.

Tags: money saving, car, car insurance, saving money