Road trips can be for business, pleasure, and anything in between. But one thing’s for sure — running a vehicle isn’t cheap.
After factoring in volatile fuel prices, insurance, and breakdown cover, and countless extra running costs, suddenly your car doesn’t feel like such an efficient way to get around.
Yet, running a car is an inevitable part of modern life so finding a way to reduce costs is vital. Read on to discover some thrifty tips that will save you money while on the road in 2021.
Control Costs by Using a Fuel Card
The reality of driving is that at some point you’ll run out of gas. And when that time comes, you better have your wallet handy because refilling won’t come cheap.
Fuel is a significant expense which fluctuates almost randomly, resulting in eye watering charges which you’re obliged to pay. Therefore, be it a business or individual, this is not a reliable cost for you to encounter on a whim.
Fortunately, you can mitigate the cost with modern technology. And fuel cards are just one such example.
With a fuel card you can control the price you pay for fuel. Providers often offer drivers a slightly discounted set fee. Something which could apply on a large scale to fleet companies, or to an individual going for a Sunday drive. Either way, it’s better to expect to save a little, rather than suddenly be hit with soaring prices out of the blue.
As you can see, it’s a common misconception that fuel cards can only benefit business. However, not every card does the exact same thing, they are often tailored for specific needs. It’s worth knowing about iCompario in this instance.The comparison site specifically incorporates your needs into its searches so you can be sure whatever you find will be right for the situation, helping you find a better deal as a result.
Practice Better Fuel Management
The whole world is committed to a greener future, but much of the responsibility lies at the door of individuals — ordinary people going about their daily lives.
The thought of deviating from the norm can feel like a lot of needless effort. But sometimes the incentive to do so is more than enough to sway your opinion.
Breakdown services like RAC suggest practicing better fuel management with your vehicle can result in big savings. Your technique behind the wheel directly impacts the amount of fuel you use. And using less fuel means spending less money overall.
Consistently driving in the wrong gear is a certain way to waste fuel, especially because you aren’t even making proper use of it. But not only that, it’ll damage your vehicle too, so you’ll be paying the mechanic on top of numerous fuel bills.
Looking after your transmission is a great first step in driving sustainably. And it will blunt the impact of unnecessary running costs. For many this could mean switching to an automatic gearbox, where human error is all but ruled out. Equally, the cheaper option is to simply be more aware, by ensuring your always in the highest gear possible.
Consider Switching to Electric Vehicles
From the emergence of Tesla’s ion batteries, to the evolution of hybrid cars in Formula 1 alternative power is certainly the fuel of the future.
While many fear the astronomical prices of popularised electric vehicles like the BMW I8 or the Tesla Roadster. In realty, EV’s are more affordable and reliable than ever before. Not only this, running an electric car could also save you money in the long run.
Current consumer trends regarding eco consciousness mean manufacturers are trying their hand at building truly affordable electric vehicles in the here and now.
Notable examples being: Skoda Citigo e, Seat Mii, Honda e, and Nissan Leaf. All of which hover around the £20,000 mark. Not scrapyard cheap, but a downsight better than the average asking price of a Tesla.
In terms of saving money, EV’s can totally bypass some of the most irritating running costs of any vehicles, like fuel. But in many cases across the world you’ll be able to deduct a percentage of charging costs from your individual income tax, completely bypass parking fees, and even receive purchase grants to subsidise the asking price.
Ultimately If you can afford the initial upfront costs, the global financial incentives of owning an EV is hard to snub.
Recommend reading: When is Leasing a Vehicle a Good Idea? Tips and Tricks You Must Learn
Whether you’re managing the expense of fossil fuel with fuel cards. Or you’ve committed to an electric future. Looking onwards into 2021, as technology becomes bigger, brighter and more efficient; driving will inherently be more pragmatic and cost effective.