Over 50s drive less to save money

A third of over 50s have tried to reduce motoring costs - including driving less, according to research by Saga Car Insurance. People have reduced their average annual mileage by a fifth since the credit crunch started, as the average over 50 now drives around 5,389 miles a year, down from 6,561, seven years ago.
 
The over 50s are doing a number of things to reduce the cost of running a car; including looking for the cheapest places to fill up (47%), leaving the car and walking more often (36%) and using public transport (35%). One in 14 have started shopping for groceries online to avoid driving to the shops.
 
Women are far happier than men to leave their car at home if it means saving money. They are the most likely to walk, catch a bus and also plan their journeys to reduce their monthly spend on their car. In fact, searching for the best petrol prices and riding a bike are the only things that men are more likely than women to do to save a penny or two. 
 
People in the North East are the most likely to cut back on motoring costs to free up some money at the end of the month, while the Welsh are the least likely to give up driving around in the comfort of their own car.
 
Roger Ramsden, chief executive, Saga Services commented: "Older people are feeling the pinch and cutting back on driving, but everyone could save money and make the most of their journeys if they follow a few simple tips."
 
Saga Car Insurance offers six tips for getting more miles for your money:
 
1. Lighten the load - dump the clutter from your boot (on average, saves around £28 a year).
 
2. Shop around for the best fuel prices -best petrol prices can vary by as much as 14% (on average, saves around £93.42 a year).
 
3. Check tyre pressures - under-inflated tyres use more fuel (on average, saves around £41.50 a year).
 
4. Don't be a speed merchant - steady Eddie saves the gas (on average, saves around £146 a year).
 
5. Cruise with the windows down - don't reach for the air-con button on a sunny day (on average, saves around £24 a year)
 
6. If you're driving fewer miles or if you have stopped commuting, let your insurer know as this may cut your premium.