Car running costs soar but drivers ignore
Despite the harsh economic climate, only half of Brits consider running costs when buying their next car, research by Carmony.co.uk has revealed. With the cost of crude oil pushing fuel prices ever higher, and the Emergency Budget expected to produce the double-whammy of VAT and car tax increases, drivers’ wallets are likely to be hit hard. Findings also showed that 22% of Brits regretted buying their car soon after purchasing it because it was expensive to run!
The research commissioned by leading used car website Carmony.co.uk found price, mileage and age ranked as more important buying factors, with budget conscious Brits happy to pay less up front than consider how much a car might cost to run in the long term.
“Motoring is becoming increasingly expensive and as the government prepares to deliver its Emergency Budget, drivers are inevitably going to be hit hard. But there are some very simple changes to driver habits that everyone can employ, which can make a real difference,” advised Alan Hazelhurst, Managing Director, Carmony.co.uk.
“That’s why at Carmony.co.uk we’ve created a free guide to economical motoring to provide drivers with simple, easy to use, jargon-free tips to consider when choosing and running a car,” continued Alan Hazelhurst.
“In addition to this guide, all the cars on Carmony.co.uk are listed with details of running costs, so buyers are aware of how much they should expect to spend on their motor. We can’t bring fuel prices or car tax down, but we can help to inform motorists how to drive more economically!”
Some key top tips from the Carmony.co.uk economic driving guide include:
“Saving” money by not servicing your car is a false economy. Servicing your car regularly makes sure the engine runs efficiently.
Travel light! Avoid carrying any unnecessary weight in the car, such as boxes or golf clubs, and remove roof boxes if you are not using them. The aerodynamic resistance caused by an empty roof box adds 10% to fuel consumption.
Plan ahead, especially at the weekend. Think about making one long journey instead of two or three short ones.
Drive smoothly, accelerate gently and maintain a steady speed.
Change gear early. Keeping below 2,500 rpm for petrol engine and 2,000 rpm for diesel engine will help maximise your fuel efficiency.
Watch your speed. At 80 mph you could be using 25% more fuel than if driving at the 70 mph speed limit. And at 70 mph you are likely to be using nearly 10% more fuel than when driving at 60 mph.
Consumers can download the free guide from carmony.co.uk.