Let’s face it – driving is an expensive activity but one that is essential for many people. If you need to drive for the school run or to get to work, then there is no avoiding the expenditure that comes with car ownership, tax, insurance and fuel. Then there are all those other aspects of running a vehicle that you need to shell out for, such as MOTs, services, car washes and oil top-ups.

It can soon mount up even if you limit the use of your car to when you need it only. Of course, refraining from driving around when you don’t really need to is one of the best ways you can save on your annual fuel bill but what are the other practical ways you can save money as a driver?

Avoid Premium Fuel

There is no need to purchase premium fuel in most modern cars these days. Although premium fuels are sold on the basis that they offer improved performance, the fact of the matter is that they are barely noticeable in most fuel-efficient cars made today.

You may need a premium fuel if you have an older car that does not have such a good fuel filtration system to deal with unwanted particles which might be floating around in standard fuels. However, any family car that has been made in the last ten years or so is not likely to fare much better just because you put premium fuel into its tank.

The trouble is that many garage forecourts are arranged so you only get standard fuels at certain pump locations. If you pull over to one with only premium fuel, then wait for a standard fuel pump to become available before you fill up.

Keep Your Tyres In Good Condition

It is surprising just how many motorists fail to pay enough attention to their tyres. And yet, the tyres of any car constitute a major expense over the lifetime of a vehicle.

Front-wheel tyres should give you a minimum of 20,000 miles of driving before you need to replace them. However, buying cheap tyres can be a false economy because they are not likely to last this long before you need to exchange them for new ones.

Instead, look for premium tyres that are on special offer or that are the end of a product line. These will be cheaper but still offer the longevity you need. Shopping around online for compatible premium tyres is always a good idea. If you are looking to get tyres online – you can consult with experts at Jet Wheel Tyre.

Once they’ve been fitted, keep your tyres inflated to the recommended level by pumping them up every few weeks. This will lower your car’s rolling resistance and improve your fuel economy. It will also help to prevent premature wear on your tyre tread into the bargain.

Adjust Your Driving Style

Finally, you can lower the amount you spend for every mile you drive by simply adjusting the way you operate behind the wheel. A good tip is to pull away in second gear on flat ground so that you get used to accelerating from a standstill more gently. If you leave a bigger gap between you and the car in front, then you will also need to use your brake less often.

These two simple measures will lower your fuel expenditure by helping to conserve energy. It also helps you to think ahead and drive more proactively which will improve your car’s fuel economy no end.