After the partying and celebrations of the Christmas period (and never mind the expenses), January can feel like a long, long month. Whether you are paying festive season bills or just trying to get by until the January payday, this time of year can have us all thinking about ways to cut down on costs. So we’ve put our heads together and come up with some fantastic ideas to help reduce your car-related outgoings in 2022. Here’s our best ways to save money this new year.

Cut down on unnecessary journeys

Owning a car can make you lazy. Especially in the UK, where the weather can often be wet and miserable, we all can sometimes use our cars when we could walk or take public transport. While we’re not saying you have to ditch your car completely, have a look at those regular short journeys that could easily be replaced. Not only will this reduce the amount of money you spend on fuel, but you’ll also be helping to make a greener planet. When you drive your car short journeys, it doesn’t have time to warm up and reach maximum efficiency.

Don’t automatically renew

There’s a tendency for many people in the country to just stick with whatever insurer or breakdown cover provider they have. After all, there’s no paperwork to do and you can just carry on as usual. But if you don’t shop around, how can you know you’re getting the best deal? There are so many comparison websites online today, that it makes sense to at least look at what other offers are out there. You might even find that a good offer from a new provider may convince your existing provider to offer you the best deal. This applies to insurance and breakdown cover, but also travel and home insurance and power bills too. Shop around, save money.

Get your car serviced

For many drivers, the only time we think about our car’s mechanical health is when it’s time for the MOT. But your car may not be running at maximum efficiency if you haven’t had it serviced recently. By giving your car a little TLC, you’ll be helping it to run more smoothly. A service can also point out any potential breakdowns coming your way, so you can have it sorted before it leaves you stranded on the side of the road.

Lighten the load

If you have a roof or bike rack, or travel with lots of unused equipment in the back of your car, you’ll be burning fuel. Reduce the strain on the engine by removing anything you don’t use. It might seem like a pain to take off a roof rack, but your bank balance will thank you.

Change your car

Have you been battling your car for the last few years? Repairing it constantly or finding it’s getting less and less miles to the gallon? Then it might be time to say goodbye to your car. With so many fantastic cars online waiting for you, there’s no excuse to struggle on with a car that’s no good for you. You might think you’ll be sad to say goodbye. But as soon as you sit behind the wheel of your newer, better, car, you’ll forget all about the last one.