As winter approaches and petrol costs continue to rise, you might be getting concerned about quite how much it's costing to run your vehicle. At Direct Gap, we're here to make your driving experience as affordable and economical as possible, so here are our top ways to save money on your car this winter.

1) Keep your car in the best condition

It's not expensive to keep your car in the best condition possible but regular maintenance can hugely cut down on big repair bills. If you're looking to cut costs and improve your vehicle's performance, a few regular checks and adjustments could make a big difference. You can also save money by valeting your car yourself, with a good old-fashioned car wash. Having clean windows is essential for safe driving so make sure your windscreen fluid is full too. Make sure your front and back number plates are clearly visible and not damaged and take your car out for a short drive to check the brakes.

2) Prepare properly for your MOT

Your car's annual MOT and any repairs which it demands can also be a big cost for drivers, so before you take your car to the garage, make sure your tyre pressure is correct, that all of your lights are working and that your car is ready to pass! Make sure you know your vehicle's maintenance schedule and keep up with changing the oil and fluids under the bonnet.

"Fuel is one of the biggest expenses for many drivers, and there are a number of ways you can improve your fuel economy to get the most out of your vehicle. Inflating tyres to their proper pressure can help with fuel costs, as can removing any extra weight from your vehicle. It's also a good idea to avoid engine idling"

3) Save money with Gap Insurance

More and more people are choosing to take out gap insurance to save them from extra costs which occur if they have an accident and their car is declared a total loss. These costs can be a huge problem but gap insurance will cover the difference between your insurance offer when your car is written off and the value of the car when you bought it. You can get a free quote for gap insurance today and if your car has been written off and you're still paying a finance company, Gap insurance will cover the gap! Talk with our experts or read more on our website.

4) Pay attention to your tyres

Flat tyres can mean you use more petrol so make sure they are properly inflated. It is also wise to regularly check your tread depth and power steering. Keeping your car safe in the winter can also mean investing in winter tyres, and though this might cost more you will have much better grip and handling in winter conditions. You can also get tyre insurance and alloy wheel insurance. One of the biggest costs that can hit drivers is if their car is written off and they are still paying finance, so making sure you reduce the risk of an accident will pay off in the long run. If you want to save money, consider buying the tyres online and fitting them yourself.

5) Pay your road tax in one go

Usually, it is cheaper to pay for your road tax in one go, rather than splitting it into monthly payments. This can also be the case with many car insurance providers, so if you can afford to pay out in one go, you could save yourself quite a bit of money. You will also need to make sure you pay your road tax on time and that your car has had its MOT to prevent any fines. If your vehicle is no longer roadworthy or you have a SORN you can also claim a tax refund back.

6) Reducing your petrol costs

Fuel is one of the biggest expenses for many drivers, and there are a number of ways you can improve your fuel economy to get the most out of your vehicle. Inflating tyres to their proper pressure can help with fuel costs, as can removing any extra weight from your vehicle. It's also a good idea to avoid engine idling and only filling up with as much fuel as you need. Other ways to reduce the amount of petrol you use could include walking short trips and making sure you know the route ahead so you don't get lost and waste fuel.

Get in touch

Contact our friendly team at Direct Gap today for more advice on gap insurance and protecting your car this winter.