Save money on your motor

Smart tips to help driving this winter cost less

It's important to keep your car in good condition over winter, but there ARE ways to bring down the bills:

BE MORE CHILL

Dashing everywhere, suddenly slamming the brakes on and then flooring it to speed up again absolutely drains fuel. So try 'hypermiling' - adjusting your driving technique to save petrol. That means being more observant so you spot hazards quickly and can brake gradually to avoid them. Just don't be tempted to go full throttle when you set off again - accelerate gently, where it is safe to do so, and you'll save fuel.

MAINTENANCE IS KEY

Giving your vehicle the once-over regularly to look for problems such as windscreen chips, a lack of tyre tread or low oil levels will help prevent you breaking down and facing large emergency bills. Halfords can do this for you with a 10 Point Car Check, which also makes sure your wipers, battery and lights are in good condition. This will cost you nothing if you join the free Halfords Motoring Club; the usual price is just £15.

SO IS SERVICING

Regular servicing picks up any natural wear and tear on a car, saving us from breaking down or facing huge bills. Halfords' experts can carry them out, any repairs are guaranteed and if you book an MOT and Service together with them, you can save up to £39 - and that's on top of the up to 25 per cent saving you'll make by having the work done at Halfords compared to car dealerships!* And consider asking them to run a Fuel Efficiency Pack (£30 from Halfords) through the engine too - it removes the harmful carbon deposits that build up over time.

KEEP IT CLEAN!

Regular washing removes the grime and salt that can damage your car - do it by hand and you'll save a fortune over a car's life. Avoid using washing-up liquid, which can damage your paintwork - use a specialist product such as Halfords' Car Wash (500m1 for £2) instead.