West Sussex County Times

Useful motoring and vehicle tips for 2022

With car costs set to rise in 2022, drivers need to be more prudent with their vehicles to ensure they stay safe on the road and cut motoring costs, writes Nigel Booth.

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Amid the ongoing pandemic and the continuing squeeze on household purses, everyone is looking for ways to make their money go further.

The car leasing experts at LeaseCar.uk have come up with some top tips to help keep the running costs of your vehicle down to help save the pennies.

A spokesman for LeaseCar. uk said: “Many people across the UK are reliant on having a car to be able to commute, shop and socialise and to have a ready form of transport available at home is vital for them.

“But the running costs can mount up and, at a time when every penny counts, we have decided to prepare a guide to top tips which can help you keep your car on the road and save money as well.”

Here are some ideas to consider if you currently maintain a vehicle:

Shop around for your MOT

Consider contacting numerous garages for quotes on how much it will cost to have an MOT carried out. You might be able to save money or hook in extra deals where a garage offers further maintenanc­e checks at a discounted rate.

Prepare in advance of your vehicle’s MOT

There is nothing to stop motorists from doing their own ‘preMOT’ tests, in fact it can actually be a very sensible decision.

The importance of a service

A good rule is to book your car in for a service as well as an MOT at the same time. At first glance, this may seem counterpro­ductive as you will be paying for more than just the MOT, but in terms of the long-term health of your vehicle it can be extremely helpful to have a service done at the same time.

Act on advice given

Sometimes MOTs come with advisory notes on things that won’t fail a test, but that the mechanic has noticed requires repairing at a time to suit you.

Engine care

In terms of running your vehicle, it pays to invest in good quality oil to ensure your engine gets the most effective lubricatio­n and protection and help reduce wear and tear.

Fuel factor

Consider investing in a mobile phone app which lets you know about difference­s in prices for petrol at service stations in your locality.

Drive economical­ly

Driving at a speed of 50mph is said to help conserve fuel, but on busy roads this is not always possible. However, motorists can consider techniques which will put less strain on the engine, such as changing gear early, and careful use of the car’s throttle, as this will help save fuel in the long run. Visit leasecar.uk for more. And motorists who are tired of setting the same new year’s resolution­s year on year should also aim to use the new year to improve a vital part of their everyday lives, their cars.

The car leasing experts at LeaseElect­ricCar.co.uk are offering their six best resolution­s for drivers in the new year.

Drivers improving their habits on the roads and enhancing the condition of their cars will contribute to overall road safety for 2022.

A spokespers­on from LeaseElect­ricCar.co.uk said: “We really want to encourage motorists to be safer on the roads in 2022 and setting new year’s resolution­s is a great way for drivers to reach that goal.

“Simple resolution­s such as keeping up with maintenanc­e and stopping bad driving habits can greatly contribute to safe driving and significan­tly improve road safety for the next year.”

Winter cleaning

Drivers known for hoarding old bags, wrappers and coffee cups in their motor should take the new year as an opportunit­y to keep a cleaner car.

Catch up on maintenanc­e

During the year it is very easy to fall behind on motor upkeep and maintenanc­e and the new year offers the perfect opportunit­y to catch up on those essential tasks.

Take a road trip

Romanticis­ed in films and TV series alike, a road trip is a perfect way to thoroughly experience being a driver. Whether it is travelling to see a friend, family member or to an event, motorists should seek out adventure in 2022.

Chill out

Motorists should aim to leave road rage behind in 2021 and aim to drive in a much more calm and collected manner in the new year.

Learn to do basic maintenanc­e

For any motorists tired of scheduling endless mechanic appointmen­ts and spending their time and energy at the garage, 2022 is the year to learn a few basic tricks to fix issues with their own hands.

Work on driving etiquette

Distracted driving, as innocent as it can sometimes seem, can cause serious accidents on the roads. Bad habits which lead to distracted driving should be avoided when going into the new year.

Visit leaseelect­riccar.co.uk for more.

 ?? ?? The new year should be an opportunit­y to keep a cleaner car
Try not to get too angry behind the wheel in 2022
The new year should be an opportunit­y to keep a cleaner car Try not to get too angry behind the wheel in 2022
 ?? ?? Remember to put a good quality oil in your engine, cut vehicle running costs by carrying out a car check before an MOT on things such as tyres, and resolve to drive safely in 2022
Remember to put a good quality oil in your engine, cut vehicle running costs by carrying out a car check before an MOT on things such as tyres, and resolve to drive safely in 2022
 ?? ?? Shop around for your MOT
Shop around for your MOT

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