How to DRIVE DOWN YOUR CAR COSTS

Running a car can be one of the most expensive household outlays: the annual spend can easily accelerate to well over £1,000. From insurance and repairs to parking and fuel, there are so many expenditures involved. Here are our top tips for more efficient driving.

Do a tyre check. According to the RAC, tyres underinflated by 15psi (pounds per square inch) use around 6 per cent more fuel, so keep your tyres pumped up.

'on’t fill up on fuel. By doing this you’ll be adding extra weight to your car, which will make it less efficient than putting in less fuel and filling up more often.

Use parking apps. Save with apps, like AppyParking to see paid and free parking locations near you; or Parkopedia, a database of public and private spaces.

Get a comprehensive insurance quote. Comprehensive cover can be cheaper because third party policies tend to be more popular with high-risk drivers, so get a quote for both types to compare.

Book a council MOT. If it’s likely only minor repairs will be needed, a council MOT centre will issue advisories, but don’t do repairs, so you can then go away and find the best quote for the repairs.