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27. Use your smartphone so you don’t overstay on prepaid parking

Paid for parking? Not returning to your car in time can prove expensive if you’re hit with a fine. But many parking companies offer a service which lets you use an app on your phone to pay for parking. Although there is a small convenience fee, it’ll notify you when your parking is nearly up – and you can extend it remotely, so you’re not caught out.

28. Get a black box insurance policy

A black box policy works by monitoring your driving via a small black box that’s installed in your car. It builds a picture of how you drive, allowing the insurer to treat you as an individual and reward safe driving with a lower premium. If you are a young driver, black box insurance can be particularly helpful, but you can also find more tips on our guide to drivers. Generally smaller engines tend to attract smaller premiums, so choose your first car carefully. Make sure you’re accurate about the amount of miles you will drive over the year, as overestimating can cost you more.

29. Buy tax annually – not monthly

You can pay vehicle excise duty (VED – or road tax) annually, monthly or every six months. Many go for monthly to split it into smaller payments, but it works out more expensive over the entire year. Pay the full amount at the start of the year and be comfortable that it’s paid for the rest of the year Car tax bands vary depending on your type of vehicle.

30. Get a quote for fully comprehensive insurance – it may be cheaper

If you’re on a budget, many assume third-party insurance (the minimum legal requirement that only covers damage to other vehicles) will be the cheapest. But try getting quotes for fully comprehensive cover (which also covers damage you’re responsible for to your own vehicle).The weird algorithm of insurance companies’ computers often means it’s cheaper than the third party. You’ll be glad if you’re in an accident that’s your fault, too. RAC members often pay less for insurance with the RAC too. Black Box Car Insurance helps young and new drivers save money by rewarding safe driving.

30. Downsizing to a smaller car

Do you have a large estate or SUV but only do short city journeys most of the time you get behind the wheel? Maybe the kids have left home, and you no longer need that people carrier? If so, then it might be advisable to find a smaller and more economic vehicle – and maybe even make more money from your sale. A smaller engine will cost less at the forecourt, have a lower car insurance premium, cheaper annual road tax, and in most cases will be cheaper to fix should anything go wrong.

31. Buying a cheaper car

Following on from the above – replacing your current vehicle with a more economic model will save you money – or could even leave you with more money in your pocket. Although there are many great larger vehicles on the market – many comes with high MPG and maintenance fees can be worryingly large. Hatchbacks and smaller engine models are good alternatives if you are looking to buy a used car.

32. Switch to EV or Hybrid

With the cost of petrol and diesel hitting record highs this year, making the switch to electric vehicles (EVs) has become increasingly appealing. country. Although they may come with a larger initial payment, they can often be cheaper to drive over the long run .EVs often come with cheaper tax and insurance – as well as avoiding all low emission zone payments across the UK. You can often utilise free or cheap charge points at your place of work, supermarkets or on the public network. If you own an EV, then you could even install a home charger and plug your vehicle into the mains. Hybrids could offer the best of both as another alternative.

33. Reduce the number of vehicles

According to Statista, there are 1.21 cars per household in the UK. For some families, this is a necessity – but for some it can be an avoidable extra cost. Sharing one vehicle and managing calendars between all that need to use it can be time consuming but can reduce expenditure. With the growth of carpool, rideshare and alternative transport options, you don’t have to walk or cycle to get to your destination.

34. Pre-MOT checks you can do yourself

For any vehicles over three years old, you will need to take your vehicle for its annual MOT. In the lead up to the test, there are a few things that you should do to prepare your vehicle. If anything does ned a quick fix before your test, running through a MOT checklist can make sure that you keep costs down. Keep your car clean and full of clutter. A dirty car could lead to a garage refusing to carry out the MOT. Check the windscreen wipers are in good condition, with no tears and also check all lights are in working order. You should also check your tyre tread and pressure too .Make sure you top up all fluid levels – screen wash, brake fluid and oil – before you head to the test. If you do need a quick repair, consider bringing an expert to you. Mobile mechanics can carry out a wide range of repairs on your driveway or work car park.