First-Time Car Owner? Here Are Three Key Tips to Follow

Learning to drive is a formative experience, and one which represents a newfound form of independence for younger motorists across the country.

In 2021 alone, 1.3 million new drivers were estimated to join UK roads. But the driving lessons you take do not give you the whole story about car ownership. If you’re a first-time driver about to receiver their first vehicle, here are three key tips you should follow to make your life easier.

Budget Your Running Costs

The cost burden of a new car does not stop with its sale price or the terms of your finance agreement. There are many costs associated with the running of your car over time, not in the least when it comes to fuel costs. The rising cost of petrol and diesel has caused running costs to skyrocket for many, and should form a central part of your long-term budgeting strategy. You will also need to think about the cost of road tax and your annual insurance plan.

If you have bought an electric car, the cost burden of these running costs is lowered across the board; electricity is cheaper per mile, insurance is cheaper due to decreased maintenance costs, and road tax is nulled as a result of their zero-emissions status. But nonetheless, car ownership of any kind can come with hidden costs – as we’re about to discover.

Maintenance Saves Time and Money

There comes a time in every motorist’s life when something completely unexpected happens with their vehicle – whether a breakdown, tire blow-out or even a road traffic accident. In these circumstances, the cost of repair often cannot be avoided, and needs to be accounted for in any budget.

However, failure to properly maintain your car can lead to the increased likelihood of an accident, let alone an MOT failure and the expense of service repairs to guarantee a pass. You should endeavour to maintain your own car where possible, to stay on top of potential fail conditions and save yourself the time and money associated with fixing your car before it is road legal. You should book your MOT online in advance each year, and set a day to perform your own checks before you attend.

Safe Driving is Sustainable Driving

Fuel costs can be brought down in a number of ways, but the most effective way to increase your car’s fuel efficiency is through adopting safe and economical driving habits. Accelerating hard out of traffic, and braking late into corners, can tax your engine or motor more than necessary, causing you to use more fuel.

Adopting good habits early, such as coasting to stops and into corners, can help you stay on top of your fuel economy and save you money. Not only this, but driving economically is also driving safer, making you less likely to suffer an accident.