Owning a car comes with so many responsibilities. From checking the oil to making sure your insurance is up to date, it’s no wonder that 53% of drivers admit that they don’t have a clue when their next MOT is due.
The constant costs of repairs and servicing can be stressful, and 16% of motorists say that they actually put off fixing faults until their next service. Of course, this is neither smart nor safe, so in response to this problem, Halfords Autocentre is launching a month-long initiative to make UK roads safer. By buying any product from a Halfords shop you can now bag a free £54.85 MOT from over 300 Halfords Autocentres across the UK!
Yes that is right! Halfords Autocentre is offering a free MOT to any customers who shop in Halfords retail branches. Any product bought in a Halfords store between now and the 14th October entitles the buyer to a free MOT, which they have 13 months to redeem.
This means that customers can buy items such as an air freshener for just £1 and still be eligible to claim a free MOT.
If you’re looking for more ways to save money on car costs, we have a few other tips for you:
Reduce fuel consumption
Keep a good distance between you and the car in front to avoid last minute braking, and try to accelerate slowly rather than hitting the gas too quickly. You should also try changing to a lower gear when the engine speed drops below 1500 rpm. You can also compare fuel costs online and plan ahead to make sure you get the cheapest rate every time you fill up.
Car share
Do you live close to your colleagues? If so, consider taking it in turns to drive to work as this could reduce your monthly fuel costs substantially. It will also keep your mileage down and keep your car in tiptop condition. You might even make some new friends!
Avoid air-con
Running the air conditioning can reduce a vehicle’s fuel economy by more than 25%, so try to cool down by simply opening the windows initially. Do this when you are driving slowly and save the air-con for when you’re on the motorway.
Replace your air filter
To keep dirt out of the engine, you should replace your air filter every 30,000 miles. Not only will this improve fuel economy but you’ll also save the money that a garage would charge to do it for you. You can do it at home in less than five minutes for free.
Check your tyres
Having the correct tyre pressure can improve your mileage by 3.3%, so take a moment to research exactly what your car tyre pressure should be. You can usually find this printed on a sticker on the door of the driver’s side, in the glove compartment or in the owner’s manual. Experts suggest checking the tyre pressure monthly and always before embarking on a long journey.
Save on insurance
Many insurance companies will offer you a discounted rate if you agree to have a tracking device installed. This little black box records everything that happens when you’re driving, and allows them to monitor the location and movements of your vehicle. This is particularly helpful for young drivers who are typically charged a lot for insurance services.
Save your no-claims bonus
Making a claim on small accidents (check my blog on the procedure) can raise your insurance premium by up to 41%, so consider carefully whether it’s worth it. Small accidents that don’t involve anyone else or didn’t result in injury are often cheap enough to pay for yourself. The cost may even be similar to your excess fee, so always weigh up both options before calling in a claim.
