Getting your licence brings amazing freedom, but you’ve probably already noticed how hard it hits your finances. The cost of fuel, insurance and tax adds up fast. At the same time, we all want to do our bit for the environment, and running a car feels like a big responsibility.
The good news is that you don’t have to choose between saving money and being green. The everyday choices you make about how you drive and what you drive can help you save on your weekly petrol bill and dramatically lower your young driver insurance quote, helping both your bank balance and the planet.
Choose Wisely: Your First Car
The car you pick makes a huge difference. A model with a smaller engine uses far less petrol. This choice also often places you in a lower insurance group, which can sometimes save you hundreds of pounds immediately.
You might also consider a hybrid or even a small electric car if you have charging access at home. A car that achieves 55 mpg will feel much lighter on your wallet each week than one that struggles to hit 35 mpg.
Drive Smart, Spend Less
How you drive dramatically changes your fuel costs.
Harsh acceleration and sharp braking use petrol. Look well ahead to anticipate traffic, allowing you to ease onto the accelerator and brake gently. This smoother style is not only safer but also reduces wear on your tyres and brakes, saving money on future repairs.
Cold engines are very inefficient, so walking or cycling for those five-minute trips to the local shop genuinely cuts your costs.
Plan and Share Journeys
Thinking about your travel in advance helps. You can often combine errands, such as visiting the supermarket and a friend, into one outing rather than three separate ones. This ‘trip chaining’ cuts down on wasted fuel from cold starts. Even better, sharing the ride makes a big difference.
If you and your friends are heading to the same place, setting up a carpool means you can split the petrol cost.
Insurance and Financial Choices
Insurance is often the biggest hurdle.
A ‘black box’ (telematics) policy monitors your driving habits and can lead to big discounts if you prove you are safe. You can also reduce your premium by accurately estimating a lower annual mileage if you don’t drive daily.
Some insurers offer discounts if you complete an advanced driving course like Pass Plus. Make sure you use comparison sites to shop around for the best deal.
Maintenance Matters
Keeping your car healthy directly saves you fuel. Under-inflated tyres are a common problem; they create more resistance on the road, forcing your engine to work harder and burn more petrol. This simple check also makes the car safer to handle.
The correct pressure is listed in your car’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door. You should check the pressures every couple of weeks, ideally at a petrol station when the tyres are cold.