THE past 12 months have been tough for motorists with soaring fuel costs and rising prices all round.
As 2012 dawns here are ten New Year Resolutions to help drivers keep safe and save money in the coming months.
Winter tyres
If you haven’t done so already, invest in a set of winter tyres. These are not studded snow tyres but use a different rubber compound which gives extra grip when temperatures dip. They improve stopping distances in poor conditions and can help avoid expensive bumps. A full set can cost less than £300 and many fitting centres will store your regular tyres for a cost of less than £50.
Insurance
Loyalty counts for nothing so shop around when it comes to renewing your insurance. Price comparison websites are a useful tool. Remember to keep proof of any no claims discount you may have earned over the years and think strongly about legal protection.
Low CO2
Cars which emit less than 100g/km of CO2 are exempt from road tax and will also save you money at the pumps. There are more than 20 current models which fall into this category – and that’s not including electric vehicles. If you can’t afford to buy new then the first generation of eco-cars are now appearing on the used market. A three year old Ford Focus ECOnetic can be snapped up for around £7,500 – and it can average more than 60 to the gallon.
Fuel saving
Fuel prices are going to stay high so get the most out of every precious gallon. Be gentle on the throttle and have good anticipation of what is going on around you. Avoid harsh acceleration. A smooth driving style can improve your car’s fuel consumption by up to ten per cent.
Navigation
The latest generation of portable sat nav systems can do more than tell you how to get from A to B. Many have ‘live’ traffic alerts to help you avoid jams, while some such as the Tom Tom Live series of devices can plot the most economical routes depending on traffic conditions. They also come with speed limit warnings and camera alerts to keep you legal.
Stay safe
Carry a breakdown kit and make sure it includes a warning triangle, high visibility vest, torch, tow rope and a footpump. Spare bulbs are a good idea too and a legal requirement in some EU countries. Also consider carrying a fire extinguisher and a 'glass' hammer. If you are trapped inside your car in an emergency laminated windows are hard to break – and remember to keep the hammer inside the vehicle.
Roadside assistance
Make sure you are covered for help at home as well as the roadside and for recovery from anywhere in the UK. Most breakdowns happen within five miles of home but you may want to consider a deal which includes overnight accommodation or helping to pay for alternative travel. GEM Motoring Assist, operated by the Guild of Experienced Motorists, offers the lot for less than £135 a year.
Service costs
Keeping your car fully serviced is not only common sense but helps boost value when it comes to resale. Some cars, such as BMW and Mercedes, have variable service intervals to help keep costs down while other makes, such as MINI and Citroen, now offer fixed fee service plans which can be sold on with the car. They are good value but mean you have to use a franchised service centre.
Keep tidy
Don’t leave belongings lying around inside your car. Even if they are not of value they can be an attraction for car thieves. Who wants to find your car with a smashed window – even if nothing has been taken?
Clean up
The Sunday morning car cleaning ritual may be a thing of the past in many a household but a smart vehicle can be worth thousands of pounds more than a scruffy looking model. With the growing number of car wash centres cropping up across the country there is little excuse for a having a grubby set of wheels. And if you decide to do it yourself make sure you use the right equipment. A pressure washer without the right accessories can do more harm than good. Do it right and it will pay dividends. According to price monitors at UsedCarExpert a top notch 2008 BMW 3 Series diesel is worth up to £12,300 compared to just £10,000 for a poor example.