Many of us are trying to find ways to cut costs right now. With everything from food prices to mortgages becoming more expensive, anything we can do to save money can go a long way towards helping with our finances.

One way to save is to look at the car we drive. For motorists, a car is often a necessary expense. It’s often the only way we can get to work and pick the kids up from school. But it can be expensive to run a car.

But it is possible to save money on our motors. Here are some tips to help you save on your car.

Consider fuel efficiency

If you’re in the market for a new car, prioritise fuel efficiency. Many of us are moving toward electric vehicles in time for the diesel and petrol ban, but it’s likely we’ll be driving traditionally-fuelled models for a few more years. Therefore, it’s worth shopping around for a car that won’t cost a lot to fill up.

Tyre pressure

Make sure your tyres are safe to drive on. Maintaining optimum tyre pressure means that you’re more likely to get the most out of them, preventing you from having to shell out for replacement tyres sooner than you want to.

It’s important to note that you’re also legally responsible for making sure you have quality car tyres that are the right thickness. They should have a tread depth of at least 1.6mm in order for them to be legal to drive on. You can run a simple check by placing a 20p piece in the tread groove of your tyre.

Drive smart

Avoid aggressive driving techniques like fast acceleration and excessive speeding. You could fork out for higher fuel costs because you burn through diesel or petrol faster when you drive at higher speeds. This can also lead to faster vehicle degradation.

Shop savvy

Shop around to find the best value cars. Used cars might not be hot off the production line, but they often have a lower upfront and monthly costs.

Also, shop around for a good quality, good value garage. A reputable mechanic that offers good prices is worth driving a while to reach if you need to, especially if it saves you money in the long run – and ensuring you keep on top of your MOT and maintenance will ensure your car stays in great condition for longer, reducing the need for expensive repairs.

Look at your insurance policy too. You could make savings if you make sure everything is up to date on your policy. For instance, if you’ve moved house, that could affect the price you pay. Also, the type of cover you have cold help bring the cost down. Consider options like multi-car insurance as this could make monthly payments economical.

Regular maintenance

As well as getting the professionals to check your car over, keeping up with basic maintenance jobs on your car means you’re less likely to see things breaking and needing costly repairs.

If you spot worn brake pads, take your car to a mechanic to get the essentials updated. But if you can change your own oil and tyres, that can save paying out for a job later on.