Motorists are being encouraged to consider how they drive and carry out essential car checks to save money on long car journeys this half-term.

Car insurance comparison experts at Quotezone.co.uk have shared their crucial checks to help drivers save money and reduce their carbon footprint.

woman driving vehicle on road during daytime
Credit: Unsplash

The first priority is to make sure the vehicle is in optimum condition, this means checking oil levels, tyre tread depth and fuel, before hitting the road, to ensure a safe trip that’s as environmentally friendly as possible and avoids falling victim to financial penalties.

Although not illegal, letting your fuel run out could result in a £100 minimum fine for obstructing the road in an avoidable breakdown and runs the risk of damaging your fuel tank, pump and filter system.

Fuel is also a crucial way to save, many motorists waste money by overloading the car – carrying around heavy items in the boot and backseat that they just don’t need. The heavier the car is, the more fuel it will use so only pack what you absolutely need.

Planning out the journey by mapping out the quickest route ahead of time will also help save fuel by avoiding detours – you can even research cheaper petrol stations and include them on your journey.

Another way for drivers to save fuel and therefore money is to be aware of how they’re driving, smooth and gentle ‘eco-driving’ conserves fuel.

Driving at slower speeds, reading the road ahead to avoid unnecessary braking and changing up a gear earlier, can all help save fuel – plus turning off unwanted electricals such as the air-conditioning.

Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk said: “Before getting behind the wheel on any journey, it is important for drivers to make sure their vehicle is fit for purpose. Carrying out safety checks and unloading any unwanted weight and equipment that’s not required, such as roof boxes or bike racks, to help cut drag and save fuel.

“Fuel has the potential to be a big saving, if drivers aim to keep the car as light as possible, fuel up at a cheaper petrol station enroute and drive economically – it can create savings, especially on longer car journeys.

“Checking essentials like tyre tread depth and pressure, coolant and oil levels are also key for safety and savings, which many people forget in the rush to get away.”

Here are Quotezone.co.uk’s top five checks for a safe and cost-effective journey:

1.Tyre pressure
Make sure to check your tyre pressure before heading off on any road trips. It’s important to keep your tyres in good condition so you can steer and brake properly. You can buy an inexpensive tyre pressure gauge which will tell you the condition of your tyres, but newer cars will have a built-in system already. Under-inflated tyres use more fuel and therefore waste money.

2.Oil levels
Another vital check to carry out for a smooth and safe drive is your car’s oil level and the correct type of oil. Newer cars will be able to tell you if the oil level is too low. Alternatively, other cars will have a dipstick under the bonnet for you to check manually. Have a look before you set off on your journey and top up the oil if it falls below the minimum level – check the handbook if you are unsure of the oil specification.

3.Coolant
While you’re under the bonnet checking the oil level, make sure to also look at your engine coolant. This is what will help to protect your engine from overheating when you’re on your long drive. If it’s near the minimum mark you’ll want to top it up before setting off.

4.Tyre tread depth
The tread depth of your tyres is important for the grip and safety of your car. The legal minimum requirement for tyre tread depth is 1.6mm. This can be checked with a tread depth gauge but another handy trick is to take a 20p coin and insert it in the tread depth, if you can’t see the rim of the coin then your tyres should be safe. Defective tyres can result in a fine of up to £2500 and 3 penalty points per tyre.

5.Fuel
Not only does keeping your fuel level topped up ensure a stress-free journey, it could also stop you from receiving a £100 fine. Running out of fuel on the roads isn’t illegal, but drivers could be fined a minimum of £100 and three penalty points if their car obstructs the road after an avoidable breakdown. This is the same in any case where running out of fuel results in careless or dangerous driving.

Quotezone.co.uk can also help drivers shop around, compare and find savings on breakdown cover, staycation travel insurance and insurance for all sorts of vehicles this summer such as motorhomes, caravans and cars.