Matt Peacock, MD of Star Tech Ltd in Poole, offers some advice on keeping motoring costs down.

Financial worries are a major cause of stress, especially after the last 18 months.

The last thing anyone needs is to have to fork out more for maintaining their car.

We understand this and as Independent Specialists in Mercedes-Benz, BMW & Jaguar, we beat main dealer prices and our customers’ needs always come first.

Here are ways you can save where your car is concerned.

Save on fuel by changing driving habits

It’s possible to drive the same distance in the same time using much less fuel.

In the process, you could cut fuel costs considerably with the following advice.

• Accelerate gradually without over-revving. Press harder on the pedal and more fuel flows. You can reach the same speed using less power. As a very rough rule, stay under 3,000 revs.
• Drive in the correct gear. Always drive in the highest gear possible without labouring the engine.
• Slow naturally. Rather than brake frequently, let your car slow naturally and use its stored momentum.
• Keep your tyres inflated. Lower tyre pressure increases the drag on a car meaning you need more fuel, so regularly check the pressures are correct.
• Lastly, download the Petrol Prices App to stay updated on the best prices locally. Stick to good quality fuel though, avoiding supermarket filling stations.

Don’t ignore those warning lights or noises

If you have warning lights appear on your dash or a noise that comes from nowhere, don’t ignore them. Even if the car is still driving well, it could result in more expensive repairs with further damage or lead to a more serious problem resulting in a roadside breakdown or risking your safety.

Don’t forget your Service or Mot

Time can pass so quickly as people lead such busy lives so do make the effort to keep to your manufacturer’s service schedule as closely as possible. When your service reminder light appears on your dash, it’s there for a reason and good servicing carried out by a reputable independent centre, such as Star Tech, is worth its weight in gold.

Forgetting your Mot could lead to costly fines and prosecution. Feel free to call our service centres where we can place your vehicle details on our system and send you a reminder in advance. Let us take care of it for you, it’s one less thing for you to think about!

Give your car some TLC

Regular car washing is vital in looking after your car’s bodywork. Carry out regular cleans to clear mud and debris from the wheel arches and bumpers, especially around this time of year, helping to avoid rust and damage. Remove tree sap and bird droppings as these can eat through paintwork.

If you would like further advice or to book an appointment, call our Service Team on 01202 694758.