• Top 10 Money Saving Tips for Motorists
  • Top 10 Money Saving Tips for Motorists

Top 10 Money Saving Tips for Motorists

Help beat the January blues with these handy hints and top tips

If you're looking to save money having overspent at Christmas, then our top money saving tips for motorists could be just the answer you are looking for.

The third Monday in January is considered to be the most depressing day of the year, but don’t let the January blues get the better of you! From being picky with parking to reaping cashback rewards, take a look at how you can cut costs with your car…  

1. REAP CASHBACK REWARDS

With fuel costs rapidly increasing, it’s no surprise you’ll want to make savings where you can. Why not take advantage of the multiple cashback options available at most of the leading fuel stations. Shell, Esso, Texaco, and BP are just a few of the companies that offer rewards when you fill up at their petrol stations - benefit from the likes of 5% cashback to in-store vouchers and so much more.

2. SAVING ON FUEL COSTS

Just how many of us actually take the time to find out what our local petrol stations charge? The brand of fuel station can impact how much you will pay per litre for petrol or diesel. Although we wouldn’t advise driving miles out of your way to source cheaper fuel, getting clued up on who charges what can pay off in the long run. 

Second to this, if you’re tempted to fill up your tank with premium fuel, then don’t be! Although advertised to improve the performance of your vehicle, the truth is that unless you have a high-performing car, then it won’t necessarily be of benefit to yours. Choosing premium-brand fuel for a standard car can cost you around 10p extra a litre - now that really does add up for a full tank. 

3. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF NEW CAR OFFERS

If you’re looking to invest in a new car, then choose Wilsons Epsom for your next four-wheeled friend! You can take advantage of our fantastic new car offers as seen online. Make huge savings on big brand names - including generous manufacturer contributions - as well as other perks like service plan offers and free breakdown cover. It pays to shop at Wilsons!  

4. CHARGE YOUR EV FOR FREE

With so many electric vehicles now on the roads, finding free EV charging stations is a must when it comes to saving money. Whilst it costs money to charge your EV in most public car parks, many supermarkets offer electric vehicle charging facilities for free. Make sure you stop by Asda, Sainsbury’s and Tesco for your next food shop to benefit from free EV charging.  

5. SHOP AROUND FOR CAR INSURANCE

Car insurance can be pricey, so you want to make sure you’re not paying over the odds. Using online comparison sites such as Compare the Market, Confused.com or MoneySuperMarket can help you find the cheapest and best car insurance options for you. Paying your car insurance annually rather than monthly can save you quite a bit, as can haggling when it comes to renewing your insurance. 

6. BE CHOOSY WITH BREAKDOWN COVER

When it comes to renewing your annual breakdown cover, shop around for the best possible price. Many companies that provide breakdown insurance will over inflate their initial quote - especially if you’re an existing customer. Don’t hesitate in haggling by asking them to match the price, usually offered to new customers only. 

7. CLAIM FOR DAMAGE CAUSED BY POTHOLES

We’ve no doubt you come across at least one pothole during the daily commute, doing your very best to avoid it. Potholes cause over £700 million worth of damage to cars in the UK every year and you could be eligible for compensation. If your car has been damaged as a result of a pothole and you can prove it, you are within your rights to make a claim through your local council.

8. BE PICKY WITH YOUR PARKING

Are you missing out on cheaper parking spaces during trips into town? Using online apps to source more cost effective parking can be hugely beneficial - especially if you’re planning a trip where you’ll need to leave your car overnight or for long periods of time. Apps such as Parkopedia or JustPark offer parking options for less in your local area.

9. DIY CAR WASH

We understand that washing the car yourself can prove to be a chore, but it can also save you money too! Ditch the drive-thru car wash for a DIY at home option and save over £100 a year based on a monthly paid-for car wash service.

10. KEEP YOUR CAR MAINTAINED TO SAVE ON COSTLY REPAIRS LONG-TERM

Whilst we’d always recommend you consult a specialist when it comes to fixing and replacing parts on your car, there are some minor parts that should prove simple to change yourself. For example, save money by replacing your own bulbs (if they aren't LEDs), front and back wiper blades, and even an oil change if you know your way around a car.

Here at Wilsons Epsom, we provide manufacturer approved servicing run by a team of specially trained technicians and mechanics. We only work with genuine replacement parts and the latest equipment to keep your vehicle operating at its best for longer. Visit the Service & MOT section of our website for more information. 

New and Used Cars the Wilsons Way

As the largest family-run new and used car supermarket in the South of England, here at Wilsons Epsom, we offer customers an extensive choice paired with unbeatable value and a service they can trust in one location. 

We're proud to represent 11 new car brands - Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Jeep, Hyundai, Nissan, Nismo, Peugeot, MG, Renault and Dacia - as well as stocking over 1,000 nearly new and used cars on-site that you can browse online today.

Discover our too-good-to-miss offers on new cars too, where prices start from just £119 per month!

Transport For London

Cars need to meet minimum emission standards when travelling in the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) or the daily charge must be paid.

Minimum emission standards

Petrol: Euro 4
Diesel: Euro 6

The ULEZ will be enforced based on the declared emissions of the vehicle rather than the age. However:

Information from Transport For London

Check this car on the TFL website before purchasing: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/check-your-vehicle/

All our vehicles are subject to an Admin Fee. Our Admin Fee covers any additional administration needed during your transaction, including a thorough provenance check (HPI Check). The admin fee also includes the cost to fully valet, register and, if necessary, MOT your vehicle (if less than 6 months left of current MOT).

Our administration fee is a variable fee which covers the additional administration needed when transacting with different categories of customers as specified. Retail Customers £199.00 - (Private buyers - NOT an owner, partner or director of a new/used vehicle sales company). Retail Customers using a finance broker outside our official panel of lenders paying funds direct to Wilsons Epsom - £399.00. All fees are inclusive of VAT.