With the price of oil constantly on the rise and the associated hikes in the petrol price, consumers have to watch their petrol usage more vigilantly.

Here are five of the easiest ways to improve your petrol usage, which leaves drivers with more cash to put towards car payments and car insurance.

1.     An obvious way to save petrol is by maintaining a well performing car. Carry out maintenance checks regularly and read the owner's manual, in order to ensure that your car receives the best service and care. Also make sure your tires are correctly inflated particularly because under inflation creates drag, which reduces fuel economy.

2.    Maintaining good aerodynamics is also a great way to ensure your car gets maximum mileage per tank of petrol. Carrying unnecessary baggage on the roof creates fuel consuming drag, so keep your roof clear unless you actually need to transport something.

3.    Continuous spurts of acceleration and braking also lowers your petrol mileage. It is often the best idea to maintain a constant speed wherever possible, especially on the highway and to take it easy on starts and stops. Slower driving also uses less petrol than speeding.

4.    If you are stopped in traffic for long periods of time then turn the vehicle off. Idling in traffic for minutes on end wastes petrol and also adds to the wear and tear and your vehicle. Reducing wear and tear will also have an impact on your motor insurance policy.  

5.    Plan your trips to incorporate all the places you need to visit into one journey and to avoid areas with congested traffic and fuel wasting traffic jams. Avoiding high traffic areas also reduces the chances of having an accident, which, along with ultimately saving you money on your car insurance premiums, will ensure that you arrive at your journey’s end safe and sound.

For other smart fuel saving tips and more ways to beat the rising costs associated with owning a car, read the informative Sunday Times feature article, ‘Be Smart and Best the Soaring Cost of Motoring’.

So you have decided to buy a second hand car, or you might still be in the process of deciding, either way, here are some pieces of advice on what to look out for and avoid when second-hand car shopping.

Firstly, it is always a good idea to research the type of car you are interested in buying. Are you looking for a people carrier, a sports car, a vintage car, or a SUV? Make a decision based on your current or future needs. Then you should look into the market prices for the car that you are looking for so that you don’t overspend. If you don’t know what make or model you are looking for (many second-hand car buyers focus more on the amount of money they have to spend rather than being too fussy about which car they want) then shop around and find a car that suits your needs and pocket.

Once you have decided on what car you want, you will be able to determine what its insurance and general running costs will be: petrol consumption, windscreen replacements, tyres and servicing costs are just some of the expenses you will have to budget for.

What is your car insurance policy going to cost every month? The make, model and age of your car will affect its insurance premium so be sure to shop around and get a range of quotes from a variety of car insurance providers.

When you are scouting around for a car and spot one you like, make sure it’s road tax is paid and it has MOT. If not this can act as a bargaining chip to get its price lowered. You should also always insist on a test drive, preferably from a cold start, as this will help you determine whether the car’s starting mechanism is in order.

Other than these things you should look at the general condition of the cars’ interior and exterior. Check for rust, scratches and dents on the outside and examine the upholstery closely on the inside of the car. This is especially important if you are looking for a vintage car, as any interior or exterior damage will reduce the vintage value. All of these tips will help you make an informed decision, but ultimately it comes down to value for money.

Visit MG Midgets for more information about how you can own a classic vintage sports car.

While cars are prone to unexpected breakdowns on occasion, it is possible to prepare for these events and to take steps which will assist your car to keep running without letting you down when you need it most. 

Reduce the risks of having your car breakdown by taking some time to provide you car with some regular maintenance and checkups, just as you would take care of a family member or beloved pet. The best ways to prevent breakdowns is to have your car serviced regularly, or as often as the manufacturer recommends.

Otherwise, keep an eye on the petrol. A major reason for breakdown callouts is simply that the driver has not noticed the petrol gauge is hovering on empty, and the petrol has simply run out midway on the journey. Keeping the car’s tyres in good condition, and at the right pressure, will help prevent a blowout, which can be very dangerous when travelling at high speeds on the motorway. 

If your car starts to make a strange noise or emit smoke or sparks or anything untoward happens, the best thing to do would be to pull over and have a look. Being knowledgeable about your car specifications is therefore a good idea, because the fault may be something simple that you could fix if you knew where and what the problem was. 

Keep your fluids topped up. Running out of oil or water is often more harmful to the engine than running out of fuel. Carry a spare tyre, some vital tools, a bottle of water and some extra oil in your car. Speak to your mechanic about what else you can carry in your car which may help you to get of a breakdown situation, such as spare fuses or a set of jumper leads.

Breakdown cover is also a good idea, in case you find yourself with a breakdown which you cannot fix yourself. Most car insurance providers offer this at a small extra cost, while other companies specialise in breakdown cover.

Visit http://www.bargainvauxhall.com/links.html for these and other resources that can help you to avoid a breakdown.