Drive down the cost of being a motorist

It's no secret that running a car can be a costly business. But it's also a necessity for most of us. Here at Swinton we've put our heads together to come up with some clever ways to keep your motor running for less:

Avoid keeping the engine running

If you're going to be stationary for more than a minute or two, kill the engine. Idling simply wastes fuel.

Drive less, cycle more

According to, almost a quarter of all car journeys are two miles or under. That's a distance you could cycle in less than 15 minutes - saving you money and keeping you fit at the same time.

Pump up your tyres

It's such a simple thing to do, but can make a big difference. Under-inflated tyres create extra resistance, which means your engine has to work to get you where you want to go. So not only does pumping up your tyres reduce the chance of you wearing them out early, it could cut your fuel costs too.

Service regularly

Well-maintained cars run more efficiently, so getting yours serviced regularly makes sense. You should think of it as an investment rather than an expense, as keeping everything ticking over in good condition is likely to save you money in the long run.

Drive more efficiently

Did you know you can actually drive just as quick but use as much as 30% less fuel? The trick is to accelerate gently but get into a higher gear quickly, then position yourself on the road so you can slow down gradually without using the brakes as much.

Pay less for petrol

A quick visit to will show you where the cheapest petrol prices are to be found in your area. Just type in your postcode for instant, up-to-date advice on where to fill up for less.

Share the driving

Live near any of your colleagues? Why not consider car sharing? It's a great way to get to know each other on the way to work, whilst saving yourself some petrol money too.


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