Follow our top tips for cheaper motoring

Contract hire can save you money in the long-term, because you pay low, fixed monthly costs and it can be a tax-efficient option for businesses. Road fund licence and roadside assistance are included in the plan and you can also choose to pay a bit extra for a service and maintenance package for complete peace of mind. The only added costs which you have to bear are fuel and insurance costs. Fuel prices are now more expensive than ever and look set to continue to rise. Have a look at our tips below to help save you money:

• For short journeys, leave your car at home and walk or cycle instead. Use public transport where possible

• Car-sharing divides petrol costs and reduces congestion

• Drive smoothly and consistently as this can reduce fuel consumption by up to 10% in urban areas. It saves wear and tear on brakes, tyres and suspension too. All these cost money to fix, so drive carefully

• Use the gears so that your engine is operating at its most fuel-efficient - this could cut fuel consumption by up to 25%

• Turn off the air conditioning system and the heated rear window when they're not needed to save 10% at the pumps

• Check your tyre pressures regularly. Under-inflated tyres can cost you 8% more fuel. Not only this, they’ll wear out faster, too

• Have your car serviced at least every 12 months. A well-maintained engine is more efficient and less polluting

• Don’t overload your car. Make sure any objects you don’t need in your car are kept elsewhere. A fully loaded roof rack, for example, can add 30% to fuel consumption

• Don't cruise at 80 to 85 mph on motorways. Stick to the legal limit of 70 mph and save up to 4p a mile in small cars.

• For even bigger savings, opt for a more efficient car - it will cause less pollution and will save you money on tax as well as fuel. Petrol/electric hybrids can travel 60 miles or more on a gallon of petrol

UKVF is a privately owned vehicle finance and vehicle sourcing company and we have over 15 years’ experience in the industry. We will find the vehicle you specify at the lowest possible cost and offer the best finance quotation. For more information on contract hire, call us today on 01257 267 036.