In times of crisis, the RACC advised

Thursday, 26 February 2009 02:45 Last Updated on Wednesday, 18 March 2009 01:39

• MAINTENANCE
  

1. Tire pressure is essential. If pressure is too low, consumption increases. If they are too bloated, it undertakes the vehicle stability and increase dangerously the distance of the brake. Measure sometimes the pressure of your tires to prevent further consumption
2. Green tires. If you need to replace the covers, it is advisable to opt for environmentally friendly tires with low rolling resistance.
3. Make the revisions given by the manufacturer. Avoid more costly repairs or increases in consumption. For example, an excessively low oil level increases the cost of fuel. Also keep the filters ok.
4. Do not use premium fuel. The slight increase of benefits which add -significant only in a limited number of vehicles- does not usually compensate for their more expensive price.
5. Control the consumption on a regular basis. If you do not have a computer on board, you can opt for this method: fill the reservoir to the maximum and put the partial odometer to zero. When you return to refuel, fill up to the maximun, write the liters, multiply that number by 100 and then divide by the number which marks on the odometer part. So get the average consumption in liters per 100 km. An abnormal increase in consumption is one of the first signs of a possible serious failure, as well as lead to additional spending.
6. Air conditioning in perfect order. Is one of the most penalized consumption.

• DRIVING HABITS
  

1. Take a course of economic driving. You can save up to 15% in fuel consumption. In our channel engine and a few tips for you this type of driving (among other recommendations, we encourage you to drive smoothly, avoiding large acceleration and heavy braking. Enter the second gear as soon as possible and try to move the gear as soon as possible). We remind you that with eco-driving can save up 200 euros per annum.
2. The trunk, only with necessary objects. Excess weight penalizes consumption (and compromises the security). Climatize the vehicle interior to a comfortable temperature (22-23 degrees in summer) is sufficient
3. Caution with the aerodynamics. Racks, ski boxes, chests and other racks that hamper the aerodynamic elements include a higher consumption. Let installed by the sloth-typical racks or rack when not in use actually increases the cost of fuel.
4. Moderation with temperature. Conditioned interior of the vehicle to a comfortable temperature (22-23 degrees in summer) is sufficient.
5. Plan your trip well. With the browser is simple. Without it, take a few minutes before starting to study the route well and have prompted a companion in the right direction. Avoid unnecessary detours.
6. Locate the service station with the best price ... or closer. Do not despair. Putting fuel to 50 € instead of € 1.05 to € 1.07 means 0.9 liters more. With an average consumption of 7L, 13 km are almost "free." Not bad ... always refuel at the cheapest petrol station without detours. We recommend you consult the web price of gasoline.

• BEFORE YOU BUY A CAR
  

1. Ask for advice. As a brand, model and version you can save up to 3,600 euros depending on the dealer, and get price differences of almost 19%.
2. Consider the priority use of vehicle. Do not buy an 4x4 with reductive if never moves out of the asphalt, not a sport for urban use. The exorbitant power no longer valid.
3. Will it optional? Necessary. You can save on upholstery, decoration, painting ... never in security features (ESC, airbags, etc). Life is priceless.
4. Consider renting. For a fixed monthly fee, and new vehicle will only have to take charge of fuel. Can lead to savings of 20% funding for a car outright. For businesses, small or self-employed, the rental expense is deductible up to 100% in corporate tax or income tax. But read carefully all points of the agreement.
5. Buy diesel goes where more than 15,000 km a year. The difference in price, diesel is usually 2,000 or 3,000 euros more expensive, can be compensated in the refueling.
6. Choose the most appropriate financing. For example, option X+1 offers a 35% monthly fee and a higest final fee. Atenttion over the final plan as it now offers LIVE support the financing of 1,040 € per car if a car is low over 15 years.
7. Less CO2, less fees. A car that emits less than 120 grams of CO2 per km are exempt from registration tax. Those that emit more pay 14.75%.
8. Consider ECO versions that many manufacturers have launched models in more sales.
9. Attentive to "Vive" plan. It now offers support for the funding of € 1040 per car, if a car is low more than 15 years and buy a new one that emits less than 120g of CO2 per km (if you carry 140gr ESC). But the poor response from buyers has prompted the Government to announce further improvements in the plan. There must be careful.
10. The warranty is important .... Three-year warranty rather than two, and five better than three. An extended warranty for two additional years can be contracted from 400 € depending on the make and model.
11. Buy the car you can keep. Ask about deadlines for the reviews, the average vehicle cost of the service, the price of insurance ...
12. Kilometer Zero and management. Have a lower price, a few kilometers and must have all the guarantees.
13. The last of the generation. When a manufacturer changed the design of a model, the latest units from the previous model is offered with discounts of up to 20%.
14. Used cars with warranty. Another option to not spend a lot, especially if the vehicles are offered with full warranty.

• CAR INSURANCE
  

1. Full-cover insurance if the car is five years or less. This is the recommended setting.
2. Full-cover insurance if you are financing the car. Good idea does not seem to suffer a total loss due to own an insurance policy to a third party. Paying bills of a car that no longer exists discourages to all people. If you got the car with five years or less, better have full-cover insurance.
3. Good driver? Opt for the franchise. An affordable franchise, such as 200, represents a reduction in the average comprehensive insurance of 33%.
4. Rate move to third part insurance if the vehicle has more than five years, although there is to analyze all parameters, including bonuses.
5. Third part insurance, better options. The coverage of theft, fire and very little moons make your policy and if necessary to avoid a heavy outlay.
6. Compare. According to studies by the RACC for the same type of policy, vehicle and driver can be found price differences of more than € 1,000 in full-cover insurance and € 300 to third part.
7. Opt for the flat rate. Twelve annual receipts are easier to take than one.
8. Take advantage of discounts. Some companies are lowering the price of auto insurance if you have contracted other (home, health ...) in the same company. Others offer discounts if the car stays in garage.
9. Read all points of the agreement carefully. And ask how works the operation, especially in case of accident. For example, policies that offer a free car while yours repaired in case of accident, saving you money by offering a free alternative while you are without a car.