Cutting the Costs of Car Ownership

Cutting the Cost of Car Ownership

By John Teasdale, Press & Publicity Officer at Weston and Mendip Advanced Motorists' Group.

With the global recession showing little sign of abating, vehicle owners are understandably concerned about the rising cost of driving. According to figures released last year by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), motoring costs represent more than 80 per cent of all household spending on travel, with fuel accounting on average for a third of the total cost. With the pressures on household income likely to become even greater over the next twelve months, we're all looking for ways to keep the cost of running a car as low as possible.

Thankfully, help is at hand thanks to the 'Skill for Life' course offered by the IAM. As the UK's largest road safety charity, we're committed to driving down the cost of motoring by showing you how to become a safer and more economical motorist. Through our advanced driver training programme, you'll learn how to maximise the fuel economy of your car or bike, reducing the need for heavy braking or harsh acceleration and resulting in a safer, smoother and more fuel-efficient journey. By making simple changes to your driving style, you can improve your fuel efficiency by up to ten percent.

What's more, as advanced drivers are up to 70% less likely to be involved in an accident than the average driver, you can take advantage of highly-competitive insurance premiums provided by IAM Surety, our members-only insurance provider, to substantially reduce the cost of cover. In addition, membership of the IAM also gives access to a huge range of members-only discounts and offers, including at least 25% off all levels of breakdown cover with the AA, 10% off all purchases at National Tyres (plus 50% off car MOT tests), and exclusive discounts on new Fiat and Alfa Romeo cars. Add to this the reduction in running costs thanks to reduced tyre, engine and component wear, and you'll soon see how joining the IAM could easily cut the cost of motoring and prolong the life of your vehicle.

So, if you'd like to reduce your motoring costs, please contact the Weston and Mendip Advanced Motorists on 07020 934714 and book a FREE driving assessment with one of our qualified observers. For more information, please visit www.weston-iam.org.uk.