We are all trying hard to cut costs during the financial down turn. Sometimes running a car can be very expensive and a drain on our money. Recently the BMC Web Teams normal place of work has moved with a 30 mile daily commute, which has certainly taken a toll with an increase in fuel usage etc.  Below , GEM Motoring Assist have suggested ways to drive more economically.

Motorists may have been heartened this month by the reduction in petrol prices, but road safety charity and award-winning breakdown cover company, GEM Motoring Assist is outlining  the importance of fuel efficient driving all year round. No matter what the current cost of fuel may be, it is crucial to follow fuel efficient driving measures at all times, says GEM.

GEM is encouraging easy-to-make changes, such as reducing average speed, regularly checking tyre pressures, and removing any unnecessary weight from the car, all to significantly reduce fuel usage. With actions that, in some cases, can help prevent up to a 50 per cent reduction in fuel wastage, GEM’s guide offers small changes that could make a big difference.

David Williams MBE, CEO of GEM Motoring Assist comments: “We believe that there are simple yet effective steps for motorists to ensure that the fuel they pay for goes as far as possible. Even as petrol prices aren’t currently on the rise, it is always good practice to follow fuel efficient driving and get the most out of a car’s fuel tank.”

GEM’s top tips for fuel efficient driving:

1.      Engine efficiency: get your car serviced regularly by a recognised garage to avoid a poorly tuned engine, which can use up to 50 per cent more fuel than a car that is well looked after

2.      Tyre tread: at least every month, check that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure. If not, even with just one tyre deflated by 20 per cent, fuel consumption could rise by five per cent

3.      Lose weight: for every one per cent of the car’s weight that you add, fuel consumption could rise by one per cent, so take out anything that you don’t need in the car (golf clubs, push chairs, tool boxes etc.)

4.      Eliminate short journeys: cold engines are thirsty engines, so really short journeys will be relatively expensive if driving just a short distance. Opt to walk, or even cycle

5.      Plan ahead: plan your journey to avoid road works, or getting lost, which causes an estimated 350,000 tons of fuel wastage each year

6.      Slow down: most cars run at their most efficient at approximately 60 mph, and for every five mph above that you drive, you will lose six per cent of your fuel economy. Slow down to save money

7.      Air con: if not needed, switch the air con in your car off to reduce demand on the engine. However, ensure that it is on for several minutes at least every couple of weeks to prevent a build up of harmful bacteria in the system

8.      Exploring for fuel: don’t go out of your way to make a saving, as you could spend more on getting to a cheaper dealer, so fill up when you are passing, rather than making a separate journey

Follow GEM on Twitter @MotoringAssist

Footman James launches ground breaking new insurance proposition for young enthusiasts aged 17-23 years.

British Mini Club show sponsor Footman James made the announcement at the specialist insurance broker’s recent Classic Industry Forum, which took place last week (6th March) at the Heritage Motor Centre, Gaydon.

Twenty key industry stakeholders including insurance, club and media partners attending the Forum heard how Footman James had been working in partnership with insurance partner KGM to develop a brand new proposition for young classic enthusiasts.

Footman James’ managing director Andy Fairchild advised that it had been difficult issue to take on with the insurance industry but the innovative new scheme, set to go live from next month, will mean that young drivers, who had previously struggled to obtain insurance for their classic would now be able to do so, subject to a range of qualifying criteria.

“We have been working hard with our insurance partners to establish a range of criteria that will assist us identify the true classic enthusiast.  Young drivers who purchase classic vehicles as a means of obtaining cheaper insurance are not, in our opinion, true classic enthusiasts and a risk that insurers will not take on – a decision that we fully support,” explained Mr Fairchild.

He continued, “One of the ways of establishing true enthusiasts, in our opinion, is down to whether they are members of a car club.  We have, therefore, selected this as the primary qualifying criteria for the product and as a result, the product will initially be available to members of pre-selected clubs only.”

• Qualifying criteria for 17-23 year olds
• Owner must be a member of one of the pre-selected clubs
• Car must have been manufactured in or before 1985
• Owner must have use of or own a second vehicle for everyday use.
• Owner must limit their mileage to 3000 or 5000 miles per year.
• Owner must have a maximum of one non-fault claim or minor conviction.
• Car must be parked off the road or garaged

In addition, young drivers who meet the above criteria can be eligible for further discounts if they score enough points in a brand new points system devised by Footman James and KGM.  The system will award points to young drivers who can demonstrate a commitment to the movement through the following: length of club membership, involvement in club activities and events, family history of owning classics/club membership and how they heard about the product.  Advanced driving qualifications and mechanical competence are also being considered as other potential point scoring opportunities.

“We are delighted to take the lead on providing classic insurance for young enthusiasts. Through the development of this unique product we hope to help secure the future of the classic movement for many years to come and implore young enthusiasts and the industry at large to assist us in making a success of the initiative.  The ultimate aim is to engender confidence amongst the insurers and ultimately, we hope to extend the product to other clubs in the future,” concluded Mr Fairchild.

Check out what Footman James can do for you http://britishminiclub.co.uk/club-services/insurance