LCV expert’s advice for van drivers during the cost-of-living crisis

Matt Dillon, Head of Commercial Vehicles at LeasePlan UK, has put together 10 ways van drivers could keep their spending down, including how to avoid unexpected fines or penalties. 

AS the cost of living continues to soar across the UK, motorists – specifically commercial vehicle drivers who spend much of their time on the road – will be looking at their finances and considering how to cap their outgoings and day-to-day spending.

Life on the road can be expensive. Fuel prices continue to fluctuate; the average cost of coffee has increased by 22%, the average speeding fine by 50%, and the rollout of charges from Clean Air Zones are ongoing. This can make budgeting difficult and leave you feeling exposed until the next paycheck comes in. Even when businesses cover the cost of fuel – the cost of everyday essentials is mounting.

Money worries can take its toll, not just on bank balances but also on well-being. Effective budgeting and careful planning are key to managing finances during these challenging times. But it’s often the more minor changes that make the most significant impact.

With this in mind, here are my 10 top tips for van drivers to keep motoring costs down.

Plan ahead

 It’s been said repeatedly, but planning will make the most significant difference to your bank balance. Firstly, it allows you to be more efficient with your journey. This includes knowing what you’ll need for the day to avoid overloading your van with unnecessary items. On average, every 50kg of extra weight will increase your fuel consumption by 2%. So, depending on what you’re carrying, you’ll find this quickly adds up.

Secondly, planning can help you to avoid paying over the odds for fuel and parking – two of the most significant expenses for van drivers. A bit of research can show you the cheapest places to fuel up and whether any free parking spaces are available in the area. It is always worth detouring off the motorway to an alternative service station. According to the AA, in December 2022, the gap between supermarket prices and the UK average for unleaded was 2.5p per litre.

Apps for cheaper parking

 A clever way to help you avoid getting caught by expensive parking is downloading a parking app such as Parkopedia. By typing in your destination, you can compare the prices of the available parking nearby, including any spaces that are free to use.

Keep up with maintenance

 Staying on top of regular maintenance checks for your vehicle is the easiest way to ensure it stays in the best and safest condition possible. And early detection of problems can reduce downtime or emergency repairs. When budgets are tight, you may be considering missing or delaying a servicing, but in our experience, this is usually a false economy and can invalidate warranties. If you’re leasing, a vehicle can also lead to end-of-contract penalties.

Check your van before the MOT

 According to the RAC 18.9% of vehicles fail MOTs due to lighting and signalling issues, 7.7% due to tyres, and 7.2% fail due to obstruction on the driver’s view of the road. We recommend carrying out daily vehicle checks to ensure optimal safety, and it will help prevent MOT failure if you recognise and resolve safety issues before.

Also, make sure to clear the clutter and check the bulbs and tyre pressures to avoid the extra cost – and inconvenience – of dealing with a failed MOT.

Wash your van yourself

 There’s nothing more embarrassing than coming back to your van to see that someone has written ‘clean me’ in the dirt, which could also adversely impact your business reputation. If that’s not reason enough to wash your vehicle, you should also remember that if you’re caught driving with a dirty number plate, you can be fined up to £1,000.

This handy guide from RAC includes several time and money-saving hacks and features three different washes, ranging from a quick spruce-up to an intense clean.

Only use your phone when it is urgent

One of the most common driving offences we often hear about is motorists using their mobiles while behind the wheel.

Getting caught using your phone while driving will land you an instant £200 fine and six penalty points and could also increase your insurance premium cost. Remember, it’s not just for answering calls; you’ll also be fined if you’re caught holding your mobile, whether that’s for directions, changing music, or reading a text. The same goes for using your mobile when stationary at a red light.

If you must make an urgent phone call or text, pull over to a safe place, turn off your engine, and then use your phone when it is entirely safe. Otherwise, keep your phone in the glove box or your bag to remove the temptation. If you need to use it for directions, we recommend setting this up before you turn on your engine, have your phone in a safe hands-free holder, and avoid using it for anything else. Many smartphones now have optional ‘focus’ modes, where you can customise your settings while in your car to minimise notifications distracting you.

It is vital for your safety and other drivers that every person behind the wheel is fully aware and reactive to their surroundings and potential driving hazards.

Keep an eye on your tyres

 Tyre pressure has a surprising impact on fuel economy and costs. Too much pressure can damage the tyre, meaning it will need to be replaced sooner. On the other hand, insufficient pressure negatively impacts fuel economy – 20% under inflation increases fuel consumption by 4%. It’s also worth being mindful that the tread is sufficient.  Bonus tip: to check that your tyre tread is adequate, place a 20p coin into the main tread grooves. If the coin’s outer band is obscured, then the tread Is likely to be correct, but you should check depths across and around the tyre to be sure.

As previously suggested, regular vehicle checks will ensure you are aware of the conditions of your tyres and allow you to budget ahead in case of a replacement.

Avoid driving with an empty or full tank

Repeatedly driving with an empty or near-empty tank can cause damage in the long run due to the fuel at the bottom of the tank collecting debris and contaminants. Constantly running this through the system can damage the fuel filter, pump, and engine.

So, by avoiding driving with an empty tank, you can reduce the likelihood of unnecessary damage to your vehicle. And why risk running out of petrol like the other 70,000 drivers a month? This will only lead to a stressful situation and probably loss of earnings.

Be conscious of your driving style and speed limits

 The way you drive your vehicle can have an implication on your fuel economy. Harsh breaking and sudden acceleration can contribute to a less efficient journey. Instead, try maintaining a steady speed and accelerating gently. Also, anticipating the traffic on the road ahead will reduce the chances of abrupt braking.

Moreover, erratic driving, like high speeds, can increase the likelihood of receiving costly speeding fines or having accidents. By sticking to the speed limit, you can improve your fuel economy between 7% -23%, helping to keep outgoing costs down.

Finally, make sure to keep an eye on your speed, as many roads have different speed limits for vans than they do for cars. For instance, on single and dual carriageways, the speed limit for vans is 10mph less than the posted limit for a vehicle. A complete list of speed limits can be found on the government website.

Set yourself meal budgets

 Last year, a TikTok video of a British van driver trying to spend less than £3.50 a day on food and drinks caught the attention of the masses. It spotlighted how much money van drivers spend while out and about and the importance of allowing yourself to set a budget.

Setting a budget gives you better control of your spending and is likely to reduce the chance of impulsive purchases. To help keep costs down further, packed lunches are far cheaper than takeaways and meal deals, especially with their prices increasing. For example, Tesco has recently increased the price of its meal deal for the first time in 10 years, from £3 to £3.90 for those without a loyalty card. Similarly, competitors like Co-op and Boots have increased their prices too.

As an alternative, there are some easy-to-prepare recipes online, many of which don’t require refrigerating or microwaving, such as these simple alternatives to sandwiches from Sainsbury’s.

Another of my tips is to take a Thermos flask on journeys. Fill with coffee, teas, and soups on the go.

Remember, you’re not alone

During these tough times, always remember that you’re not alone. Lean on your colleagues and friends for support, and speak to your line manager or employer to see what additional support might be available. The most important thing is that you look after your well-being and know where to go when you need a helping hand.