New research has revealed that the average UK car costs £192 a month (£2,300 a year) to run, with fuel accounting for nearly half of the total expenditure.
The study, conducted by CarParts4Less, found that fuel costs the typical driver £1,142 every 12 months. This varies considerably by fuel-type, however, as while a year’s worth of petrol will set you back a steep £1,042, a diesel engine is 26% more expensive, averaging £1,312.
Even at current fuel prices, which are at a four-year low due to COVID-19, it would cost an eye-watering £890 for petrol and £1,112 for diesel.
The next biggest cost is insurance. While this depends on many factors, such as your car, where you live and the type of cover, the average motorist forks out over £500 annually.
On top of these, London drivers may also have to pay congestion charges. At £11.50 a day, a commuter could spend £2,600 a year travelling through the city centre, taking their overall annual motoring costs to a staggering £4,900.
Here is a full breakdown of the yearly costs:
Expense (annual cost per car)
Fuel (petrol / diesel) £1,142 (£1,042 petrol / £1,312 diesel)
Congestion charges (London) £2,600
Insurance £506
Repairs/servicing/other work £303
Road tax £145
Spare parts £72
Parking £50
Garage rent/car washing/other costs £41
Breakdown cover £18
Accessories/fittings £9
Anti-freeze, battery water, cleaning materials £5
Motor oils £5
Fines £5
Total (exc. congestion charges) £2,299
Total (inc. congestion charges) £4,899
Helen Robinson from CarParts4Less said: “For many Brits, driving is an essential part of their lifestyle, but unfortunately it comes with some substantial costs. Our research has highlighted the variety of expenses that a typical driver has to pay, and they certainly add up.
“However, there are a few things that motorists can do to keep these costs down and hopefully our tips can help to make driving more affordable.”
