Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/501315
XX maltatoday, Sunday, 26 april 2015 Safer drivers pay less for insurance Insurance costs have risen sharply in recent years, so anything you can do to lower premiums is a good thing. New technology can help do this, with many insurance companies offering motorists the chance to reduce premiums by fitting telematics – or ' black box' devices – in cars. These capture data on when, where and – crucially – how a car is driven, which enables insurers to analyse their customers' per- formance and provide feedback on how well (or badly) they drive. This actual information means insurers can reward safer driving with lower premiums. Save fuel, save money Fuel is a major expense for car owners, which means you need to make the most of every drop. Driving more smoothly is the best way to do this: if you concentrate on looking at what's happening ahead, you should avoid most in- stances of sudden harsh braking and acceleration. Better-timed gear changes are also a good way to help the engine run at its optimal efficiency. You should also declutter your car, re- ducing its weight by keeping your boot as empt y as possible and taking off any roof racks or bike holders when not being used. Keep your car in tip-top shape A healthy car is a more reli- able car – plus wear and tear are minimised, which will help reduce costs when it's time for the dreaded VRT. Check that your t yres are cor- rectly inf lated and in good condi- tion, with plent y of tread, on a regular basis; ensure that oil is topped up every couple of weeks and that any filters are replaced as soon as they're required; and keep coolant topped up. You' ll also need to keep the windscreen in good condition, so check for chips, make sure that wipers work and are in good condition, and that there's enough screenwash to keep it clean. Lights are also important, so check all the bulbs work. And remember, if you do get a bump in the body work, get it fixed as soon as possible, to avoid rust setting in. Park legally – but appeal if necessary Always check any restrictions when parking and make sure your car is parked within the lines of a bay and off the pavement. Private land and car parks can be a mine- field, so double-check for signage. Make sure you know your rights, too: you can't actually be fined, only invoiced. If you get a parking ticket that you think is unwar- ranted, you should appeal against it: half of appeals are successful, so if you think you're in the right, be persistent. Motoring How to save on your motoring costs Vehicles are becoming more efficient but running a car can still empty your wallet or purse. So help yourself keep costs down with these money-saving tips