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Vehicle repairs don’t come cheap, and the cost continues to increase. In fact, the average cost to repair a car has increased over 30 per cent in the last 3 years according to the British Association of British Insurers. More technology, advanced electronics, and other safety tech is making it more expensive to fix an auto.

In addition, the monthly cost to own a car is now at £388.45. This includes loan payments, repairs, fuel, maintenance, cleaning, and insurance. All of the expenses continue to go up, with repairs increasing faster than other expenses.

But you can cut costs by reducing the repairs needed. There’s a simple way to do this – drive better. Treat the components with respect, and they’ll last longer, and that means using them correctly, as well as handling them with care. Here are some key parts to consider as you drive, with tips for good practice.

How to save money on auto repair repairs by driving smarter

Motor – Use appropriate gears for your speed and maneuvers and for the road’s gradient and any other relevant factors. Too low a gear will strain the motor, so listen to its sound for signs of overworking and keep an eye on the rev counter for guidance. Adjust your speed as well as your gears rather than forcing the motor to work harder than it should, taking particular care when climbing hills.

Clutch – Having a clutch replaced can be very costly, but you can preserve yours by applying it sparingly. Use the handbrake instead to keep the car stationary at traffic lights or on a hill, and when braking, only apply the clutch at the last moment. Similarly, when changing gear, you only need to use the clutch briefly.

Brakes – Safety tech is getting more costly. More cars are being sold with automatic emergency braking, which can cost over £800 to fix according to British insurers. However not all auto have that technology. If your car doesn’t then take these steps.

Worn brake pads or discs can be dangerous as well as expensive to replace so, as with the clutch, use the brake pedal sparingly. If you have time for a gradual slow-down, use the gears instead of the brakes for the first few stages of the process, and if stopping completely, apply the handbrake for the final stop, taking your foot off the brake pedal as the handbrake takes effect. When possible, maintain a regular speed, rather than accelerating and slowing down alternately, saving unnecessary brake use.

Tires and undercarriage – Worn-down tires are dangerous, and every replacement tire costs money (over £50 per tire on average), so treat yours with care. Take bumps and dips slowly, for minimal impact, and avoid sharp swerves, as they will wear down the edges. Keep the proper air in your tire too, which can keep your fuel bills down too.

Allow extra time when driving on rough surfaces, such as stony tracks, and avoid riding up over the curb when parking. Considerations like these will also protect the shock-absorbers and springs, and ultimately, your whole vehicle.

Safety Tech – By 2020 it is estimated that 40 per cent of cars in the UK will come with ADAS technology. This includes everything from blind spot warnings to auto emergency braking, safety camera and more. This technology will only add to costs. For cars with safety tech, the estimated cost to repair the car is now over £1,675 and increasing rapidly.

Gearshift – You’ll want to avoid the need for a new gearbox, too, so take care not to damage or wear down this vital component. Take each gear change in orderly fashion, ensuring the clutch is fully applied before trying to move the gearshift. Decisive, clean shifts will also help.

Fluid Levels – Check them all. Refill or change them if they need it. You can do this yourself or bring them to a shop or expert. This includes fluids like Engine oil which needs to be changed every 3000 to 10,000 miles), coolant, power stearing, and others fluids. If these fluids are not checked, maintained a d kept full then your engine can break down or need repairs.

Car loans – When a car breaks, you have decide whether to fix it or replace it. Those are the two options. But there is another way to save money and that is with the borrowing costs. You can refinance a car loan, get the payment lowered, and take other steps to get help with car loans.

Accessories – Vehicle accessories also tend to be costly to replace, so handle all switches and dials gently. Motor Research estimates the average UK family spends between £10 to £15 per month on these costs. Windshield wipers should only be used when the screen is wet, as the friction caused by a dry surface will wear down the blade rubbers. Let them rest horizontally when not in use to save straining the hinges. Save your light batteries by using your lights sparingly, and ensure you switch them off at the end of your journey to save running the battery down.

Keep water, oil and fuel supplies topped up and your tires pumped up to the correct pressure, and keep your car under a roof or protective cover in wintry weather conditions to guard it against damp and rust.

By treating your car’s components with care, you will save money and time on repairs and extend its working life. With the repair bills increasing over 10% per year, saving money on the basics is key. Even more importantly, the car will be safer to drive by driving smarter.