From saving on fuel to free checks – three ways to put the brakes on car costs this summer

MORE than 14million drivers are expected to hit the road this weekend as schools close for summer. But the higher cost of petrol and potential for breakdowns could cost many motorists. Use our top tips to save cash on running your car over the summer holidays Credit: Getty Here’s how to cut the cost of your journey . . . SUMMER READY: During the June heatwave, RAC said its roadside patrols saw callouts jump by a fifth. You can help to avoid a summer breakdown with just a few basic precautions before setting off. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! Check your oil and coolant and top up if needed. Blowouts are more common in the heat so check tyres are pumped up to the correct pressures and have plenty of tread. RAC spokesperson Harriet Hernando added: “People should also carry plenty of water, as well as sun cream and an umbrella to provide shade. READ MORE MONEY SAVING TIPS “A phone charger and portable battery pack is a also a must in the event that you need to phone to get breakdown assistance.” FREE CHECKS: If you have any warning lights, get them checked out before you hit the road. Halfords offers free clutch, suspension, steering, battery health and tyre checks. You can also book a free five-point car check which includes headlights and brakes. You can find your nearest garage and book at halfords.com. Most read in Money FUEL SAVER: Fuel costs are much higher than last year. It’s around £8.90 more to fill a 55-litre family-sized car, according to the RAC. Save by filling up at the cheapest local forecourt. Find the best price each day at petrolprices.com. The site also has an app for your phone. Asda shoppers spending £40 in store can currently receive a 5p per litre coupon if you are signed up to and swipe the Asda Rewards app. The promotion runs this month and the coupon can be used at Asda filling stations until August 7. Sainsbury’s also runs a similar deal through Nectar where you can exchange 300 points for 5p off per litre at Sainsbury’s and selected Esso garages. All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability Deal of the day Save £25 on this pop-up two-man tent from Mountain Warehouse Credit: Mountain Warehouse SET up for the night with less hassle. This pop-up two-man tent is down from £59.99 to £34.99 at Mountain Warehouse. SAVE: £25 Cheap treat Pick up this salted caramel sauce for less at Tesco Credit: Tesco UPGRADE a bowl of vanilla ice cream with lashings of this salted caramel sauce, £3.10 from Tesco. What’s new? Krispy Kreme has launched these new variety bites Credit: Krispy Kreme KRISPY Kreme has launched new variety bites – mini doughnuts perfect for sharing with friends and family. An eight-pack is priced from £6.49 or get a 24-pack from £12.99. Top swap Grab this straw buckle tote for £31.60 from Boden Credit: Boden Or pick up a more affordable option from Tu at Sainsbury’s Credit: Tu KEEP all you gear handy at the beach in this straw buckle tote, £31.60 from Boden. Or pick up a more affordable option from Tu at Sainsbury’s, £12. SAVE: £19.60 Little helper Get this four-inch USB desk fan for less Credit: Dunelm COOL down at your desk on hot days with this nifty little gadget. The four-inch USB desk fan is available in silver or copper colours and has non-slip rubber feet and an adjustable tilt. It’s £6 from Dunelm. Shop & save Save £8 on these print shorts at New Look Credit: New Look BRIGHTEN up your style with these print shorts, down from £19.99 to £11.99 at New Look. SAVE: £8 Hot right now STOCK up on half- price Pampers at Morrisons. You can save £6.50 on a 25-pack of nappy pants. PLAY NOW TO WIN £200 Join thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle. Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered. Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket. The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!