Cars are expensive. This is a fact of life. They are expensive to buy and expensive to maintain. In fact, they can prove to be an unwelcome expense. Despite this, cars are vital as part of our everyday life, and many people in the world use their cars every day of their lives. Some people would not be able to live their lives as they do without the use of cars.
If you have a car then, there is a good chance that you find it to be an added expense on top of your outgoings. The trouble is that driving is an expensive lifestyle choice; there is no way round this. On top of the car you have to pay for fuel, repairs, congestion charges, etc. It can have a negative impact on your financial situation.
In the current economy where we are still recovering from the recession it is important to save as much money as possible. As such, it is important for you as a driver to try to save as much money as you can by cutting down on your spending
If you have your Christmas bonus due then you’re not going to want to waste it all by spending it on your car. You want to cut down on your cars expenditure but still make sure that it is doing the job for you that it should be.
Luckily there are plenty of ways in which you as a driver can cut down on your cars expenditure and actually get some money saved.
Here are some tips you can use to save money on your car:
Go pre-owned
If you have a brand new car then there is no doubt that it is going to look good. There’s something about new cars that just looks so flashy and attractive. But buying a car new is an expensive investment. On top of this new cars tend to have the latest technology and up to date parts and, as a result, are more expensive to repair.
If you don’t yet have a car, you should look at getting a used car. If you already have a car then think about trading down for a second-hand car. Used cars are much cheaper to buy than brand new cars, and they are also cheaper to run. Some of them may break down more often than new cars, but with the money you save you should have no problems covering the repair work.
Hunt around and compare prices of cars that interest you. There are many options open to you such as the internet that can save you a heap of cash. Also, companies such as Thames Motor Group offer a wide selection of new and used cars for your consideration.
Second-hand cars are much cheaper to run and maintain and tend to be more fuel efficient than new cars. Going pre-owned could save you a ton of money and maybe help you add to your savings account.
Hunt for car insurance
One of the best ways to notch up savings with your car is through cheaper car insurance. Most people hate the process of applying for car insurance. As a result, they sometimes accept the first policy they’re offered just to put an end to the process. This is not an advisable idea. If you accept the first policy you find, then more often than not you’re going to end up paying over the odds for your insurance.
Shop around online and find the most attractive deal for you. You shouldn’t always feel like you need to go with well-known companies as they may not always have the best deals. Use the internet and go on price comparison websites. Compare the Market and Confused offer useful comparisons. This will make the process less overwhelming for you.
It’s also important to remember to avoid renewing your car insurance policy. This may seem like a more attractive option as it is much easier and hassle free. But you will not be getting the best deal for yourself.
Most car insurance companies will not reward existing customers. Instead, they gear their business model towards attracting new customers. You should have a look at which companies you can sign up with as a new customer as this will decrease your insurance costs.
Regular maintenance
One of the most effective ways of saving money on your car is to ensure that it gets regular maintenance. This can cover a lot of areas. You should get frequent check ups for your vehicle. This will ensure that there are no serious outstanding problems that need work.
Taking your car into a garage or having a professional come and take a look on a regular basis can save you a load of money in the long run. If there are problems with the car, you will catch them early. You can deal with them immediately before they turn into an expensive problem.
Maintenance of your car can also cover minor repair work. You should try to do this yourself where possible. Read up on the process and get ahold of spare parts, you can do this cheaply online. If there is anything you can do without having to involve a professional mechanic then you should. This will save you a lot of money, but also give you experience in dealing with car maintenance.
Another aspect of maintaining your vehicle is to look after it. Make sure you clean your car inside and outside. Give it a polish and a wax job. Make sure the windows are unchipped and still durable and just show it love and attention. You should be even more delicate with your car in the cold weather. Winter conditions can cause a lot of issues for cars, so make sure you take steps to look after yours. Warm the engine up for a while before driving away. Don’t drive too fast as the roads may be dangerous (this can also help with fuel efficiency). Make sure you have scraped all the ice and snow off your car before you drive it.
Taking these steps to look after and preserve your vehicle will save you a lot of money. It will prevent you from having to spend as much on repair work and replacements for the car.
