Even for the shrewdest of us, we seem to throw good money after bad at ours cars. It is an unfortunate fact that cars are a huge drain on the bank balance, especially if you are not being savvy with your finances. Do not despair; your car does not have to be the financial drain that it is. There is little doubt that the costs of running a car seem to soar. Petrol and insurance are both huge factors to take into consideration when looking at the financial impact of your beloved automobile. There are number of different ways that you can save money on the day to day costs of running your car:
Local Mechanics:
Local mechanics and garages tend to be cheaper than large franchises, so going local just makes good economic sense. If in doubt, get recommendations from friends, do a quick internet search and check out the reviews. Going local could save you a small fortune in the long run.
DIY Mechanics:
If the repairs that need doing on your car are minor, why not do them yourself. While the thought of repairing your own car may seem daunting, even doing a simple oil change yourself can save you a huge sum of money. With a small amount of research and investing a small of time, you can see the savings mount. Check out 247spares car parts for great deals on spares and repairs.
Regular Services:
By outlaying a nominal sum of money regularly to ensure that your car is in tip-top condition, you can save hundreds in the long run. By running your car into the ground and avoiding a regular service, you are allowing potential problems with the car to get worse. When the car finally gives in, you will be left with a rather large mechanics bill. Check the service history and see when your car was last serviced. Your car manual should give you clear guidance on how often your car should be serviced.
Check Your Car’s Tyre Pressure:
By checking the cars tyre pressure, you can save a small amount of money each month. Driving on underinflated tyres means that your car has to work twice as hard to get you from A to B, which shows on your cars fuel consumption. With the cost petrol seemingly more expensive, it is a shrewd way to save money and see the financial services instantaneously.
Remember to Haggle:
This can relate to insurance, services, breakdown cover and repairs made by a mechanic. If you think the price is unjust or too high, let the relevant companies know. Prepare to haggle to get a fair price. If you think that the price is too much, or you are unsure on exactly what the money is going on, ask for a breakdown of costs. That way, you can make a fair assessment of what is needed and whether you think the price is too high. Use your bargaining power and save money.
Be smart with your car, and you can see the savings mount, giving you more money to spend on the things that you love.