The UK is currently experiencing a once-in-a-generation cost-of-living crisis, which is forcing more people to reckon with their monthly outgoings and look for areas to save. With the rising cost of fuel alongside energy bills and even the grocery shop, driving a car has become an increasingly expensive luxury for many – without even considering the cost of maintenance. Luckily, there are some simple ways you can keep maintenance costs down for your car.
Perform Self-Maintenance
While the idea of fixing a car may be a bridge too far for many motorists – with an estimated 11 million drivers uncomfortable with the idea of changing a tyre – there are simple maintenance tasks that are easy for anyone to undertake. These simple tasks can save a fortune in repair costs in the long run, and help keep your car running for much longer than it may otherwise.
One of these simple self-maintenance tasks is to top up the oil on a regular basis, and to replace the oil every three to six months. Online guides are available to coach through the replacement process, but even paying a mechanic to do it for you could be cheaper than the costs incurred by a poorly lubricated engine.
Another simple self-maintenance task is to replace your engine’s air filter on a semi-regular basis. If you find it hard to shine a torch through your filter, replace it and improve your engine’s air intake instantly – extending its shelf life.
Book MOTs in Advance
Every car that is three years old or older needs to be booked in for an annual MOT, to ensure it is still safe to drive on UK roads. MOTs tend to be a flat annual cost for motorists, costing a maximum of £54.85 for car drivers. However, there are ways in which this cost can be reduced, and even recouped altogether.
As a key example, if you book your MOT online with the right provider, you could avail yourself of discounts and offers – such as a MOT money-back guarantee if paired with a service. This way, loyalty to a specific garage can assist in reducing costs overall.
Drive Conservatively
One of the bigger variables that can affect the cost of maintenance and upkeep for your vehicle is, in fact, the way you drive. By driving carelessly or aggressively, not only do you increase the likelihood of suffering or causing a road traffic accident, but you increasingly tax your vehicle’s engine, suspension and brakes. The harder you brake into corners, and the quicker you accelerate out of them, the more your car will suffer.
With this in mind, adopting careful and conservative driving techniques can greatly decrease the stress on your vehicle, thus allowing parts to last longer before needing repair. Over the lifespan of your vehicle, this can add up to serious savings.
