We are all looking for ways to reduce our outgoings, especially in these uncertain times and in this article, we offer a few ideas on how you can reduce your motoring costs that you might not have considered.
- Used Parts – The cost of replacing your radiator or alternator is high, but if you visit a car breaker’s yard, you can buy reconditioned parts that have been removed from scrap vehicles. The breaker will issue you with a fair warranty and they stock most makes and models, plus you will save at least 50% on the cost of a new part. The parts are removed from the car, then stripped down and overhauled, then catalogued and stored, and when you make contact online with a breaker’s yard, you simply tell them what you need and they access their online database and any part they don’t have, they can quickly locate. Items such as; radiators, alternators, water pumps and even complete re-conditioned engines and gearboxes.
- Tyres – Of course, you must have good tyres and the best deals to be found online are from Tyres Discount Brisbane, where you can save money on your favourite brand. The way you drive also has an impact on tyre wear and change the tyres around every few months, to give them equal wear. Correct inflation is another important aspect of tyre management and have the checked annually, or earlier if you drive a lot, which will ensure there is adequate tread. If you notice uneven tyre wear, this means the tracking needs to be adjusted and your local tyre supplier can do that.
- Self-Service – If you’re mechanically minded and have the right tools, it is not difficult to change the engine oil and clean out the filters, plus all the service info is located at the rear of the owner’s manual, which you have. The cost of a mechanic for an hour is considerable, not to mention the parts, which you can source yourself from the breaker’s yard and anything you are unsure about, there will be a YouTube video that covers it. You get a lot of personal satisfaction when you work on your car, plus you have the peace of mind that comes with knowing the car is in good order. Click here for oil change tips.
- Self-Repairs – Aside from regular servicing, should anything go wrong with your car and you have the necessary tools, why not fix it yourself? Some garages will charge you $100 just to take a look and with YouTube videos to help, you should be able to handle the project. Of course, if it is a major engine overhaul, then it is best left to a mechanic, but replacing components is pretty straightforward and the more you do it, the better you become and could one day restore a classic car. Always review what damage your car insurance covers to avoid an insurance dispute. Having your insurance cover repairs can save a lot of money.
- Fuel Saving Tips – If you like to drive with high revs to get the most out of the horsepower, this costs money in extra fuel and by changing your driving habits, you will be surprised to find that you are not spending as much on fuel as usual. Rather than using the gears to slow down, using the brakes will keep your engine revs down and when you accelerate, don’t put your foot to the floor, as this guzzles fuel, rather slowly bring the vehicle up to speed. Keep track of your fuel costs when you start the new habits and you will be pleasantly surprised after a month or so.
- Cut Out Non-Essential Journeys – This can result in a big saving and with online shopping, you can save money and have the goods delivered for free. Get your mountain bike out for short trips to the local shops and not only are you saving on fuel costs, your car is not getting too much wear and tear. Biking is healthy and if you invest in a bike for every family member, you can go out on rides at the weekend, which is a nice way to spend time with your family, plus you will be fitter for the experience.
Such is the cost of driving today that many people have sold their car and turned to two wheels, either a bicycle or motorcycle, but if your car is important to you, then all of the above will help to keep your motoring costs to a minimum.
We thought we’d end the article with a link to the Australian government Covid-19 update website, so you can keep abreast of the current status in your region.
Hopefully, we can all get back to normal as we move into 2021 and you can start to implement all of the above and see your motoring costs drop significantly.
