Cars cost money. When you consider the insurance, breakdown and the cost of repairs, it can all quickly add up to more than your rent. It’s normal to want to keep the prices down, but how do you do it? Here are some tips to minimize the costs of your car.
Do a Full Search for Insurance
Never assume your insurance renewal quote is going to be the best one for you. Companies reward new customers not loyal ones. Do a search online and find out if you can get it for cheaper. There are a few ways to do this. You can then go back to your original company and see if they can match that quote. If not, you know what to do; change companies!
Search for Good Breakdown Cover
Like insurance, different companies will charge different rates for their breakdown cover. Do a full search online to make sure you always have the cheapest option.
You will also want to check the limitations to the cover to make sure your vehicle is fully covered wherever you are. There are usually different rates for breakdown cover including home starts and travel onto another destination.
Stay on Top of Car Problems
If you notice your car doesn’t sound like it used to or something is getting a little stiff, it could be a sign that your car is having some problems. The sooner you get these fixed, the better for your wallet.
Earlier problems are much quicker to fix and that means you can save money. In most cases, the mechanics are performing prevention work instead of complete replacement work, meaning fewer and cheaper parts are necessary.
Learn How to Handle the Simplest and Common Problems
Some issues can be taken care of at home. Instead of calling your breakdown when you have a flat tyre, you can learn to change it yourself.
Make sure you look into the most common and simplest issues that you’re likely to struggle with and find out the solutions. The next time they happen you will just have to pay for the parts instead of the labour to have it all completed as well.
Find a Good Garage
Talk to the local garages in your area and find out which ones offer excellent work for the best prices. You don’t need to rush straight to the closest one. You can call around, find out prices and then work out how to get your car to the right one.
Your car insurance company may stipulate you need to have your car repaired at a certain one or pay for the repairs yourself. If the repairs cost less than your excess, it may be worth going to your preferred one anyway.
Save Up the Money
Make sure you have an emergency fund. You never know when things will happen, but you don’t want to put the cost on your credit card.
That just leads to extra interest being paid, so the repairs end up costing even more. Save up and you will save in the long run.