6 ways to save money with your car
With the South African economy at the moment, and the petrol price always on the increase, SA motorists want to save money were they can. Here are 6 top ways to save money with your car:
1. SERVICE IT REGULARLY
Service your car regularly – a vehicle that is running properly is more economical, there is less chance of it breaking down and it can also save your life. You don’t want a safety-critical item to fail.
2. GET IT COVERED
Regular maintenance can be expensive. So, when buying a new car, ensure that it comes with a maintenance plan. A service plan is also a bonus but not as valuable, as it will only cover scheduled service items. A maintenance plan covers anything and everything that could go wrong. Read the fine print carefully – some manufacturers claim to offer a maintenance plan but it’s actually a service plan. Also, be aware of the exclusions on the plan.
3. USE CAR-WASH PRODUCTS
You wouldn’t wash your face with dishwashing liquid, would you? So treat your car the same way. Only use proper car-wash products that won’t scratch or damage your car’s paintwork. And don’t use a dirty rag – the grit on the rag could cause costly scratches.
4. DRIVE ECONOMICALLY
No-one enjoys forking out at the petrol station. Plus, excessive fuel usage isn’t great for the environment. So control your fuel costs by driving as economically as possible. Start by planning your journeys, thereby avoiding wasted trips. Once in the car close the windows (open windows create drag) and exert as little pressure on the accelerator as possible. You are not in a street race, so there really is no need to accelerate from zero to 100km/h in a couple of seconds. On the road, anticipate stops and slow down well in advance.
5. AVOID TRADE-INS
When buying a car, don’t trade in your old vehicle. Instead, sell your jaded set of wheels yourself. The dealer will offer you a bargain-basement price for your old car, as he wants to make a profit when he sells it.
6. CONSIDER A DIESEL OR HYBRID MODEL Diesel-powered cars used to be as smelly and smoky as tractors. But today they are highly refined, almost as quiet as their petrol counterparts and extremely kind to the environment. Tremendous advances have been made within the field of diesel technology and they are much more economical – you can slash your fuel bill by 20% to 30% by using diesel. On the other hand a hybrid car is also worth a go. Check out why you should opt for a hybrid, and what hybrid cars actually are.