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Lose any old notions about your car. If you’re living in your car and counting lost dollars, take a moment to stop and smell the savings. These simple tips will help you keep your salary and shift your wallet into gear.
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Here’s a staggering statistic from news.com.au:
“AUSTRALIAN households are now spending up to $22,000 a year just to keep their cars on the road as toll ways, insurance, and other costs continue to rise — and congestion worsens.”
Aussies are forking out those dollars in the form of tax, insurance, maintenance, rego and more. That’s before you add up finance payments. If you’re paying interest on this money-sucking, cash-crushing beast, you’re even more screwed.
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If you’re looking to fatten your wallet, without doing much else than leave your car, do this.
Here are some handy hints to help you keep your car on the road for less.
Drive your way to more money
Drive your car to get a service
A simple maintenance will do the following and more:
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Save you money on fuel longterm
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Prolong the life expectancy of your vehicle
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Keep your tyres at their best
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Make sure the oil and fluid levels are right
Here are few alarm bells to look out for:
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Feel the clutch slipping
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Hear noises when you brake
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The steering feels different
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General change in the feel of your car when driving
Address issues straight away. They could be dangerous but also cost more in the long run.
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Remember the old saying:
Prevention is better than cure
Make a hands-free call for breakdown cover
As a driver, the last thing you want is to end up on the back of a tow truck facing a bill for recovery, as well as repairs.
You can do this a few ways:
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Take out breakdown cover (spread the cost over a 12-month period) and sign up for emergency assistance
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Get roadside assistance through your insurance policy
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Contact a breakdown company directly
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Some banks offer reduced cover as part of accounts
Tip: Make sure your call is hands-free!
Drive to the cheapest fuel stop
We’re all in a rush. Most of us stop at the nearest petrol station because it’s convenient. Driving to the next station might save money though. Consider doing this to take advantage of lower prices.
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Do this:
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Shop around for the lowest fuel prices using fuel finder apps
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You will save much over the course of one year
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Avoid stopping on major roads and highways (prices can be higher)
Drive slower and with less stuff
Here are some fast ways to reduce your fuel usage:
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Avoid stopping and staring in rush-hour traffic
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Accelerating slowly
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Removing excess weight from the car
Need more tips?
Check out my tip sheet on 180 ways to save on petrol and cars
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Petrol heads beware:
Don’t throw your salary out of the driver seat window.
Follow these tips and put stash that cash back in your wallet.
