Financial tips for car/s

Legacy_user

Hey. I’ve recently bought a car (second hand), and I just wanted to get additional/extra tips about how to best look after a car, in the most financially efficient way. So , to start off, the thing I’m sure most of us do here is put away a certain amount a month for a car fund/car expenses etc. So, aside from that what else do YOU do personally to prepare for car stuff or car life, so you’re using your finances in the best way. I’m aware we all have different cars so it can be a tip specifically for your car or cars in general.

AdrianC

Remember that phrase, "a stitch in time"...?

Don't skimp on maintenance. Maintenance prevents breakdowns and repairs. Learn to DIY basic maintenance, and do the regular basic checks - fluid levels, lights, tyres, etc.

edde

As above check the car regularly use good quality parts.

Change the oils ever 6k idealy but 10k or 6 months Idealy max

Change the gearbox oil and brake fluid for quality stuff ever few years.

Don't leave items that are wrong

Check tyre pressures regularly.

wgl2014

Join an online forum for your particular car if one is available. You can get a lot of good advice and guidance on common issues.

Catplan

Personally I budget £50 a month, but it depends on the car. £50 pm = £600 a year, I’ve had change after ved, insurance and maintenance but insurance cost have been just under £200 last few years. I’ll be needing new tyres in 2019 so including ved and insurance I expect to spend more.
If you stick something away it’s easier when you need to find cash for say two new front tyres. As mentioned above though if you can do stuff yourself topping up fluids etc, changing bulbs etc these cost a few pounds but if you want a garage to do it cost way more.

I know some cars would take the 600 in 4 new tyres so depends on make / model. If you keep on top of things hopefully you have no unexpected expenses. I’m often amazed the folk seem to get an unexpected bill for 4 new tyres or new brakes come mot time, we should really be aware if we need things like this so it shouldn’t come as a surprise.

Ectophile

edde wrote: »

Change the oils ever 6k idealy but 10k or 6 months Idealy max

This isn't the 1960's any more. Multigrade oil has been invented now.


I change the oil every year, or at the manufacturer's recommended interval, whichever comes first.

System

Service it to the manufacturers schedule. If something breaks or doesn't sound right get it looked at instead of leaving it until the next MOT. Things like worn brake pads which are cheap can end up being pads and discs if you leave it which doubles or triples the cost.

Don't carry more junk in the boot than you need to, make sure your tyre pressures are OK, join the IAM and learn how to drive economically. Make sure to shop around for insurance every year.

AdrianC

Ectophile wrote: »

This isn't the 1960's any more. Multigrade oil has been invented now.

I change the oil every year, or at the manufacturer's recommended interval, whichever comes first.

"Manufacturer's intervals" have been extended beyond the point of sensible preventative maintenance, in the name of reduced cost of ownership for the first owners. As a result, there's a lot of cars out there with reputations for poor reliability that are entirely due to inadequate servicing regimes - even though they're serviced to the manufacturer's interval.

While I'd agree "every six months" is a bit excessive for a lower-use car, 10k/1yr is not at all unreasonable, even if the manufacturer's interval is as long as twice that.

Cetshwayo

I work on every year based on 10-12k miles.

edde

Ectophile wrote: »

This isn't the 1960's any more. Multigrade oil has been invented now.


I change the oil every year, or at the manufacturer's recommended interval, whichever comes first.

Just look at private hire taxi companies they know how to make cars run long term. They do ever 3k oil changes.

Leaving oil a year is to long imo

knightstyle

How old is the car, it may be worth having the service done by a manufacturers agent to get more when you sell it plus any free extras such as European breakdown cover etc.