When it comes to maintaining your car, there are a lot of factors and costs to consider. Looking after your vehicle is crucial to reducing the likelihood of problems that can result in additional expenses cropping up.
According to new proposals, MOT tests could be changed to every two years. This means it’s now worth considering learning how to service your own car, so you know it’s safe to drive on the road.
Additionally, the cost of living crisis is causing prices to soar, including for fuel and insurance. This guide will go into more detail about the costs of keeping and maintaining a car and what you might need to pay out for it.
Insurance and road tax
Car insurance is a legal requirement, and a comprehensive policy covers damage caused by you or another driver. If you’re caught driving without insurance, you may receive a hefty fine or have your license revoked.
You must also pay vehicle tax if you’re driving on UK roads. When a vehicle is first registered, the price of this varies depending on how your car is powered and the amount of pollution it emits. From then on, you pay a flat rate each year. However, if you have an electric vehicle, you won’t have to pay anything.
MOT cover
All vehicles need to undergo MOT tests to ensure they are road safe. A mechanic will check everything from the brakes, body, doors, exhausts, and lights, as well as the wheels, tyres, windows and mirrors.
If something isn’t quite right and needs changing or repairing, the garage will charge you for these costs separately. Prices will vary depending on the issue and how severe it is.
Fuel
Fuel prices are still incredibly expensive after reaching record highs in 2022. The gap between petrol and diesel continues to increase, with diesel costing an average of 180.22p in September – 17p more than the average petrol price.
Fortunately, there are apps you can download that show you the cost of fuel at garages within a certain distance of your location.
Repairs
As we head into the winter months, the temperature across the UK is starting to drop. This can often cause issues with your car, perhaps resulting in some parts needing to be repaired.
These could include your tyres deflating as the pressure drops and the rubber on your windscreen wipers becoming brittle and prone to damage.
If you need to pay for something upfront, it’s worth considering a short-term loan, emergency loan or an alternative to payday loans to help with those emergency costs that pop up when you least expect. However, you must make sure you’ll be able to keep up with the repayments.
