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 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 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 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.
When choosing car insurance, remember that there are compulsory and discretionary coverages. For instance, having a CTP green slip to register a vehicle is compulsory. An online calculator is a helpful tool to obtain a CTP green slip quote. Discretionary coverage is optional and provides additional protection beyond the minimum legal requirements. They cover theft, vandalism, and other incidents not covered by compulsory insurance. Other optional coverages include roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, or gap insurance.
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, tires, windows, and mirrors.
If something isn’t 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.
When selecting MOT cover, it’s crucial to consider the extent of coverage provided, the reputation and reliability of the provider, any additional benefits offered, and the overall value for money. Making an informed decision ensures that vehicle owners have adequate protection and assistance in the event of MOT-related expenses.
Fuel
Fuel prices are still costly 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 fuel cost at garages within a certain distance of your location. These apps utilize GPS technology to determine the user’s location and display a list of nearby gas stations with their respective fuel prices. They access up-to-date information from a database containing fuel prices at various stations. Users can filter and sort results based on criteria like distance, cost, or fuel type.
Additional information, such as station amenities and user reviews, may also be provided. Navigation integration allows users to find their chosen station easily. Moreover, users can contribute to the app’s database by reporting fuel prices, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
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 repair.
These could include your tires 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 them. However, you must make sure you’ll be able to keep up with the repayments.
