Many people often do not think about car expenses until something goes wrong. Moreover, when something does go wrong – whether it’s a flat tyre or a leaky engine – it can be expensive to repair!
Owning a car is a huge financial commitment; second only to homeownership for many individuals.
However, how much does a car really cost? When you get down to it, various unexpected car costs come along with vehicle ownership.
Beyond fuel, registration fees and insurance, there are multiple financial factors to consider when purchasing a vehicle. The last thing anyone wants is to be caught off guard by a surprise repair or expense.
By knowing what to expect, you can stay on top of your automotive budget and avoid any costly repairs.
In this article, we will examine three unexpected car expenses and how to prepare for them.
Let’s begin!
1) Vehicle Repairs and Maintenance
Car breakdowns often happen whenever you least expect them. If they come at a time of financial uncertainty, you may even need to take out small loans to cover repair costs.
If you want to keep your car running smoothly, you need to carry out regular vehicle maintenance and servicing. From oil changes to checking your back box exhaust, tyre rotations and more, there are multiple car components you need to stay on top of.
Moreover, maintaining your car regularly can even help prolong its lifespan. With proper vehicle maintenance, you can ensure that the engine, transmission and other car parts last longer.
Furthermore, you also need to take your car for regular servicing and diagnostics tests to identify and address any issues before they become major problems.
For example, imagine you own a car in Northampton. To be a responsible owner, it is crucial that you take your car to your local garage for regular diagnostic tests. You will also need to look into health checks and service inspections like the Northampton MOT to ensure it meets all environmental safety standards.
To effectively prioritise vehicle maintenance and servicing, you could keep a log of all your appointments/ personal checks. In this way, you will be able to stay on top of any potential car problems and actively prevent them.
2) Windscreen Replacement
Your windscreen is an important part of your vehicle. However, windscreens can become damaged easily due to flying debris, rocks and other roadside hazards. A cracked or chipped windscreen can be an expensive fix. Moreover, if the damage caused is too severe, it may need to be replaced altogether.
Generally, labour costs are the biggest contributor to the soaring expenses associated with windscreen replacement. Skilled technicians are needed to safely and precisely install a windshield. These professionals receive specialised training and use advanced equipment, which largely contributes to the cost.
Due to its unexpected nature, repairing or replacing a windscreen is an unplanned expense many forget to budget for. To prevent yourself from being caught off guard, clean, maintain and inspect your windscreen regularly. This will allow you to spot any minor chips or cracks earlier on and prevent any large-scale issues.
If you do get caught in a hailstorm or another scenario that puts your windscreen in danger, there are additional precautions you could take. For example, use a blanket to cover your windscreen to protect it from the harsh weather and minimise any damage.
3) Road Tax
Over the years, the cost of owning and driving a car has increased exponentially. Petrol and diesel prices have steadily begun to rise. Furthermore, the cost of car insurance has also risen. However, one of the significant expenses associated with owning a car is road tax.
In the UK, your road tax is calculated based on various factors like the type of car, fuel type, emissions, etc. As such, for some drivers, road tax could pose a significant expense. For example, a car owner who drives a diesel car with high emissions will have to pay more road tax compared to a driver with an electric car.
Road tax is charged on an annual, semi-annual or monthly basis and if unpaid can result in fines and penalties. That’s why, it’s important to take into account the cost of road tax when planning to purchase a new car.
To Wrap Up
Owning a car is a big commitment and comes with multiple unexpected expenses. That’s why you need to be aware of all the potential costs so that you can budget wisely and avoid any costly bills later on.
By factoring unexpected expenses into your car budget, you can avoid overspending and keep your car in top-tier condition.
With the help of this guide, and some proper planning and budgeting, we are confident that you will be prepared for anything!
