You may include car insurance and petrol expenses into your monthly budget, but what about unexpected maintenance costs? Learn more about setting aside money to keep your vehicle running smoothly.
Your car means everything to you. Not only does it get you from A to B, but it’s also a symbol of freedom. The flip side is that whilst cars give you freedom, they can also trap you in a difficult financial situation. Maintenance and repair expenses may cost more than you might expect, especially when your warranty or service plan is no longer in effect.
It isn’t enough to budget for petrol and car insurance, you need to consider things like flat tyres and cracked windscreens (some insurance companies may cover this, but still might require excess payments). Here are some smart tips that will get you prepared for unexpected car expenses.
1. CONSIDER YOUR CAR’S CONDITION
How old is your car? Does it have high mileage? Generally the more wear and tear your vehicle has, the more maintenance expenses you’ll have to consider.
2. FACTOR IN THE MAKE OF CAR
You should budget accordingly to the model of car you own. Some makes will cost more to repair than others.
3. THINK ABOUT HOW MUCH CAR MAINTENANCE HAS COST YOU OVER THE PAST YEAR
If you’ve owned your car for a while, you might have more of an idea of how much it can cost. Take the amount you spent over the past year and divide it by 12 to give you an estimate of how much to save each month. Of course, it could cost more or less than this, but it’s always better to have a little more money saved if needed
4. SEPARATE CAR MAINTENANCE FUNDS FROM OTHER SAVINGS
Keep your car maintenance funds in a separate savings account. That way you won’t be tempted to dip into these savings for other expenses and when a car expense does crop up, the funds will be waiting for you.
5. INSPECT YOUR CAR REGULARLY
Keep a close eye on your vehicle’s condition by regularly inspecting things like tyre pressure, fluid levels, headlights and brake lights. You can do some of these checks yourself, otherwise, ask a professional. Repairing small issues before they turn into big problems will save you money in the long run.
USE YOUR RCS STORE CARD AT AUTO PARTNERS
Your car could need a new part at any time, but that may not necessarily mean you’ll have the hard cash to replace it or enough in your budget. Worry not! With your RCS Store Card, you have access to automotive partner retailers like Tiger Wheel and Tyre, AutoZone and Battery Centre to name a few, allowing you to enjoy up to 55 days interest-free* on each purchase.
Keeping your car maintenance budget in check might seem like a chore, but it’s an important part of vehicle ownership. At the end of the day, your car and your pocket will thank you for it.
*Service and initiation fees apply.
