Depending on where you study, having a car could be crucial to help you survive university life. Whether you need to travel home at weekends or your campus is far from where you live, having a car can be a convenient way to get around.
But one of the downsides of having a car as a student is the cost. While you may be able to find a car that sits within your budget, maintaining it can be a whole other matter, eating into your living costs. Learning how to maintain your car on a budget can be very useful during your university days, ensuring your car doesn’t become a money drain.
Take a look at some useful tips to help you keep your car costs down.
Buy smarter
The first thing that’s going to help you save money on your car maintenance costs is having a car that is a little more reliable. Choosing a reliable car model may seem like you’re being overly sensible, but reliable doesn’t have to mean boring. A great car-buying tip is to choose a car that’s less likely to need maintenance, saving you money in the long run. You could also look at options such as compact cars which are generally more affordable, with cheaper maintenance costs compared to SUVs, etc. Here are some of the UK’s most reliable cars to help you find a great vehicle for your needs:
@aashsthapa The most reliable cars in the UK if you’re looking to buy your first car or maybe just a reliable runner #personalfinance #cars #carbuyingtips #toyota #financialliteracy ♬ original sound – Aash Thapa | Money & Finance
Keep your car clean yourself
Keeping a car clean is a good way to maintain its value and avoid some costly fixes. It can also help you spot any signs of damage more easily, so you can get issues repaired quickly.
While a car wash can seem like the easiest option to keep your car clean, those washes will add up over the course of a year. Cleaning your car yourself will keep your costs down, and ensure you give it a really thorough clean. Check out some tips for the best way to wash your car and never need a car wash again!
Look around for local dealers for repairs
When the time comes for your car to need repairs, where you take your car can make a big difference to how much it costs you. Looking for ‘Porsche repair near me’ will likely yield much more affordable results than going straight to the dealership. Always get quotes for any repairs to make sure you get a good comparison – it’s very easy to pay over the odds for car repairs, which is the last thing you want on a student budget!
Drive sensibly
Finally, driving sensibly is a simple and affordable way to keep your car costs down. If you avoid speeding and reckless driving, you’re far less likely to have an accident that could come with significant repair costs for your car (as well as added insurance!). Where possible, try to avoid using your car to help boost the environment, while keeping your costs down.
Maintaining a car as a student can be tricky, especially when your budget is low. Finding ways to keep the costs down will mean you can own the car worry-free, ensuring you can get to where you need to be and focus on more important things, like your studies, instead.
