Text: Nicol Louw. Article from the June 2012 issue of Car Magazine.

How to stay mobile during tough economic times

With record-high fuel prices, increased road tax, insurance-premium hikes and E-tolling on the horizon, it’s become almost impossible for motorists to beat their budgets. We put our heads together to find ways to prevent financial ruin while enjoying the mobile lifestyle we so value.

Tips for owners

Wash your car by hand

The benefits are two-fold. Firstly, you save money. Secondly, and even more importantly, you will be doing an instinctive inspection of your vehicle each time you take a chamois to hand. It’s an excellent way of spotting safety hazards (a bulge on a tyre) and imminent mechanical failures (a drip from the radiator). Take good care of your vehicle and it will take good care of you.

Shop around for insurance premiums

Don’t just accept increases in premiums because it’s too much of a hassle to change insurers. By shopping around and using comparison websites, you could save a bundle. By entering the details of our Mini Countryman S long termer in such a website, we received quotes ranging from R800 to R1 500 a month for comprehensive insurance. Had we gone for the cheapest option, we would have saved R8 400 in the first year.

Shop around for servicing

When your motor or service plan runs out, it’s a good idea to shop around for better servicing deals. Loyalty does not pay the bills; often, independent specialist dealers will charge almost half the rate for the same job while using genuine parts. However, try and get references for the intended service centre before handing over your keys, as there are dodgy players in the field. Lastly, if you are mechanically minded, consider doing basic maintenance yourself, especially on older vehicles.

Tips for buyers

Buying a new car isn’t the best way to keep the bailiff at bay but, if you have to buy a car, the following can save you a bucket:

Bargain with dealers

Never accept the list price of a vehicle and phone around. Dealers are desperate to meet sales targets and will bend over backwards to do a deal. If they are reluctant to drop the price any further, find out whether they’ll add extras to sweeten the deal. If you are out of bargaining power, walk away – there is no such thing as a once-in-a-lifetime offer.

Do not trade – sell privately

Although trading in your vehicle is less complicated, you will generally get more money if you sell privately. This may seem daunting but can be straightforward if done correctly. Ask friends who have sold cars privately. If you have to trade in due to time constraints, make sure you know the value of your vehicle. Again, shop around for the best trade-in price.

Downsizing can save money

Consider a smaller vehicle with a fuel-efficient engine. Do you really need a large SUV for the school run? It’s not just the fuel bills that will be downsized, but also insurance, servicing, road tax and other running costs.

Buy a demo or run-out model

A low-mileage vehicle (demo or otherwise) would already have dropped substantially in value. Otherwise, consider a model that is about to be replaced; dealers need to clear their floors of old stock and might be willing to sell at a large discount.

Think ahead

If you replace your car every five years, second-hand value plays a big role when considering a new car. Generally, popular brands and models will keep their value better, even if it means buying a less flamboyant vehicle.

Fuel-saving tips

The best fuel-saving tip is to use no fuel at all. Consider cycling to work if possible – this will keep you fit and keep your bank manager happy. If you have to drive, remember the following:

Buddy up

A lift club to work and back is a great way to reduce your fuel bill and save on running costs.

Servicing and tyre pressure

A vehicle that is serviced regularly will be more efficient. Ensure that your vehicle’s tyres are at the recommended pressures. You’ll not only reduce tyre wear and improve handling, but you’ll save on fuel expenses.

Stick to the speed limit

A vehicle’s aerodynamic drag increases with the square of speed, so driving slower will save fuel.

Conserving energy

Accelerating and braking uses more fuel than driving at constant speeds. By minimising the rate of acceleration, you’ll save fuel. This can be achieved by reading the traffic conditions ahead. Treat the accelerator as if it has an egg underneath that will break if you squeeze the pedal too hard.

Things to avoid

Fuel-saving gadgets

Crystals, magnets, additives and air swirling devices don’t work!

Chip tuning

Manufacturers spend millions on development and testing of engines to achieve a balance between performance, emissions, fuel economy and reliability. If you alter the fuelling, timing, etc. to try and improve one or more of the aspects, the others will suffer as a result.