Australians spend big on their cars. When you combine fuel with insurance, registration, depreciation, servicing and everything else that goes into keeping you on the road, the amount you’re losing on a weekly basis can quickly run into the hundreds. 

That’s money that could – and should – be put to better use. If you’re looking for ways you can cut back on your car expenses without compromising on your freedom, read on and start making plans for that extra money. 

Get a better deal on your insurance 

It’s not normally something you think about unless either you’ve just been in an accident or you’ve just opened your renewal letter, but your insurance is definitely a good place to start when considering ways to cut your car expenses. 

Chances are, you’ve probably just been renewing your existing policy your existing plan for quite some time, meaning it’s definitely time to take a look and see what kind of deals your current provider and their competitors can offer. A quick search can often reveal cheaper alternatives, potentially putting hundreds back in your pocket each year. 

Equally, if you’ve had a good experience with your provider and don’t want to change, that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to potentially save some money this year. Many insurance providers offer loyalty discounts for customers who’ve stayed with them for a number of years. Similarly, bringing your home and/or contents insurance under the same provider could also net you a bundle discount, helping you save even further. 

Increase fuel efficiency with a proper service…

While some people think a regular service is just a way to pay for mechanics to check for potential defects, this simply isn’t true. Just because the engine starts doesn’t mean that it couldn’t be running better. A modern car is a complex machine that requires regular upkeep to function at its bestA regular service normally involves the rotation of tyres, oil changes, new air filters and new oil filters, as well as that preventative inspection. 

All of this contributes to a vehicle that handles better and runs better, not only increasing its fuel efficiency back to near its original rating but ensuring that regular wear and tear doesn’t become a catastrophic – and expensive problem. It’s like going to the doctor – getting that cough looked at before it develops into something serious could save you a lot of money and a lot of pain. 

…or make some small tune-ups yourself 

Really looking to save some money on your car’s expenses? Many of the small jobs around a car like replacing wiper blades, keeping tyres at optimal pressure and changing oil can be done by anyone with a YouTube tutorial, a free afternoon and access to an auto parts store. Only consider this if you’re confident in your abilities – some manufacturers require all servicing to be completed by professionals to preserve the warranty. 

Drive smarter, not harder

How you drive on a minute to minute basis has a surprising impact on how much fuel you consume, how quickly your car’s components wear out, and – at the end of the day – how much you’ll pay to keep it running. 

Something as simple as gently braking when approaching a stop or not dragging on the brake down the hill means that you’ll be changing your brake pads much less throughout the life of the car. Not braking suddenly can as much as triple the lifespan (up to the factory recommended 40,000 km), potentially saving you hundreds in parts. 

Equally, accelerating gently and using your cruise control where safe can keep your fuel consumption low. Avoiding constant revving of the engine and instead allowing the cruise control to maintain a consistent speed can significantly extend how far you can go on a tank. 

Switch to a car subscription

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could bundle all your car expenses and budget to a fixed weekly amount? Saving a bit here and there is nice but don’t dream about it, do it with a car subscription. 

An entirely new way to drive, car subscriptions are to ownership what Netflix is to buying your own DVD player and disks – faster, simpler, cheaper and more flexible. With car subscription, you make a recurring weekly payment to get exclusive access to a quality car which includes comprehensive insurance, warranties, registration, full servicing and roadside assistance. The result? Less paperwork, fewer headaches and no more paying through the nose for servicing – or worrying about doing it yourself. 

Make the switch today

If you’re looking for a cheaper way to drive, join the Carbar subscription revolution. Browse an extensive range and subscribe online anytime. Carbar will even deliver the car to your door if you are 50kms from Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne CBD. With premium models from leading manufacturers such as Hyundai, Jeep, Jaguar and Volkswagen, you could find you behind the wheel of something much more special than what’s currently sitting in your garage. 

To learn more about car subscription, browse our range of vehicles or join for free, visit carbar.com.au today.