Hidden Costs of Car Ownership You Need to Know About

*This is a collaborative post about the hidden costs of car ownership

Buying a car is a gateway to freedom for many people. Being able to drive yourself around can make life so much easier, and not relying on others for lifts or public transport is liberating.

Despite the multiple benefits of owning a car and being a fully licensed driver, there are also some obvious drawbacks to becoming a car owner. And for first-time car owners, these costs aren’t always as apparent as others might be.

This post will explore some of the more or less obvious costs of car ownership that you might not appreciate in the excitement of buying your first car.

Servicing

While every driver is aware that they need to pass an MOT legally each year, they may not realise that they also need to service their car frequently.

A service isn’t a legal requirement; however, it’s highly recommended that cars are serviced every year or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. And the cost of servicing can depend on the size of the vehicle, its age and even the mechanic you can use. Interim services can be anywhere from £100 to £200, while full services can range from £150 to £400. Going to dealerships tends to be more expensive, while car servicing at independent mechanics can often be a cheaper option without compromising on the quality of work or service. 

Hidden costs of car ownership: Parking fees

This one flies a little bit more under the radar than, say, fuel. But still, parking fees are part and parcel of driving, as are fines if you don’t obey parking laws or private parking rules.

Parking fees can and do often vary. There is no set guideline for how much people can charge for parking in council-owned or private car parks. And if a parking fee isn’t requested when parking, chances are there are time limits that, if exceeded, will result in a fine.

These costs can be considerable and add up, especially if you need to pay for parking for work or frequent places that require it, such as shopping centres.

Cleaning and care

No one likes driving around in a messy car. Even those with messy cars will attest to this. However, cleaning your vehicle can be an expense that is often overlooked. Even the infrequent trips to the self-service or automatic car washes cost money, as does cleaning at home. Whether or not you invest in car cleaning supplies or embrace the convenience of mobile car valeting, the cost of keeping your car clean and tidy can add up over the course of a year.

Hidden costs of car ownership: Location specific charges

Under this heading, we’re including the costs of tolls and fees for driving in certain areas, as well as the ULEZ charge. Driving in London in certain areas will incur congestion charges. If your car doesn’t meet the emission standards when driving within the ULEZ zone in London, you can expect to pay upwards of £13 per day per vehicle.

In addition, it’s important to understand the tools and fees for using certain roads or infrastructures. Many different parts of the UK have tolls and fees, and these costs can add up considerably for drivers, especially for those who travel for work. There are tolls for travelling through the Mersey Tunnels, the Humber Bridge, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, the M6 toll, and the Dartford Crossing, to name a few. Be aware of their cost and avoid fines or limited travel in these areas.

Breakdown cover

Not everyone wants or needs breakdown cover, but for a small outlay each year or month, if you prefer, you can cover yourself against breakdowns when driving and get the assistance you need. While not a legal requirement, think about what would happen to you if your car broke down on the motorway. Who will you call? How will you get help? A breakdown company, such as the AA or Green Flag, will come to your assistance if you’re a member and help you out when you need it. These costs can vary from upwards of £5 a month for some providers to a few hundred pounds per year, depending on the options you choose or the services you need.

This list isn’t exhaustive, and there are many obvious and not-so-obvious costs of owning a car. However, understanding what it might cost you over the course of a year can help you make better decisions regarding buying the right car and your activities on the road. It’s really important to factor in these costs as well, such as driving coastal ike insurance or fuel, when choosing to purchase a vehicle.