The cost of living has risen to strange news highs. Average energy bills were £760 in 2021 compared to £450 in 2020, a 36% real increase.
But in 2022, things got a little bit wild. The average annual gas and electricity bill for a direct debit customer with “typical” levels of consumption is £2,500 from October 2022 to March 2023.
That’s a shocking 96% higher than last winter’s price cap.
But energy bills are one part of the story. Just the other day, that classic English staple of cheddar cheese was spotted in a plastic security case – at a doubled cost of £4. Bread, milk, eggs (if you can find them) and many other daily foods are doubling in price, too. And entertainment costs? Forget about it…
So it’s no wonder that a significant number of drivers are considering skipping their car service altogether this year.
A third of drivers are seeking to cancel their car service in 2023. That’s massive.
But this short-term saving could be a huge mistake that will end up costing you a lot more in the long run…
SAFETY
An annual MOT test is a bare minimum requirement, but even this is too low as a safety benchmark. A lot can happen in that year – wear and tear, unseen bumps and knocks – and if you don’t know about them, your life’s on the line every time you get in the car.
If you do a lot of miles, you really need to get the car looked at at least once in between MOTs, to ensure safety.
EFFICIENCY
Fuel isn’t cheap, and it never will be again. So why waste money burning through it?
During a full car service, your air and oil filters are changed. These can have a decent impact on fuel efficiency – and when combined with other marginal gains, like properly inflated tyres and carbon deposit removal, you can make noticeable savings on fuel every month.
RESALE VALUE
Regular servicing and a full service history can get you more money when you decide to sell your car – but it also adds value to any insurance claims, should you ever have to make one for a write-off (here’s hoping you never do!).
LESS LIKELY TO BREAK DOWN
Skipping your car service can lead to breakdowns becoming more likely. If you have also had to cancel your roadside assistance cover, too – then you’re in for a big shock when the bills come through… Not to mention the cost of repairs, and for a hire car to tide you over while yours is being fixed.
That sounds like a nightmare, doesn’t it?!
Well, regular car servicing is how you avoid it. Your car service will spot potential issues long before they become serious, saving you money, hassle, and stress. Wouldn’t you rather spend a fraction of the cost getting your car serviced, even if just for the peace of mind?
IN SHORT – YOU’LL ONLY BE SHORT-CHANGING YOURSELF!
Whether safety or cost is your primary concern, car servicing should be deemed essential by anyone who relies on their vehicle. Sure, it is an expense – but even your big badge, local dealership will do a service for around the £120 mark. Compare that to a laundry list of failures, costing potentially thousands!
Don’t chance it. Get your car service booked today. Save money on fuel and drive safely in the knowledge that you’ve got at least one lot of expenses covered!
GET YOUR CAR SERVICED IN EASTLEIGH
Whatever the future holds, keep your car running like new. Book your full car service with Master Tech Autos. Call us on 023 8061 1161 or book online today!