It’s All Downhill from Here: Why Is Driving So Expensive?

Nothing beats the sensation of driving through empty roads as the car radio plays your favourite tune. It is a simple pleasure but it’s one of the greatest in life. You feel free, happy, and serene.
But when you glance down at your fuel gauge and notice that the indicator keeps moving – slowly but surely – towards the left, your carefree mood may begin to fade. Not to mention the sudden appearance of flashing symbols that suggest something inside the engine is not quite right. Not only is it a worry and a nuisance, but it is a hefty and costly inconvenience too.
We’ve seen a general increase in prices and vehicles have certainly not been spared. But why is driving becoming so expensive? What are people doing to limit costs? We take a look at some of the reasons for which driving is turning into a pricey activity, while also highlighting why joining a car club in this day and age brings an array of benefits.
Car ownership comes with its expenses. It’s always handy to have a vehicle ready to chauffeur you wherever you want and whenever you wish, but there can be some significant hidden costs. Specifically, in more recent times, drivers are having to spend a bit more than they used to. Why?
On 24th October, the average daily price for a litre of petrol reached 142.94p, exceeding the negative all-time record of 142.48p (16th April 2012). With this figure, a litre costs 28p more than it would have a year ago. It goes without saying that, if you need to fill up your tank, your bill will be significantly higher than in previous years.
While it is a sensible decision to decrease air pollution, accessing LEZs can be expensive for drivers. Indeed, vehicles that do not meet certain emissions standards run into hefty fees. Greener and electric cars can enter LEZs free of charge; however, not many drivers have them and, ultimately, they are pricier to buy.
When the time comes to take it to the garage, you may discover that some serious maintenance work is required. Not only will you be left without a car for a few days, but your bank account will take a hit.
As costs continue to soar, drivers are striving to find alternative options to help them save some of their hard-earned money. What can you do to safeguard your finances? Here are a few simple tips:
There is no denying that being at the wheel can be both fun and relaxing. But do you really need to own a car in order to enjoy your driving? The reality is that car sharing is one of the best solutions to save on vehicle expenses and benefit from the freedom of moving around whenever it suits you.
Co-Wheels, an expert in community car sharing and vehicle hiring, suggests that utilising this service offers a series of brilliant advantages to drivers. “It has a really positive impact on the planet. If more people shared cars, the number of vehicles on the streets would decrease – which means, in turn, less traffic and cleaner city air. By signing up to a car club, you can book your slot for a car and collect it as soon as you are ready to hit the road!”
Additionally, car sharing helps you keep your expenses at bay. In the event of mishaps along the way, including flat tyres and dead batteries, it will be up to the car sharing company to cover the vehicle’s maintenance costs. What is more, you won’t have to worry about pricey pit-stops at the petrol station – there will already be fuel in your tank when you jump into the driving seat.
Finally, car sharing provides you with the opportunity to select the vehicle you want. Are you looking for a van? Would you like to drive an electric car and steer confidently through low-emission zones? You can always pick and choose the vehicle that best suits your journey at a reasonable price.
It is fair to say that driving is more expensive now than ever before. From rising fuel costs to hefty repairs, drivers are facing pricey bills that are affecting the enjoyment of their car travels. Is it not the right time to make the most of car sharing services? Save money, protect the planet, and… keep driving!