50+ tips to cut driving costs
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Every year, you can easily spend thousands on driving. Even the most reliable small car still costs you with WOF, insurance, repairs, breakdown cover, parking, fuel, cleaning – it soon adds up. With our guide, we show you how you can save money on all of these items, reducing your vehicle costs significantly. Our car owner checklist has 50+ easy-to-do tips to make driving cheaper while being safe.
Our tips include (summary)
Get up to 15 cents off petrol
Avoid premium unleaded for standard cars
Save 1/3 on fuel your petrol bills by changing your driving
Get the best car insurance deal
Look after your car during winter
Challenge parking tickets
Bargain down the price of tyres and repairs
Book your WOF at the right time
Get up to 15 cents off petrol
Avoid premium unleaded for standard cars
Save 1/3 on fuel your petrol bills by changing your driving
Get the best car insurance deal
Look after your car during winter
Challenge parking tickets
Bargain down the price of tyres and repairs
Book your WOF at the right time
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HeadingFirstly what is the cheapest insurance, do I need it and how can I get the best price?
Legally, a car does not need to be insured to drive in New Zealand, meaning car insurance is optional. But the risk to other people’s property makes it wise to insure yourself, as anything to do with cars and accidents is usually expensive. There are many types of car insurance, outlined below: 1) Third Party – this covers you for damage you cause to another vehicle or property, as well as any passengers. But if you have an accident, your car is not insured and you will need to pay for repairs yourself. If your car is stolen, catches fire or becomes a write-off, you’ll need to buy a new car. Third party is best for cheap cars worth very little. Quotes for third party insurance range from $100 to $200 per year 2) Third Party, Fire and Theft – this is standard third party insurance, additionally covering fire and theft. Such policies quote for around $200-$300 per year. 3) Comprehensive – this is the most extensive car insurance, and it pretty much covers everything from accidental loss or damage to your car, key and lock replacement, fire damage, theft, damage to someone else's vehicle or property, repairs and personal liability protection (meaning if you injure someone, your insurance will take care of them). Comprehensive insurance cost around $350-$550 per year. The following links lets you get quotes quickly, where you just need to supply your DOB, vehicle rego and location as well as a couple of other minor details. If the policy suits your needs, check if there are discounts available by calling your preferred insurer and bargain. Most importantly, go through your policy and make sure you know what you are covered for, and what you are not covered for. Read our Cheap Car Insurance guide (LINK). |
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HeadingUse a trusted WOF provider for a better chance of passing
The standard fee of a WOF ranges from around $45-$55 for cars. However, the biggest budget blowout comes from fixing the fails. The best WOF provider is often one without a garage, so there is no incentive to fail you and quote repairs. Do not be sucked in by “$20 WOF” offers – our list of trusted WOF providers (CREATE). Here is one story from a reader: I usually go to my local VTNZ and get a warrant first time on my Toyota. I strayed and went to a garage for no reason, and got an estimate of $800 for repairs. I then drove it over to the VTNZ and it passed. Be careful – Justin, North Shore. |
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HeadingHas your licence expired?
Easily overlooked, you can be instantly fined $400 if your drivers licence has expired. It costs around $45 to renew for 10 years, a fraction of the fine ($XXXXX). Check your licence today, and schedule a reminder to renew. |
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HeadingDon't buy premium fuels for standard cars
Petrol stations all over New Zealand sell a variety of premium unleaded and diesel fuels which cost a lot more than standard fuels. For most cars, the premium fuels make no difference at all. Unless you have been advised by your vehicle manufacturer to use a specific premium fuel, stick with the regular ones and save. |
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HeadingSave 30%+ on your fuel costs by adjusting the way you drive.
A car is most efficient when it is cruising at a constant speed before naturally slowing down rather than breaking. With these simple tips, you can crush your fuel cost without going any slower on the road. Here are our hacks:
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HeadingAvoid Towaway Zones, 24/7
It’s easy to say “I’ll just be 2 minutes” but tow trucks never rest, and your car is money for this divisive industry. If you cannot find a park and the only spaces free are in tow-away parking or zones, avoid avoid avoid! Fees start at around $150 to get your car back and that doesn’t take into account all the hassle – don’t do it. A reader writes says: We were going out and parked in a tow away zone, the driver adamant it would be fine. Later that night we returned to find no car. A lot of time wasted getting it back, and we felt responsible to share the financial burden even if it wasn’t our fault or our car. Never again! Matt, Howick |
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HeadingChallenge your parking tickets
Success from a reader: I parked on a street being re-marked near the uni. Upon returning, I had a ticket for parking against the direction of traffic, but the direction wasn’t obvious to me as many cars were front and rear facing. I wrote in and complained, and the Dunedin City Council cancelled the ticket and supplied another reason as to why I didn’t need to pay – score! It pays to appeal. Chris, Dunedin |
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HeadingFollow our checklist and fix common fails before you go for your WOF
Follow our “no mechanical knowledge needed” guide to pre-test and fix your car before the experts fail it.
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HeadingCar insurance is essential, and continue to compare as the cost varies a lot.
If you can afford a car, you can afford at least third party insurance. You can then have peace of mind that any accident you are involved in will be taken care of, and comprehensive insurance means you will be completely looked after. In saying that, always check quotes even if your existing policy is still valid – you can save big and lock in the price for later. To get a number of quotes in minutes, head to our cheap car insurance page which has everything you need. Remember to check the policy details – we have been told by a reader than they got 12 months of comprehensive for $50, so let us know if you do better! You can also call your existing insurer and tell them about the cheaper quotes you have received; they are often more than willing to beat the price to keep you as a customer. |
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HeadingWinter-Proof your car
Your car is more likely to break down in winter, and New Zealand winters can be vicious. We have five tips to ensure safe driving this winter:
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HeadingSlash Fuel Costs by Clearing out your car
Petrol prices are a painful reality for any New Zealand motorist, where filling up can cost up to $100. We’ve listed a few tips to cut the cost of your visit to the petrol pump, with an estimated % efficiency on petrol use. Tip 1: Keep tyres properly inflated Efficiency improvement: Up to 4% Low tyre pressure means your engine needs to work harder to power your car, using more fuel. Make sure your tyre pressure is optimal at the petrol station – it’s free and worth doing every 1-3 months. Tip 2: Drive at 30-50km/hour and avoid heavy breaking Efficiency improvement: Up to 3% Tip 3: Remove roof racks Efficiency improvement: Up to 10%. Roof racks are not aerodynamic – they cause a lot of drag and churn petrol in the process. They make look sporty, but they blow out your fuel bill. If you don’t use it, remove it. Tip 4: Switch off air conditioning at low speeds Efficiency improvement: Up to 10%. Running air conditioning burns petrol, so if you’re driving around town turn it off unless you really need it. At 100km/hour it is more efficient as opening windows causes drag and slows your car down. Tip 5: Don't fill your car up 100% Efficiency improvement: Up to 1%. Your petrol tank is likely to be around 50 litres, and fuel is heavy. A full tank adds a lot of extra weight. If you’re using your car as a run-around, fulling up half full will make it more efficient to run. Tip 6: Declutter your car Efficiency improvement: Up to 2%. The less your car weighs, the less fuel it needs to run. Get rid of everything you don’t need in the boot – sports equipment, junk, tools etc, and clean out the glove box and under the seats. It makes a big difference. Source: AA/RAC UK (LINK) |
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HeadingCollect Fuel Vouchers from the supermarket and AA
Supermarkets advertise a lot of petrol promotions and many have the convienience of having pumps in or near their car park. Current promotions include: Pak’N’Save: Countdown: New World: |
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HeadingPrivate parking firms (i.e. Wilsons) CANNOT fine you
Link to man who doesn’t pay fines Parking “tickets” from supermarkets or other private car parks are not fines – they are invoices. Unlike speeding tickets or council-issued parking fines, privately-issued notices are nothing more than invoices. And just because an invoice has been issued does not mean it needs to be paid. And for that reason, we recommend not paying if you believe the reason is unfair. Download our comprehensive template response (LINK) which makes a strong case for voiding your “ticket”. The ticket issuer may threaten “bad credit” or “courts” but in reality they can’t do much about it. Consumer NZ’s review: XXX |
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HeadingAvoid Being Towed or Clamped on private property by following two simple rules
New Zealand doesn’t currently legislate against motorists being held to ransom if they park on private property. And when you think of antiques dealers, you don’t think of clamping. But thanks to the predatory behaviour of one Auckland antiques dealer, clamping is higher up on the radar of motorists, at least in Auckland anyway. Still there are three tips to avoid being caught out by this wild west area of the law:
Most importantly, Script for MP – towing – download and send. Campaign to end illegal clamping – follow UK law. Mention NZ uncivilised. Etc |
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HeadingBuying a car? Cut the cost of car finance.
Buy a car with confidence and get the best price – read our 40+ Tips for Buying a Used Car (LINK) and 40+ Tips for Buying a New Car (LINK). Our guides make the process of buying any car a lot easier – you’ll minimize the risk of problems and save money at the same time. For help, see our cheap personal loans guide (LINK). |
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HeadingCar Leasing
Car leasing is growing increasingly popular in New Zealand. Read our car leasing guide (LINK) find out if it’s right for you. |
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HeadingDriving a Rental Car?
Minimize the costly add-on fees for insurance, GPS and collision waiver by being prepared. (WRITE GUIDE) |
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HeadingSave on Airport Parking
Airport parking in New Zealand ranges from free to $200+ a week – Auckland airport certainly makes more from parking and retail than it does from landing fees! If you park the car at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch or Queenstown airport without prior arrangement, you may face sky-high prices. Read our Airport Parking Prices (LINK) guide to save up to 75% of the cost of parking at selected airports. |
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HeadingMotorbike
If you own a motorbike, our Cheap Motorbike Insurance (LINK) guide sets out what you need to know to find the cheapest policy to cover your ride. There is a big difference in policy costs between insurers – we’ve listed the best buys to save money and get the best cover that take into consideration a driver’s age, the mileage and security considerations. |
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HeadingSlash city parking costs by renting your own space
If you’re a regular commuter to a city centre and don’t get free parking with your work, renting a car park space could save you hundreds of dollars a year. To find out how much it will cost, check………..XXXXXX For example: Albert Street Auckland daily early bird parking: Annual pass: Saving (if used 45 weeks of the year, Monday to Friday): |
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HeadingPublic Transport Quick Wins
City to City Journeys Overseas visitors travel around New Zealand cheaply so there’s no reason you can’t either. If you’re going city to city, there are a few options to avoid car use but you’ll need to book early to point to save the most. Companies like Naked Bus, InterCity and XXXX all offer long distance journeys for as low as $XX. Alternatively, you can fly – read our Air New Zealand tips (LINK) and learn how to save 75%+ on domestic airfares. Local Journeys If you’re over 65, the Gold Card is not to be dismissed – you can use it on any local transport and XXX, excluding….. Monthly bus passes beat per-journey: Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin…. Public Transport Quick Wins City to City Journeys Overseas visitors travel around New Zealand cheaply so there’s no reason you can’t either. If you’re going city to city, there are a few options to avoid car use but you’ll need to book early to point to save the most. Companies like Naked Bus, InterCity and XXXX all offer long distance journeys for as low as $XX. Alternatively, you can fly – read our Air New Zealand tips (LINK) and learn how to save 75%+ on domestic airfares. Local Journeys If you’re over 65, the Gold Card is not to be dismissed – you can use it on any local transport and XXX, excluding….. Monthly bus passes beat per-journey: Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin….Public Transport Quick Wins City to City Journeys Overseas visitors travel around New Zealand cheaply so there’s no reason you can’t either. If you’re going city to city, there are a few options to avoid car use but you’ll need to book early to point to save the most. Companies like Naked Bus, InterCity and XXXX all offer long distance journeys for as low as $XX. Alternatively, you can fly – read our Air New Zealand tips (LINK) and learn how to save 75%+ on domestic airfares. Local Journeys If you’re over 65, the Gold Card is not to be dismissed – you can use it on any local transport and XXX, excluding….. Monthly bus passes beat per-journey: Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin… |
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HeadingPublic Transport Quick Wins
City to City Journeys Overseas visitors travel around New Zealand cheaply so there’s no reason you can’t either. If you’re going city to city, there are a few options to avoid car use but you’ll need to book early to point to save the most. Companies like Naked Bus, InterCity and XXXX all offer long distance journeys for as low as $XX. Alternatively, you can fly – read our Air New Zealand tips (LINK) and learn how to save 75%+ on domestic airfares. Local Journeys If you’re over 65, the Gold Card is not to be dismissed – you can use it on any local transport and XXX, excluding….. Monthly bus passes beat per-journey: Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin…. |
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HeadingMake a decision to stop driving and sell your car
If you’re struggling with the costs of driving, selling your car altogether is worth considering. Or, if your family has two cars, would you be OK with one? When you sell a car, you’ll not only get a sum of money but you’ll save a lot ongoing. There will be no more WOF, repairs costs, insurance and petrol station bills. If you’re a young family and one parent is commuting by public transport anyway, it’s worth looking into. Retired couples may also benefit from single car ownership. |
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Learn DIY car maintenance Around New Zealand, there are courses that teach car maintenance. LINK |
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