If you’re a car or bike owner, you probably know that keeping a vehicle on the road doesn’t come cheap. You haven’t just got fuel to think about. You’ve also got insurance and maintenance costs to cover. If you’re looking for ways to run a bike for less, this guide should come in useful.
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Bringing down the cost of gas
Just like everything these days, it pays to shop around when you’re filling up. It may seem like there’s hardly any difference between the prices advertised on forecourts, but small savings here and there can add up over a period of time. You can use search engines or apps to keep an eye on prices. Try and avoid filling up at service stations on major highways, as these tend to charge more. You can also reduce spending on gas by checking your tire pressure on a regular basis, sticking to the speed limits, avoiding bumpy roads and using cruise control where possible.
Getting the best insurance deal
The cost of motorbike insurance varies significantly depending on the level of cover you choose, your age, your level of experience, and the type of bike you drive. If you’ve already got insurance, resist the temptation to save time and effort and automatically renew your policy. It may be worth comparing prices from other providers first. Although your current insurer may want to keep hold of you, you may find that another company offers you a better deal and incentives for being a new customer. Once you’ve found a suitable policy, you may be able to reduce the cost by adding another experienced driver to the plan or keeping your bike in a secure garage.
Reducing maintenance costs
Most of us dread the day when our cars start screeching, or they struggle to start on a chilly morning, and life as a biker is no different. Nobody wants to be faced with the prospect of hefty repair bills, especially when they come out of the blue. It’s not always possible to prevent mechanical problems, but you can reduce the risk of by getting your bike checked over on a regular basis and taking good care of it. Keep an eye on the tires, drive carefully, and keep your bike in a secure, dry place throughout the winter. If you don’t have a garage, consider buying a protective cover for your bike. If you do spot potential problems or you hear odd noises, take your bike to the garage and have it checked over. Nipping issues in the bud can often save you a lot of money in the long-run.
For many of us, keeping a vehicle on the road takes up a significant proportion of our monthly income. If you’re keen to drive costs down, this article should prove useful. Look after your bike, shop around for the best gas prices and insurance deals and don’t ignore mechanical problems and hope that they magically disappear. Although you may not fancy paying for repairs, it usually works out much cheaper to tackle problems early.
