Think smart but be careful

Nov 16 2009 Mike Waters

Think smart but be careful

THERE is often an opportunity to reduce costs, especially important in the current economic climate, but sometimes the phrase 'you only get what you pay for' rings true.

I say this following reports that the world's cheapest car, the Tata Nano has on occasion, burst into flames.

So far in India, three drivers have reported the steering column catching light. Tata says that a short circuit in the switch that controls the headlights, windscreen wipers and indicators was thought to be responsible for the incidents, which have left some Nano owners angry and others more than a little concerned.

While I'm sure that these are isolated incidents and that Tata will iron out the issue, it is critical that drivers only look to the cost effective option in areas that don't compromise vehicle operation and safety.

There are a whole host of ways to reduce vehicle costs without cutting corners, for example reducing mileage, staying within the law to reduce fines, and slowing down to reduce accidents are just some of the ways that you can save money without risking repercussions.

However, by the same token, there are certainly some areas where cutting corners is ill advised.

When it comes to essentials like servicing and maintenance on the vehicle, proceed with caution. While there is nothing wrong with shopping around to get the best price, only use reputable companies with properly qualified technicians to carry out any necessary work.

So called smart repairs (Small to Medium Area Repair Technology) is an area that has increased in profile in recent times. It refers to the fixing of minor vehicle damage and can normally be done in a couple of hours.

It covers scuffed alloys, scratched, dented and chipped paintwork and scuffed bumpers. While good quality smart repairs can save some cash, be warned, if they are done poorly they can cost you hundreds to put right or wipe that amount off the value of your vehicle.

In the long run, poor repairs can end up being an expensive option, costing you more than the original issue would have. Plus, if you'rethinking of doing a bit of DIY it is worth remembering that drivers trying to repair slight damage to their vehicle can often make things worse.

Be prudent wherever possible but cutting corners in the wrong places can have a significant impact on the value of the vehicle when it comes to selling it on. More importantly it can make the vehicle dangerous and it's really not worth putting yourself at risk to save a few quid.

Mike Waters is director of market insight at Arval, Europe's leading fleet and fuel management company.