Make the Most of Your Car

A car is hugely underutilized possession we have. It sits idle for 95% of a day! Either in a garage or your front porch. Did you ever think of ways to use this valuable object in to something that can earn you money? You can make the most of your car! I am not just talking about becoming an Uber driver. There are other ways to earn money from your car.

Most of us have one – a handy run-around, a family estate, a swish people carrier, maybe even a stunning new convertible – but do we get the full use out of our cars? Instead of just using it to pop to the shops or leaving it to sit and rust in the drive, why not start using your car to its full potential? Here are some top tips to help make that happen:

Car share

Car sharing is actually a great way to save on fuel money, reduce your carbon footprint and a way to get to know new people and make new friends, or maybe get to know your colleagues or neighbours a little better.

The idea is that you give lifts to people who are travelling in the same direction as you (and, in some circumstances, they can return the favour). You can car share for regular journeys, such as to and from work or to the shops, or longer, one off journeys, such as travelling to a gig, match or on a holiday.

You can decide how you’ll split the driving (for regular journeys you might take it in turns each day) and the costs and, the more people who start car sharing, the more likely you’ll be able to find parking spaces!

Driving with a companion is also supposed to have the benefit of reducing driving stress, so what’s not to love?

Free car share provider Liftshare can help you find driving companions across the country and helps you work out the maths in a way that does not invalidate your insurance.

Drive some of the best roads in the world

Do you love driving, but seem to spend most of your time in your car toing and froing along the same old, boring roads? Why not take the car out for a real spin and enjoy yourself. Driving doesn’t have to be dull and it can really take you to inspiring places, so take your car on a holiday.

Try, for example, the Atlantic Ocean Road in Norway, the Alpine Stelvio Pass in Italy or the Millau Viaduct in Southern France, the world’s highest bridge – driving these stunning routes will leave you feeling incredibly exhilarated.

And you can take the time to stop off at more relaxing places on the way there and back too; a great way to see Europe.

Take out a car logbook loan

If you have a big occasion coming up to pay for, like a party or a holiday (maybe you want to try driving on one of the roads mentioned above), you may need a little extra cash to give it the real wow factor.

In that case, taking out a logbook loan could be a really useful step for you. Instead of eating into your overdraft, you have a ready pot of money sitting and waiting in the shape of your vehicle: have a look at Car Cash Point, who pay out short-term loans, up to £100,000 secured against your car (or caravan, motorbike, boat, van or other vehicles).

Learn about ‘hypermiling’

Hypermiling is the phrase used to describe ways to cut down on the money you spend as well as emissions, just by altering some of your driving habits.

For example, UK Road Safety says that by changing up a gear at 2,500 revs for a petrol car or 2,000 revs in a diesel can result in a 15% fuel saving. Another tip is reducing the weight in your car. Every 45kg you manage to offload can reduce fuel consumption by 1% so think about getting rid of all that junk in the boot and only using the luggage rack when necessary.

Even small things like inflating your types can have an impact – under-inflated tires can increase fuel usage by 3%.

Use it as your own pop-up shop

If you’ve got a lot of unwanted items you’ve mean meaning to sort out because they are cluttering up the home, why not bite the bullet and make some money while you’re at it?

Take your car and your family to the nearest car boot sale and see how much money you can make. It’s a fun, family day out that can earn you a bit of extra pocket money and put your car to extra use.

Turn your car into a billboard

This might not be for everyone, but if the appearance of your car isn’t something you’re particularly worried about, you could cover your car in adverts.

You get matched to brands that suit your lifestyle and driving habits (you won’t be forced to have something you hate) and will be paid monthly to advertise them on the side of your car. It means you need to drive sensibly as you’re representing the brand, but it can earn you up to £100 a month.

If this sounds like something for you, check out Car Quids, who boast brands such as Just Eat and the NSPCC.

If you don’t use it – sell it

It may seem like a silly thing to say, but there are lots of cars out there sitting mostly unused, so if you don’t need your vehicle – sell it. It’s so easy to sell privately online now – just remember to tell the DVLA when you do.

Before you sell it, make sure it’s clean and looking at its best to attract buyers and take attractive pictures for the advert, have all the relevant documents on hand and make sure your asking price is reasonable.

Do watch out for scammers by asking for the money before you hand over the car and always ask to see their driving license and contact details before letting them test drive it.