Ready to Ditch Your Car for Cheap Transport in Queensland? Don't Forget These Car Maintenance Tips

Queensland's recent announcement of cheap public transportation has created quite a buzz. With this move, the government aims to help with the cost of living while also boosting public transport usage and reducing congestion on the roads. But will it be enough to make people leave their cars at home and hop on a bus or train? And if so, what impact will that have on your vehicle if it isn’t being used?

Low Fares For Public Transport Usage

The concept of offering low fares to increase public transportation isn't anything new. In fact, it has been successfully implemented in other parts of the world. For example, Germany recently trialled €9 (A$14) monthly fares, which proved to be extremely popular. The low fares even reduced air pollution levels in addition to increased ridership. 

In Queensland, the new low fares of 50c could help relieve congestion on major roads where public transport runs alongside. One example is the M1 between Gold Coast and Brisbane, which experiences some of the heaviest congestion during peak work hours. But for all those commuters who may run at the chance of leaving their vehicles at home and taking up the (almost) free public transport, are they really saving money not using their car?

Saving Money vs. Maintaining Your Car

We all know the feeling of wanting to save a few bucks, especially when it comes to our cars. They can sometimes feel like bottomless pits for our finances. And with Queensland’s announcement, this probably couldn't have come at a better time than when most people are feeling the pinch. But while you might be tempted to skip your regular car servicing once the 6-month trial takes effect on August 5th, it's important to consider the long-term consequences that may have on your vehicle.

Myth Busters: Why Low Kilometres Doesn't Equal Less Servicing

There's a common misconception that if you don't drive your car much, it experiences less wear and tear and therefore needs fewer servicing appointments. But that's not entirely true. Car parts degrade over time, regardless of how much you drive. Fluids break down, rubber components can crack, and seals can dry out and leak. Regular servicing helps check that your car is in good health. With saying that, here are a few issues that can arise when you neglect regular car maintenance.

Moisture and Short Trips are the Enemy

If you are taking short frequent trips, beware that it actually doesn't allow your engine to reach its optimal operating temperature. Eventually, this can lead to a build-up of condensation and unburnt fuel in the engine oil, causing it to thicken and lose its lubricating properties. This "sludge" is known to create damage to the engine and lead to costly repairs.

Battery Blues

The majority of modern cars rely heavily on their batteries, even when parked. Short trips don't fully recharge the battery and over time, it can lose its ability to hold a charge. So if you are leaving your car parked for long periods be careful that this can drain the battery further and lead to a flat battery when you least expect it.

The True Cost of Skipping a Service

Sure you may be saving money on discounted fare prices, but at what cost will that be to your vehicle? Here are a few things that you can expect to go wrong when you leave your vehicle parked for an extended period:

Engine Woes - without fresh oil and filter changes, your engine can become starved of lubrication and cause increased friction, wear, and tear. 

Braking System Breakdown - brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, compromising its ability to transfer pressure to the brakes efficiently. This can lead to spongy brakes, increased stopping distances, and even complete brake failure at worst.

Rust Never Sleeps - moisture can accumulate on your car parts when it's not driven regularly and start to rust on vital car parts like brake lines, fuel lines, and the exhaust. 

Tyre Troubles - these can degrade naturally over time, regardless of mileage but if you aren’t driving regularly it’ll be difficult to know when your tyre’s air levels become low. As a worst-case scenario, tyres can also develop flat spots and cracks, depending on environmental conditions.

The Bottom Line: Regular Maintenance is an Investment, Not a Cost

Think of regular car maintenance as an investment in your vehicle's health and longevity. When you address minor issues early on, you can save yourself a lot of money in the long run. Not only will you avoid costly repairs, but you'll also enjoy better fuel efficiency and peace of mind knowing your car is safe and reliable on the road.

Tips for Maintaining Your Low-Usage Car

If you are planning to take advantage of Queensland’s low-fare trial, here are a few tips you can do to help keep your car in good shape.

Take it for a long drive - Every few weeks, take your car for a drive (at least 30 minutes) to allow the engine to reach an optimal operating temperature and burn off any condensation buildup.

Park it indoors if possible - Sun exposure and extreme temperatures can accelerate the degradation of certain car parts. Parking indoors can help extend the life of your car's paint and interior.

Invest in a car cover - If you can't park indoors, think about getting a good quality car cover to protect your vehicle from the elements, you’ll thank yourself later.

(Bonus) Clean your car - Regular washing and waxing will help protect your car's paint and prevent rust if you live close to the beach.

Queensland's initiative to offer cheap public transportation is a great effort to reduce traffic and promote commuting. However, it's important to remember that regular car maintenance is important, even if you're not using your vehicle. By following these tips and adhering to a regular servicing schedule, you can ensure your low-usage car remains in great condition for many years to come.

If you’re looking for a mechanic to service your vehicle soon, get an online quote today from AutoGuru, Australia’s #1 booking site for car services and repairs! 

To help with the financial burden of keeping your car maintenance up to date, you can even book now and pay later with Afterpay, humm, PayPal or Zip.