Are you ready to wave goodbye to your second car?
Posted by Susannah Mayers
In the times of boom before the recession, the number of families who owned a second car, and in some cases a third car, went through the roof, but as times have changed and the cost of running a car has increased more and more people are considering getting rid of their luxury purchases, which includes the treasured second car.
Owning two cars can make life a lot easier, particularly for families with children as it means parents can be in two places at once, picking the kids up in one place while doing the shopping elsewhere.
Unfortunately, hard times are beginning to take their toll on British motorists, with six in ten families getting rid of their second cars due to the rapid rise in fuel costs.
A study found millions of cash strapped Brits are now looking at ways of slashing living costs, with motoring the main focus of belt tightening.
Andy Dingley, from Bridgestone UK, which commissioned the research into the behaviour of 2,000 families said: "Rising fuel prices mean that a large proportion of the family wage is spent purely on things like petrol, gas and electricity."
The organisation explained that prices are increasing faster than the rate of people's incomes, and families are making difficult decisions, with many mums deciding to leave the car at home and walking their kids to school.
Mr Dingley added: "The balancing act for a family nowadays does not leave much room for manoeuvre financially which can have a knock-on effect on people's peace of mind. This affects every part of people's lives – including how and when they drive."
A quarter of families said they are considering sacrificing heating their home in order to keep their car on the road.
Nearly half said they had considered buying a car that uses alternative fuels as a result and nearly two-thirds said they would consider electric cars.
Are you selling your second car?
Well, in America, a car is a necessity in most areas. With a family or married couple, almost everyone has their own car so that is at least two cars per family; if they have teens then more. Most families have two adults who work; it’s almost nearly impossible to get anything done having your own car. I don’t know any families that have only one car.