It’s no secret that cars can be enormously expensive. Once purchased, the costs only get higher, as they eventually become riddled with all kinds of maintenance costs that can plague the new owner. However, many owners never see them coming, and often don’t have the know-how or willpower to accept the reality that cars are a ticking clock of a cash explosion. However, the costs that operate under the radar can be a sobering experience when encountered, so it’s important that car owners know how to counter them. Here are three ways to deal with unexpected car costs. Buying the Car Buying a car in the first instance can be an unexpected cost. Even a quick internet search can’t always prepare you for the toll such a purchase will make on your bank account. Prices can be a shocking surprise depending on your dealer, make or model of the car you’re purchasing. Circumstances are everchanging when securing a motor, and the prices are too. As a mature and independent adult, it can be easy to assume that you must act alone. The world is divided into things that you can and cannot afford, and there’s no blurred area between the two. It’s an unfortunate and easy misconception to make, especially in the world of car ownership where there’s always room for some backup should you require it. Don’t be afraid to accept a helping hand, especially on life’s bigger investments.  Accidents and Break Downs Any time you start that engine, the chance of you having an accident will immediately increase. Moreover, the likelihood your car’s components will become faulty heightens too, and any number of clashes and calamities can happen as a result. While fearmongering isn’t useful, unexpected costs hit hardest when you take the driver’s seat for granted. The reality is that you’re operating a machine which will grow weary with usage. These costs can be expected for the experienced car owner, but drivers just passing their tests may not expect to experience quite so many car related issues in their lifetime. Ultimately, one way to deal with these unexpected costs is to stop being so naïve, pool some spare cash and to drive more sensibly! A Drop in Value As your car becomes older and its overall mileage tallies up, the value of your vehicle drops down significantly and rapidly. Over time, the ‘second hand’ nature of your motor really takes a toll on its future pricing, and you will struggle to get back what you spent when you eventually come to sell or trade it in. One car related item that might not necessarily drop in value is a private number plate, with many people viewing it as an investment and can be acquired through sites like Absolute Reg. The setback can be crippling, especially if you secured your car by the skin of your teeth. However, if you’re in a particularly rocky financial period, then it’s important that you don’t make a purchase that will stretch your funds too thin. Whether it’s securing loans or insurance, preparing for that drop in value will at least make it’s inevitable occurrence sting a little less.