Transporting your vehicle off-wheels may seem like a large once-off expense. Keep the following in mind before deciding to drive to your destination yourself – fuel and toll fees, wear and tear as well as extra mileage and depreciation. There is unfortunately always the risk of having a breakdown, engine problems or a flat tyre, or being involved in an accident.

Driving for long hours over a long distance can be discomforting, tiring and stressful because you may be driving on unfamiliar or bad roads with heavy traffic and trucks, or even bad weather. Extra costs might be incurred for meals and accommodation along the way. Should this be a one-way transport of the vehicle, you will have costs in returning, whether that be by aeroplane or bus.

Your time is precious – you could be spending the day relaxing with your family instead of driving.

1. Before you dismiss the cost of vehicle transport, maybe consider calculating what it would cost to drive your car over the long distance (say for example from Pretoria to Cape Town).
   Work out what your vehicle’s fuel consumption is, cost of fuel, oil, depreciation etc. for the size of your car.
2. Then look at the travel time – would you have to break up the trip and book accommodation somewhere? What would the costs be for that? And breaks for meals, whether in restaurants or take-aways?
3. Who will be driving with you? Children get tired and bored quickly, and need more stops along the way.
4. What is your time worth to you?
5. What if something should happen along the way, eg a breakdown, flat tyre etc?

You might be surprised with the costs, and decide to consider vehicle transport on a car carrier.