Saving Money on Your Car
Saving Money On Your Car
“How am I supposed to pay for gas to get to work?”
“The insurance payment went up HOW much?”
“Why won’t this thing start?”
As long as automobiles have been around…they have incurred expenses. Sometimes these expenses can cut deeply into a wallet…and a family’s budget. Here are some ways to get those expenses under control and into a price range that can be managed.
1 ) When buying a car, don’t go for the extras: Many of these “options” that car dealers try to put a good spin on really are unnecessary, and will only add an expense you don’t need.
Look for Fuel Efficiency
2 ) When buying a car, look for fuel efficiency: How many miles does it get to the gallon? Be sure to get in town driving and highway driving both…more fuel gets used in town, so look at where you drive.
3 ) Get regular tuneups as opposed to waiting: It does take a bit of money to keep a car tuned up…but it takes much more to wait until there is a serious problem.
4 ) Do maintenance at home, if possible: Much of what you pay when you have your car serviced is labor charge. You can also wash and wax your own car rather than have it done elsewhere.
5 ) Only drive when you have to: We have become a society of people who think driving is a necessity. If you live close enough to something..walk. If you are driving and several errands need to be run..plan accordingly and keep the backtracking to a minimum.
6 ) Don’t let a car idle unnecessarily: While it is tempting to let a car sit in idle for a while to let it warm up…or when waiting for someone…it only burns gas that would be better used getting you around.
Tire Pressure
7 ) Keep the tires inflated: It takes a lot out of a car to drive it on tires that are going flat..and it ruins the tire, which adds yet another expense. Keeping them inflated regularly will insure them lasting longer.
8 ) Lessen the weight in your car: The more weight that is in a car, the more gas it is going to use..and the more money will be coming out of your pocket at the gas tank. Make sure your car only has what you need to have in it.
9 ) Avoid suddenly hitting the accelerator or the brake: Sudden stopping and starting, rather than doing so gradually will increase your car’s fuel consumption.
10 ) Look around for the best car insurance deal: Car insurance is a must-have expense…so be sure and shop around for the deal best suited to your needs. Most states require liability only, so look into only getting what is needed
The economy has caused many of us to step back and take a hard look at what is necessary and what isn’t. By practicing these few tips, you will find that your car will serve you well…and your bank account won’t shrink!
Possibly Related Posts:
- Carpool It!
- Save Money by Slowing Down
- Save with a Fresh Look at Your Auto Insurance
- Save Money on Gasoline
The air pressure in your tires is something that can have a big impact on your gas mileage. If you want to get the most out of that gas (which seems to be going up forever) then keep a check on your air pressure.
Low air pressure also means more tire wear and you will be buying more tires much sooner than would otherwise be necessary.
I saw a program on TV that claimed there was no difference between the low grad and high grade fuels at the pump. They ran a lot of tests and said that the higher octane fuels were a waste of money.