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How to Save Money on Car Expenses
The easiest ways to save money on car expenses are to educate yourself, make regular car maintenance a priority, and take advantage of money-saving car hacks. You can easily save money on car expenses like car repairs, gas, and tires simply by following these three strategies.
If you’ve paid any kind of attention since you became a bill-paying adult, then you know that transportation is one of the top three expenses you have each and every month. So it only makes sense that you’d want to learn how to save money on car expenses in every way possible and stop wasting so much money on your car during the year.
Whether you have a brand-new Mercedes or a twenty-year-old Kia, the bills for the privilege of car ownership keep racking up all the same. And while you certainly don’t want to pay so much of your hard-earned money to run errands and go to your job every day, it seems impossible to save any money on car expenses at all, no matter how frugally you live.
But the good news is that that simply isn’t true. Just like learning how to save money on groceries and utility bills, there are tons of genius ways to save money on car expenses and maybe you just haven’t thought of them yet. But that’s why I’m here to help.
So I’ve put together an extensive list of how you can start saving money on car expenses today and reach financial independence much sooner. There’s no time to waste. Let’s get started.
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How to Save Money on Car Repairs
You can save a ton of money on car repairs by reading the manual, performing preventative maintenance, finding a trustworthy mechanic, and shopping around for the best deals.
Let’s face it, car repairs are the pits. They’re almost always expensive, and they often happen at the very worst possible time—like when you’re headed to a job interview or you have kids in the car and it’s the dead of winter. That’s why learning how to save money on car repairs is so important. Not only for financial freedom reasons but also to save you time and energy as well.
So don’t have a financial meltdown the next time you need a car repair. Preparation will help you turn a potentially stressful situation into a mild inconvenience. And saying these affirmations aloud will prepare you to start saving money on your vehicle today.
Get proactive and save money on car repairs with these 23 car hacks:
1. Read the Manual
Believe it or not, some of the most difficult-looking problems to fix can quickly and easily be solved by looking in the manual. From resetting your driver seat memory settings to getting your power liftgate to open again, these and many other issues look disastrously expensive at first but can often be fixed by perusing the manual.
2. Conduct Internet Research
Think it’s too hard to skim through the entire manual? No problem. There are tons of helpful videos and tutorials online that can help you fix simple problems on your own without the help of a mechanic. But remember there’s a big difference between changing your own wiper blades or air filter and rebuilding an engine, so don’t get too crazy with repairs that you know you can’t handle on your own.
3. Check Fluid Levels
If all is going well, your car will go a long time in between visits to the mechanic, so you definitely want to keep an eye on your fluid levels. Nothing seizes an engine faster than running out of oil and nothing destroys your transmission quite like running out of transmission fluid does. So check your fluid levels and avoid these costly repairs in the first place.
4. Check Tire Pressure
While you’re at it, check your tire pressure often too. Having a tire that is underinflated can cause damage to the tire and reduce your fuel efficiency while having a tire that’s overinflated increases your risk for a blowout. If you want to keep your tires for a long time and save money, make sure your tires maintain the recommended pressure at all times.
5. Preventative Maintenance
Just like going to the doctor for a yearly checkup on your body, preventative maintenance helps your car stay healthy before costly repairs happen. Make sure you keep track of preventative maintenance that is needed and schedule it in a timely manner.
6. Follow the Recommended Schedule
Just because you get the little sticker on your windshield that says you need an oil change every 3,000 miles doesn’t mean it’s true. You can save money on car repairs by following the manufacturer’s recommended schedule for your particular car. Be sure to find out how often your car actually needs preventative maintenance like oil changes, flushes, belt changes, and brake inspections.
7. Know Dashboard Warning Lights
Your dashboard has all kinds of fun little symbols that appear when car maintenance is needed. It’s important to be familiar with what each of these dashboard warning lights means so that you’re alerted to any issues that may be taking place with your vehicle.
8. Take Action With Dashboard Warning Lights
It’s not enough to just know what the dashboard warning lights mean. To save money on car repairs, you actually need to take action when these symbols light up. Stop ignoring the warning lights and just hoping they go away. That can actually cost you more money in the long run, so it’s better to deal with the issue at hand without delay.
9. Get Glass Chips Filled Quickly
At the first sight of a glass chip on your windshield, schedule to have it filled with resin. Waiting even a few days can cause the chip to turn into a huge crack, and the next thing you know, you’re paying to have the whole windshield replaced instead.
10. Replace Small Parts
There are plenty of small parts in your car that need to be replaced regularly too. By replacing these smaller parts before they cause big issues, you’ll prevent more costly repairs and save money. So be sure to replace things like belts, spark plugs, and brake pads whenever you need to.
11. Drive Well
While it may come as a surprise to some, driving well goes a long way toward saving you money on car repairs. Driving aggressively by gunning it, weaving in and out of traffic, and slamming on your brakes are all ways to drive the cost of car maintenance up. So slow down, coast more, and drive peacefully with thoughts of saving money on your mind.
12. Use Licensed Mechanics
Finding a backyard mechanic on social media may seem like a good idea at the time, but it’s very likely you’ll end up spending more on car repairs in the long run. Use a licensed mechanic from a reputable shop whenever you need car repairs.
13. Get Recommendations
The best way to find a good mechanic you can trust is by word of mouth or online reviews. Ask people you trust where they go for car repairs and why before bringing your own car in.
14. Find a Mechanic You Trust
Even after getting some good recommendations and scheduling your first appointment, it’s important that you find a mechanic that you can trust. If you don’t get a good vibe at a shop, even if it was recommended to you, look for another one that does make you feel comfortable. This is especially true if your gut tells you that they are trying to take advantage of you.
15. Use an Independent Shop
Dealerships are the perfect place to get repairs done under warranty, but if you want to save money on repairs you have to pay out of pocket, it’s much smarter to go to an independent shop. Dealerships often charge more for repairs and simple preventative maintenance, so be sure to find an independent shop once your car is out of warranty.
16. Pay Attention to Warranties and Recalls
Speaking of warranties, anytime you need a car repair, make sure the part isn’t covered under a warranty or a manufacturer recall first. There’s no reason to pay cash when you can get it repaired for free, and you’ll kick yourself if you find out it was covered after you’ve already paid to replace it.
17. Check Services That Are Included With Purchase
In addition to warranties and recalls, many businesses include future services for free with the original purchase. So you may be able to save money on future car repairs at a shop that you frequent. For example, many tire places give free tire rotations for life after you purchase new tires from them, and other shops offer package deals where you get a free oil change after so many paid oil changes.
18. Conduct Research Before Approving Repairs
You don’t have to approve a repair the second the mechanic diagnoses it. Even taking a few minutes to research the repair, look up the average cost of that repair in your area, and ask if you can buy the parts on your own can arm you with the information you need to save some money.
19. Get a Second Opinion
If you feel like the cost of a repair is outrageous or if you’re questioning if it’s really needed, get a second opinion. It’s your car, so there is no reason for you to feel pressured into a car repair without doing your due diligence.
20. Don’t Procrastinate Repairs
While there’s no reason to fear getting a second opinion on an expensive car repair, do be careful about procrastinating too long. Once a major repair is diagnosed, taking too much time to get it fixed may very well drive the price even higher and put you in a dangerous situation if you continue to drive the car.
21. Coupons, Discounts, & Loyalty Programs
Once you find a shop you trust, ask them what types of coupons, discounts, and loyalty programs they provide. You may be surprised to find out that many of them offer incentives throughout the year as a part of their customer appreciation program.
22. Beware of Add-On Services
No matter which shop you choose, it’s pretty likely they are going to suggest add-on services to you at some point. So you go in for a quick oil change and now they want to change your air filter and windshield wipers too. If the time saved is worth it to you, go ahead. But if you’re looking to save money on car repairs, you can easily do many of those add-on services yourself for a fraction of the cost.
23. Purchase a Reliable Vehicle
No matter how much you try to pinch your pennies when it comes to car repairs, nothing seems to work when you have an unreliable car. So be sure to do your research, talk to a mechanic, and get car recommendations from family and friends before you purchase your next vehicle. A car may look pretty good on the outside, but you’ll regret buying a lemon that needs constant repairs.
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How to Save Money on Gas
When you’re looking to save money on gas, make sure you pay attention to the way you drive, the upkeep of your vehicle, and the fuel discounts that are available in your area. It is possible to save money on gas and make each tank of gas last longer.
Gas money can take a huge bite out of your monthly budget, especially if you have to commute a long distance to work each day, which is why discovering how to save money on gas can be such a lifesaver. Fortunately, there are ways to make your gas go further, so you don’t have to fuel up quite so often.
Don’t have time to do the research for yourself? No problem! I’m on it.
Here’s my list of 23 ways you can save money each time you fill up on gas:
1. Examine Your Gas Cap
Believe it or not, having a loose, broken, or missing gas cap can reduce your fuel efficiency by allowing gas to evaporate. So check your gas cap and replace it, if necessary.
2. Check Your Tires
Did you know that your tires affect your gas mileage? Both underinflated tires and oversized tires decrease your fuel efficiency, so be sure to buy the right size tires for your car and keep them inflated to the recommended tire pressure.
3. Windows vs Air Conditioner
Both rolling the windows down and running the air conditioner decrease fuel economy, but comfort matters too. So if you want to save money on gas, roll your windows down when you’re traveling at lower speeds and use the air conditioner if you are traveling 55 mph or above. Following this simple rule will help you make your tank of gas last longer.
4. Clean Out Your Car
The heavier your car is, the less gas mileage you’ll receive. So be sure to clean your car out and reduce the weight of your vehicle as much as possible.
5. Bike or Walk
If you are only going a short distance and you’re not transporting anything heavy, a simple solution to save gas money is to bike or walk to your destination instead of driving. It’s better for your body, it’s better for your car, and it’s better for the environment.
6. Group Errands
When you do have to travel longer distances or transport heavy items, group your errands and get multiple things done at once. You’ll save more money on gas by going on one longer trip than several shorter trips throughout the week.
7. Carpool
Carpooling is a great way to save money on gas and wear and tear on your vehicle. Whenever possible, ride with other people to social events, run errands, and get to work.
8. Don’t Drive Aggressively
Weaving in and out of traffic at high speeds wastes a huge amount of gas. So stop driving aggressively, save money on gas, and get to your destination safely.
9. Use Cruise Control
Have you ever noticed people passing you over and over on the highway only to slow down right in front of you? Speeding up and slowing down frequently reduces your gas mileage, so you’re much better off using your cruise control and maintaining a steady speed.
10. Learn to Coast
Another great way to increase your fuel efficiency is to learn how to coast. Gunning it at every green light and braking suddenly at every red light is a sure way to burn through fuel more quickly. Coasting is key to saving money on gas.
11. Don’t Blast Air Conditioning or Heat
Getting into a burning hot car in the summer or a freezing cold vehicle in the winter is anything but comfortable. But when you blast the air conditioner or heat, you are wasting fuel, which means you’ll be filling up your gas tank again much sooner than you would like.
12. Pick a Parking Spot
Are you guilty of driving around the parking lot over and over again while looking for the perfect space up front? Just pick an open parking spot already and save money on gas while you’re doing so.
13. Try Not to Idle
While some idling is good, like leaving the air on for your dog while you run into the store, most idling is completely avoidable. By turning off the engine, you’ll stretch your gas budget even further.
14. Buy Things Along Your Route
Comparing prices is usually a great way to save money, but in some cases, it actually costs more. Buy gas along your route and don’t run all over town chasing deals at different stores just to save a few pennies. The money you save by doing so just gets eaten up by the extra gas you’re wasting anyways.
15. Use Apps to Find Cheap Gas
If you really want to buy the least expensive gas in town use apps like GasBuddy, GasGuru, and Waze to help you locate it instead of driving around looking at the signs. If you run errands on that side of town while you’re there, even better.
16. Use Cash Back Apps
Cashback apps are a great way to put money back in your pocket after buying the things you need. Check out Upside, Receipt Hog, or TruNow to start earning cashback on gas.
17. Cash Back Credit Card
You have tons of options when it comes to signing up for cashback credit cards, and many of them reward you each time you fill up at the pump. Just be sure to only go this route if you know you’re responsible with credit cards. If you’re not, skip this step.
18. Fuel Rewards Programs
When you find yourself using a certain gas station often, take the time to sign up for their fuel rewards program. You can save money on gas and earn free items in their convenience store.
19. Car Wash Programs
Many gas stations also offer a discount on gas when you purchase a car wash. So save money on each gallon you buy and get your car washed at the same time.
20. Membership Clubs & Grocery Stores
Check out the savings you can earn on gas by joining a membership club, like Costco or Sam’s Club. Many local grocery stores also have gas stations, and you can earn rewards on both food and gas by using them.
21. Avoid Premium Gas
Unless your car actually requires premium gas, you really don’t need to pay for the extra cost. Most cars run just fine without premium gasoline.
22. Fill Up Early in the Week
The best time to fill up your tank is early in the week. Typically, the lowest prices you’ll find on gasoline are on Mondays and Tuesdays depending on where you live.
23. Buy a Fuel-Efficient Car
This one is pretty obvious. If you buy a huge gas guzzler, it’s going to guzzle your gas. A fuel-efficient car, on the other hand, will help you spend less at the pump.
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How to Save Money on Tires
The simplest way to save money on tires is to determine which tires are best for your vehicle and your climate, shop around, and extend the life of your new tires as long as possible.
When it’s time to purchase your next vehicle, be sure to check out the fuel efficiency for that make a model. While there are many hacks to save money on gas, having a fuel-efficient car is one of the best hacks.
Even though you don’t have to buy tires as often as you buy gas, when you do have to replace your tires, it can cost you a lot of money at once. So the sooner you figure out how to save money on tires, the better.
Did you know that the average person replaces their tires about every 4 to 5 years and spends upwards of $600? Fortunately, there are several things you can do to keep some money in your wallet a bit longer.
Just from the cost alone, you recognize that tires are an investment for your vehicle and your safety. So buy the best ones you can afford and take care of them as well as you can.
Here are 23 tire hacks you won’t want to miss:
- Make sure you actually need new tires by checking the treads yourself.
- Understand the different types of tires and their purposes.
- Determine the recommended tire size for your vehicle.
- Figure out which type of tire is best for your climate.
- Check to see if there are any active recalls on your current tires.
- Research different brands of tires.
- Read customer reviews of the brands you’re considering.
- Shop around.
- Look for rebates and coupons.
- Ask vendors to price match.
- Find out if each vendor provides free tire rotations for life.
- Consider buying online and installing them locally.
- Aim to buy during April or October.
- Read the fine print of extended warranties and be okay with skipping them.
- Don’t buy used tires because you’ll end up replacing them sooner.
- Don’t rent tires because you’ll end up spending far more.
- Keep your tires at the recommended pressure.
- Rotate your tires every 7,500 miles or 6 months.
- Get alignments done as often as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Inspect your tires regularly for wear and tear, tread, nails, and screws.
- Get plugs or patches as needed.
- Don’t drive on a flat tire.
- If you switch between summer and winter tires, get both sets mounted to lower the cost of installation.
You can travel safely without going broke. These 69 genius ways to save money on car expenses will help you get wherever it is that you’re going. Save money, stay safe, and enjoy a smooth ride to a new destination.
FAQs
1. How can I find affordable car repair in my area?
The best way to find affordable car repair options near you is to do your research, ask around for recommendations, read reviews online, and ask plenty of questions before you commit to an expensive car repair.
2. What are some ways to increase gas mileage?
The best ways to increase gas mileage include making sure your gas cap is working properly, keeping tires filled to the recommended tire pressure, driving at a steady speed, and combining errands into a single trip.
3 What are some tips for saving money on tires?
The best tips for saving money on tires include doing your research, shopping around, checking the tread, following the recommended rotation schedule, and looking for rebates, coupons, and price matching.
Sources
- AutoBlog: How does weight affect a vehicle’s efficiency?
- Burt Brothers Tire & Service: How Do Wheels Affect Gas Mileage?
- Costco
- Edmunds: Save Money and Stop Buying Premium Gasoline
- GasBuddy
- Gas Guru
- HowStuffWorks: Could Your Gas Cap Be Costing You Money?
- HowStuffWorks: Windows down or A/C on — which is more fuel-efficient?
- Popular Mechanics: A Reminder: Always Buy Gas on Mondays
- Receipt Hog
- Sam’s Club
- The Philadelphia Inquirer: How much to pay for new tires?
- TruNow
- US Department of Energy: Keeping Your Vehicle in Shape
- Virginia Tire & Auto: How Long Should Tires Last? 6 Factors to Consider
- Waze
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What’s your favorite tip for saving money on car expenses? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Great post! Thank you for sharing this detailed list, regular maintenance definitely saves a lot of money in the long run.
It sure does. Thanks for reading!
I don’t own a car yet but this definitely will help a lot when I do. And the things we should pay attention to when owning a car. Thank you for sharing!
Yes. All good things to keep in mind when you do buy a car.
I love that you’ve included so many helpful tips. Maintenance definitely goes a long way when it comes to saving money.
I agree. Thanks for reading.
That was a surprisingly detailed list and preventative maintenance will not only save you money, but could save someone’s life. Do you have tips for electric cars or hybrids?
You make a very good point about preventative maintenance saving lives too. I hope to do a follow-up article on electric and hybrid cars so stay tuned.