When it comes to saving money on your car, there are a lot of little tips and tricks some people don't know about. These things take very little effort or time, but they can end up saving you hundreds of dollars a year in car maintenance and gas costs. Here are six ways of saving money on your car that you might not have thought about before.
Don't buy gas at the first station you see if you can avoid it. Shop around for gas. Sometimes one station will be consistently a little bit cheaper, and that savings can add up. Also, stations right off a major highway are often more expensive, so try to avoid them. You can also download apps for your smart phone that will help you find cheaper gas.
You should also shop around for parts, tires, etc. It's estimated that the average driver will spend upwards of $3,300 a year on their vehicle! Even if your car is brand new or is in great shape, you'll still have to pay for routine maintenance such as oil changes. Finding a reliable yet affordable mechanic can help reduce this cost.
Speaking of maintenance, don't put it off. If you hear an odd squeak or groan, get it checked out. Make sure you have your oil changed, tires rotated, and all those other little tune-ups done. A little money spent on maintenance can save you a lot later.
Speed up and slow down gradually. Stomping on the brakes or hitting the accelerator uses much more gas than if you ease into stops or starts. You can actually increase your fuel efficiency by as much as 35 percent by doing so! That's a huge savings!
Replace your air filter every 12,000 miles (or as directed in your owner’s manual). That's not as commonly known as changing oil, but it can cost you if you don't. You may lose as much as 20 percent of your gas mileage if your air filter or oxygen sensor is bad. Changing your air filter regularly will save you a bundle.
Don't forget to keep your tires aired up. It's free to add air to your tires at most gas stations. You should invest in a tire pressure gage (a small, cheap tool that tells you what a tire's air pressure is) and know what your car's tire pressure should be (it'll be listed in the owner’s manual). Keeping your tires aired at the optimal pressure will save you around 10 cents per gallon. These are just a few little things you can do to save money. But that's not all you’ll save...by making sure your car is properly maintained, you won't find yourself stranded on the side of the road or facing a huge repair bill when something goes wrong.
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