Anyone who’s ever owned a car – particularly one that’s been “pre-loved” – knows what an awful sink of time and money a motor vehicle can be. No single purchase, short of buying a home, will consume more of your resources over its operational life.
It’s important to make sure you are getting the best mileage out of your car – literally and figuratively. With that in mind, start with the biggest cost of a vehicle – gas.
The easiest way to save gas is to buy a more efficient car, but if you’re already rolling in a ’73 Chevelle, that’s not really an option. However, no matter what kind of car you drive, taking it easy on the throttle and the brakes will save gallons a year. There’s no need to get a Grand Prix start if the next red light is 100 yards away.
In addition, high-octane gas is a waste unless you have a high-boost, high-performance engine. Chances are, your cylinders won’t “knock” on the basic stuff.
Learning how to change your own oil, air filter and other basic parts can save you a lot of money as well, though oil in particular requires a decent amount of time and space.
Similarly, monitor and fix your tire pressure – tires are expensive, and keeping them at the optimum pressure reduces wear and tear while improving mileage.
Using deal sites to save money when shopping auto parts on the internet. There are two ways to find deals. The first is searching for promotional codes on coupon sites. A few that are popular and reliable right now are Retailmenot, CouponCabin or Diskonio. The other way is signing up for a daily deals sites.
Finally, take a couple of nice spring and summer days to wash and wax your own car – it’s relaxing and you save yourself some cash. Plus, odds are you’ll do a better job than the carwash.
