How to Save Money on Car Expenses

After the crazy buying time that was the holiday season, ‘tis the season now to save money. This means cutting back on expenses, and one of the costliest expenses to have is in owning a car. People own cars for any number of reasons – for work, pleasure, and so on – but the longer you own and use the car the more money you are likely to spend. However, there are many ways you can cut back on expenses and we have several of them right here!

Maintain your car regularly

Unfortunately, people forego regular maintenance on their vehicles because they have to spend money and time to do it. But trust us – a well-maintained car is one of the simplest ways to reduce auto expenses. Replace old air filters; get regular oil changes; make sure your tires are properly inflated, etc. These will make your car last longer and increase fuel efficiency. This latter point will reduce the number of times you fill up as well as how much you will have to spend on gas in the long term.

Drive less

Consider taking public transportation for short trips or for going to work if the option is available. Doing so removes the burden of you having to sit behind the wheel to commute to work. If you have a number of errands you need to run consolidate them into fewer trips. You can easily turn several trips into one or two, thereby reducing how much gas your car consumes.

Review your car insurance

Think carefully about your car insurance: Am I paying too much? Do I really need comprehensive coverage? What discounts can I get? Should I switch over to a new insurer? Carefully consider and answer these questions as they may help you save money on how much you spend on car insurance. Bundling your car insurance with one or more policies – home, life, etc. – is an excellent way to save money on insurance. Younger drivers attending college can get a “good student” discount. If you have taken a driver’s ed course, you can present your certificate of completion to your insurance company and get a discount. And if you have not already, it is a good idea to register for a class! Car expenses do not have to be a burden if you take care of your car regularly, look for discounts, and cut back on expenses.