How to Pinch Pennys With Your Car

Aside from buying a home, purchasing a car is probably one of the biggest expenditures you will make in your lifetime. 

.........When you factor gas, insurance, and maintenance and repairs into your initial purchase price, the cost of owning and driving a car is a significant financial investment.  No wonder we car owners are eager to save money where we can, while still enjoying all of the benefits that car ownership can bring.

Remember the old proverb "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure?"  This holds true for your car as well.  Taking good care of your vehicle by giving it the routine maintenance it needs is vital to its long life. 

It's probably tempting to put off an oil change or skip that tune-up in an effort to save a few dollars, but the decision may come back to haunt you in the long run.  Following the maintenance schedule recommended for your car will pay off by ensuring that your car will not fail you on the road.

If you are worried about being taken advantage of at the auto shop, do some homework first.  Ask your friends and neighbors if they have a good mechanic, or know of places NOT to go.  Ask someone with the same kind of car as yours where they have it serviced. 

Check with your local Better Business Bureau for their listings of mechanics in your area.  Phone around and ask for rates, but don't assume that the shop with the lowest rate is the best place to go.

Keep your gas tank filled.  Driving on a low tank allows debris to pass through your fuel lines, clogging the filter, and possibly doing damage to your carburetor.  In the wintertime you will prevent your gas line from freezing up by topping off the tank frequently.

Speaking of driving, keep your speed down.  Not only will it keep you and the other drivers on the road safer, it makes good financial sense too.  Slowing down saves gas, which in turn saves money. 

Keeping your speed at a steady rate will also minimize gas consumption.  Consider using cruise control for highway driving to help keep your speed in check.

If it seems your car's electrical system is on the fritz, check for blown fuses.  These are simple fixes and you may save yourself a towing bill.

Pay attention to how much oil your car uses.  If you begin using more oil than usual, it's probably a sign of problems.  Have it checked out before it becomes a more expensive problem.

Get that oil changed regularly.  Follow your manufacturer's recommendations.  Usually this is about every 30,000 miles.  While you're at it, have your brake fluid changed at the same time.  This will help to preserve your braking system and keep it functioning at its best.

Another quick and inexpensive fix is replacing your air filter.  This can also be done while getting your oil changed.  Many quick-lube outlets will offer this service, and having a clogged filter replaced can reduce your fuel consumption by as much as 10%.

About once a month be sure to check your tire pressure.  This only takes a few minutes.  Carry a pressure gauge in your glove compartment, and do it while you are pumping gas to accomplish two things at one time.

Commuters, beware!  Stop and go traffic causes excessive wear and tear on your engine.  Take your car out for a good 20 minute highway drive a couple of weekends a month to help unclog your lines and lubricate your engine.

It may be possible for you to save a few dollars when it comes to car insurance and still get the coverage that you need.  By setting aside some emergency money and increasing your insurance deductible from $200 to $500, or from $500 to $1000, you can realize a significant savings. 

If your car is an older one, it may make financial sense to drop your collision coverage and pocket the change.  You should also ask your agent what discounts are available. 

Many offer them for such things as age, driving experience, a clean driving record, completion of a defensive driving course, installing an anti-theft system, or having anti-lock brakes or air bags on your car.

If you are in the market for a new car, check out www.fueleconomy.gov for a list of fuel-efficient vehicles.  You'll save money on gas and help the environment at the same time. 

When you are negotiating with a dealer, find out if the dealership has a return policy, in case you decide your new car isn't going to work out.  Many dealerships do, but since law does not require it, not all will.

If you are buying a used vehicle, be sure you know what you are getting.  Buy from a reputable dealer when possible. If buying a vehicle privately, ask for maintenance records.  Ask whether the vehicle has ever been involved in an accident. 

If possible, get the VIN (vehicle identification number), and check with an insurance agent to see if the car has a history of accidents and/or repairs.  Ask what parts have been replaced, or whether any body or interior work has been done. 

If an older car has only a few thousand miles on it, this is probably reason to be suspicious.  When in doubt about anything, you are probably best to walk away and look elsewhere for a used car.

Now that you have a few money-saving ideas, it's time to put them into practice.  Pocket the money you save, and who knows - maybe you'll be able to pay cash for that next new vehicle!

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How to Pinch Pennys With Your Car