Car Money Saving Tips

The upkeep of your vehicle can be quite an expense - from initial purchase to
insurance to maintenance. And sometimes we get the sinking feeling that every
time we need a car repair, we're going to get taken for a ride. (pardon the
pun!) Actually there are some ways to make sure you don't get a raw deal when
dealing with a local body shop.

After you get recommendations for honest mechanics, call around to check out
the prices for certain jobs. It's always smart to get a second opinion.

How about some preventative medicine? Keep your gas tank filled. This will help
you avoid the gas line freezing up in cold weather. Also, driving on “fumes”
allows little pieces of dirt at the bottom of your gas tank to run through the
fuel lines with the last drops of gas. This debris clogs up the fuel filter and
can cause carburetor damage as well.

Sometimes a problem with your car's electrical system results from a simple
blown fuse. Check to see if you have any blown fuses before investing in a tow
truck!

Keep track of how much oil your car uses. A sudden change in oil consumption
means you need to see a technician.

Save your brakes by having your brake fluid changed every 30,000 miles.

Check your tire pressure once a month. This simple maintenance check can add up
savings at the gas pump!

Stop and go traffic causes excess wear and tear on your vehicle. Go ahead and
give your car a nice twenty minute ride at 55 mph on the highway every couple
weeks if you “major” in short trips.

There are other ways to save money on car expenses. Let's look at the insurance
payments.

If you've budgeted for possible out-of-pocket expenses in case of a car
accident, you might want to consider increasing your insurance deductible to $
500. This will lower the cost of your insurance.

Talk to your insurance agent. If your car is as old as the hills, you might
want to drop collision coverage to save money.

Car insurance companies offer a variety of discounts. Ask your agent if the
company offers reductions for driver training courses, anti-lock brakes, car
alarms, air bags, mature drivers, good students or maintaining a good driving
record.

Before you purchase from a dealer, ask about the dealer's return policy, get it
in writing and read it carefully. Dealers are not required by law to give used
car buyers a three-day right to cancel.

Visit www.fueleconomy.gov to find cars that are fuel efficient.

Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.10 per gallon
for gas.

In most cases, using cruise control on the highway will save gas.

Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your car's gas mileage by as much as
10 percent. This isn't going to cost you an arm or leg either.

Do your homework when buying a car from an auction. Many vehicles that have
been damaged by floods and hurricanes are going on the market. These won't last
long - leaving you with a flood of bills. Be a little concerned if the carpet
looks too new, and check carefully for signs of rust.

Carfax.com shares info on inspecting a used car to make sure you get the best
deal.

If you use your car for business, keep track of miles traveled so that you can
use this for a tax deduction. Get more info at irs.gov.

When you consider all the ways you can save money on your current vehicle, you
might be persuaded to put away the extra each month for a new car down the road!

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