Owning a car can be expensive, but for many, it’s necessary. Purchasing, maintaining, and fueling a vehicle can add up quickly, leaving many people feeling overwhelmed and stressed about their finances.
However, there are ways to reduce the amount of money you spend on your car without making significant sacrifices or changes to your lifestyle. This article will share ten easy ways to save money on your vehicle.
1. Invest in an extended warranty
When you purchase a new car, you automatically receive a warranty covering a given number of miles or time on the road. For example, the Mazda extended warranty offers a three-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Mazda also offers an extended powertrain warranty for an additional cost. This extra coverage can save you money in the long run if something goes wrong with your vehicle.
2. Service your car regularly
One of the best ways to avoid costly repairs down the road is to keep up with regular maintenance. Changing your oil every 3,000 – 5,000 miles, checking your tire pressure monthly, getting your car serviced according to the manufacturer’s schedule, and scheduling regular tune-ups is part of your routine maintenance. For larger repairs and issues that may come up, having a resource like the Mazda extended warranty will help save you big bucks.
3. Drive less
The less you drive, the minor wear and tear on your car, which can save you money on gas, oil changes, and tire rotations. If you can’t avoid driving, try carpooling or taking public transportation when possible. Further, driving fewer miles annually impacts the environment less and can reduce your insurance costs.
4. Ask about discounts
There are several ways to get deals on your car expenses. Many insurance companies offer discounts for safe driving, low mileage, and good grades. You can also get discounts on gas by using a rewards credit card or signing up for a loyalty program.
Some mechanics or service centers offer deals for regularly scheduled services. Many places also offer service discounts for military veterans, AAA members, AARP members, and first responders. Most businesses don’t advertise their deals, so you’ll need to ask the person you’re working with.
5. Shop around
When it comes to car insurance, it pays to shop around. Get quotes from a few companies and compare rates before deciding on a policy. The same goes for oil changes and tires – don’t just go to the first place you see.
Ask for recommendations from friends and family to get the best deals and service. Remember that just because the shop is cheaper than the one down the road doesn’t mean the service is as high of quality
6. Use coupons
You can often find coupons for car services in the Sunday paper or online. Before you get your oil changed or your tires rotated, search for coupons to see if you can save some money.
You can also sign up for emails reminding you of your service schedule and offering discounts.
Companies like Jiffy Lube and Valvoline are known for these reminder services.
7. Join a car club
If you’re a member of AAA, AARP, or another car club, you may be able to get discounts on things like gas, repairs, and even hotel stays. It’s worth checking into if you find yourself using these services frequently.
Additionally, you can meet up with others in these clubs to find new activities and exclusive discounts for other activities. Often car clubs will host fundraisers and community events where you can network with mechanics and other automotive service providers.
8. Buy used
When it comes to tires and car parts, you can often save a lot of money by buying used. Check out local classifieds or online marketplaces to find deals on everything from rims to engines.
If you’re unsure about the quality of these items, ask your mechanic about using refurbished parts in your repairs. They may not come with the same guarantee level, but often they’ve still got a lot of life left in them.
9. Negotiate
If you’re not happy with the price you’re being quoted for a repair, don’t hesitate to negotiate. Many mechanics are willing to work with you if you’re upfront about your budget.
10. Do it yourself
If you’re handy, there are several car repairs you can do yourself. You can change your oil, rotate your tires, replace brakes, top-up fluids, and even fix minor dents and scratches without paying a professional. You can save a lot of money with time and effort.
There are many resources online to help you learn more about your car and how to maintain its healthy operation. When you know more, you can make better-informed decisions about the vehicle and its costs. For jobs that are more complex and may cause a void in your warranty, use a service lan like the Mazda extended warranty shown earlier.
By following these tips, you can save money on your car expenses and keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come. Do you have any other budget-friendly car tips? Please share them with us in the comments!