Saving Advice - Driving can be expensive for many, especially when gas prices skyrocket. From insurance to fuel expenses and road levies, car owners have a lot of costs to bear. Maintaining an old vehicle can sometimes be financially demanding, like buying a new one, but there are several actionable measures to save money as a driver. Here are some good driving tips to save money.
- Say no to excessive idling
Too much idling doesn’t only waste fuel; it also pollutes the air. You burn more fuel than it takes to start the car when idle for over 10 seconds. Rather than idling in busy traffic for over a minute, consider switching off the engine. For instance, if you’re waiting for someone, you can roll the window down when you park to get some fresh air instead of leaving the engine on throughout. Although AC systems are lifesavers during hot summer days, the features also use more gas. Turning off the air conditioning when not required will save money. The Department of Energy suggests your air conditioner can reduce your car’s fuel economy by over 25%. Therefore, learn to use the AC unit judiciously. Consider alternative means to cool down. Instead of always running the air conditioner, roll down the windows or crack the sunroof before you turn on the AC dial.
- Buy a fuel-efficient car
Poor fuel economy contributes to the expensive aspect of vehicle ownership. Cars differ in fuel consumption rate, with smaller vehicles generally being the most efficient automobiles. Consider replacing your old vehicle with a more fuel-efficient alternative to save money. For instance, buying a fully electric or hybrid model will favor your wallet. The upfront costs of getting a new ride may sound like a hefty investment, but shifting to a fuel-saving car could be a great decision to manage your auto expenses.
You can also opt for a used car during your vehicle search. Used cars often scare many buyers. However, you don’t necessarily have to be afraid. If you do your homework properly, you may get a used car with high mileage to save big. Choosing a brand with a good track record of durability and reliability would be best.
Remember to negotiate when car shopping. Haggling down the asking price is a smart way to save car shopping costs. According to the Money Advice Service research, 64% of buyers close deals successfully when they negotiate. If you are skeptical about how much your dream car is worth, research the market for the best offer. Many dealerships will want to offer you a good car on a budget.
- Prioritise routine maintenance
You risk limiting your car’s performance if you ignore routine vehicle maintenance. Servicing the engine is important, so regularly replace your fluids and filters to allow your car to operate efficiently and smoothly. You will save money if you follow a routine car maintenance schedule. Effective maintenance will make your car safer, more efficient, and more reliable. You should detect and address minor issues before they progress into expensive fixes. It’s best to send your car to experts, especially regarding specific vehicle parts, to ensure a job well done and reduce the likelihood of you spending money on a return job.
Also, remember that overlooking warning signs is bad if you want your car to last longer. Watch out for the red flags that could be visible on the dashboard and other components. Simply monitoring changes in your vehicle’s performance in drive mode can help you identify potential issues that can lead to breakdowns. For example, if you detect strange noises, don’t ignore this, as it can cost more resources to fix than when you immediately address the issue.
- Avoid overloading
A heavier vehicle requires a lot of energy to move, which means it burns more gas. Overloading also puts extra pressure on vehicles, reduces visibility, and increases the risk of accidents. You may add a roof box to expand your vehicle’s storage capacity. However, removing this is advisable when the system is not in use; this habit will save money.
Pack light by reducing the amount of goods you keep in the trunk; overloading increases wind resistance, resulting in lower fuel economy.
- Self-wash your car
Paying for a professional car wash sounds convenient, yet it can increase your expenses. Take up the challenge to clean up all the debris yourself, and you will experience the satisfaction of DYing your car wash. Follow the right procedures to avoid causing more harm than good, and invest in a jet washer if possible to give your car the best clean-up.
- Drive carefully
Your driving habits impact fuel consumption and, consequently, your auto expenses. Cruising at 80 miles per hour, for example, wastes up to 25% more fuel than 70mph. Extreme acceleration is expensive. Likewise, harsh braking depletes the momentum the fuel creates. Therefore, drive more professionally to save money. Keep a healthy distance between your car and the driver in front of you to avoid extreme braking when they adjust their speed. Coasting at a steady velocity will help maximize the fuel at your disposal.
Also, if you passed your driving test, you probably know what constitutes the best gear practices. Improve on your gear shift, as incorrectly changing gears can affect efficiency. Optimizing your gear changes reduces stress on the engine. As a tip, try to cruise under 3000 revs, and you will be fine. Switching to cruise control on the open highway prevents you from overworking your car engine, saving fuel. Just be sure you observe the recommended safety tips for such a process. Understand when and not to activate cruise control, and you will be safe.
- Steer clear of fines
Avoiding fines will save you money. So don’t overlook minor offenses, as you can attract driving-related charges. Renew your license when it expires, and update the address when you relocate. Violating speed restrictions and driving under the influence are two mistakes that often result in expensive fines.
- Use the best oil
Applying the wrong motor oil will not favor the engine. It can waste energy and speed up wear and tear. You should find the right type of oil for your vehicle and replace it according to the manufacturer’s guidelines when necessary.
Also, where you buy your fuel can make a difference in your auto expenses. Most drivers agree that buying supermarket fuel is a money-saving hack. If you don’t own a fancy supercar, patronize supermarket petrol as a cheaper means to top up the tank. Consider using a fuel-price checking application to ensure you get the right gas quantity for the money. Fuel comparison apps like GasBuddy can help determine the most affordable places to refuel your car. Online resources like PetrolPractices.com can also help you find petrol and diesel at affordable rates in your community. Ensure you don’t drive too far to search for a good deal; the extra gas you burn can undo your savings. Some fuel stations have loyalty cards, and leveraging this could help minimize the cost of refilling your vehicle.
- Bring your own food
Rest stops and service stations are notorious for overcharging motorists for food and drinks. Eating at home and taking your own food along for your trips will save you some cash. Besides being expensive, fast-food joints can waste time, especially when you have to join long queues to make your order. If you don’t want to incur extra expenses in your daily communities, always have your food in the trunk or store it in a lunch bag that will help keep it at the right temperature.
- Find ways to reduce insurance costs
Paying less for insurance will benefit your finances. Thankfully, there are several strategies to reduce your auto insurance costs. For instance, you may want to add security features like a tracker or an immobilizer. Insurance costs decrease when you lower your chances of making a claim.
- Hire a personal injury lawyer when you experience an accident
Driving comes with several risks, including life-threatening accidents. No matter how careful you are on the road, another party’s negligence can put you or your loved one’s life in danger. Seeking legal advice from a personal injury lawyer is a good idea to obtain fair compensation if another motorist hurts you in an accident. You will save money on medical bills if you file a claim successfully. Navigating accident-related legal battles can be challenging for victims, so ensure you have a good legal representative. Most attorneys don’t charge up-front fees unless they succeed in helping you win the case. If your loved one perishes in a car accident due to another person’s carelessness, you should file a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death lawyer, for instance, can guide you to obtain compensation or damages for your losses.
- Inflate your tires well
Underinflated tires may wear out faster than fully-inflated ones, and they can significantly reduce your car’s mileage. Therefore, pump your tires to the recommended pressure limit. Tire pressure often varies from car to car, so look at your user manual to understand the correct pressure for your vehicle. Alternatively, you can find this information on the auto manufacturer’s website. Maintaining an optimum tire pressure helps fuel economy in several ways. Fully inflated tires produce less friction and low rolling resistance. Also, fuel efficiency is higher when car and road friction is reduced. The tires’ thread will last much longer, if not slightly deflated. Extending the longevity of tires will reduce the need to buy new sets regularly.