Getting a license and driving a car comes with a lot of responsibility. From taking a practice permit test online to passing the written test and following the rules while you’re on the road to prevent an accident, driving requires a lot of work. It requires quite a bit of money too.
Just because you put in the work to get a license doesn’t mean you can afford to drive! However, if you follow these tips, driving a car will become much more affordable. That way you can hit the road without draining your bank account.
Save Money on Gas
One of the biggest expenses associated with owning a vehicle is paying for gas. Chances are, it’s something you’ll do on a weekly or biweekly basis. High gas prices mean you could end up spending $100 or more a month on gas alone.
Fortunately, there are quite a few ways to save money on gas:
- Spend less time warming up your car
- Slow down and use your brakes less
- Keep the right air pressure in your tires
- Compare local gas prices to get the best deal
Of course, the best way to save on gas is to use less of it. That might mean walking or biking when traveling short distances, or starting a carpool to get to work.
Learn How to Change Your Own Oil
Regular maintenance is important to your vehicle. It will ensure you get the best gas mileage, and it can prevent expensive repairs in the future. Make sure you take your vehicle in regularly, but if you really want to save money, learn how to change your own oil.
It’s true that changing your oil can be messy, and it can be time consuming, especially the first time you change your oil, but you’ll definitely save money. It’s a lot more affordable to buy the materials at your local auto parts store than it is to pay for the materials and labor by going in and having your oil changed by someone else.
Make Repairs as They Come Up
Changing your oil regularly can’t prevent every potential repair. When a repair does come up, many people put it off for as long as possible. That’s because one-in-three US drivers can’t afford to make the repair.
Not only can it be dangerous to hit the road in a compromised vehicle, the repairs are only going to add up. Eventually, you’ll owe thousands on repairs instead of just hundreds.
It’s important to make necessary repairs as they come up. In order to make sure you can afford it, you should prepare to pay for repairs long before they are needed. Put money into a savings account each month, or consider paying for repair insurance. Either way, you’ll have the cash you need when it’s time to fix your car.
Compare Car Insurance
It is the law to insure your vehicle. The problem is, car insurance can be expensive!
To save money, compare car insurance before you choose a provider. There is a lot of competition in the car insurance market. By doing a little digging, you can find a good deal, especially if you take advantage of good driver and lifestyle discounts.
Don’t think your job is done just because you found the right car insurance. Because there is so much competition, rates change all the time. Set aside some time every year or two to compare rates to make sure you’re still getting the best deal.
Weigh Your Options Carefully When Buying a New Vehicle
Sometimes, it’s much better to invest in a new vehicle than it is to continue repairing the one you already have. If you’re in the market for a new car, there are many things you need to consider.
Think about how much the vehicle costs, as well as your credit score, but you should also choose a car based on its future costs. Look for a vehicle that gets good gas mileage, and look for vehicles that don’t have a history of serious repairs. Cars that haven’t had any serious repairs are less likely to need them in the future.
Don’t let the fact that you drive a car be the reason why you don’t have any money left at the end of the month. With the tips on this list, you can save tens or even hundreds of dollars on your vehicle every month, freeing up plenty of cash you can use on other things.
