How to Save Tons of Cash On Your Car Expenses This Month

While that offers you a great amount of freedom to come and go as you please, it certainly comes at an expense. Here's how to save money on your car this month.

Unless you’re lucky enough to live in an area that offers mass transportation (not that it’s an overly pleasant experience, but it gets the job done), you likely own a car or other vehicle. Although cars give you a great amount of freedom, they can cost you a fortune.

Here are some of the most common costs that vehicle owners have to pay on a regular basis, as well as some suggestions on how to lower the amounts so they are more affordable:

#1: Gas

This has to be the most discussed car owning expense that exists. When you have to put your hard earned cash in your gas tank every couple of days, it can leave your wallet empty and you near tears. It is a catch 22 in that you have to have gas to get to work, but you have to work to be able to afford the gas.

How can you save money on an expense like this that is absolutely necessary? Luckily, there are a couple of ways.

Several grocery store chains offer discounts if you buy your gas from them too. One of the stores I shop at frequently offers $0.10 off per gallon for every $100 that I spend in groceries (up to a certain amount). After a month of feeding a hungry family, you could easily save $0.40 or $0.50 per gallon which can add up quickly whether you’re filling a 15 gallon tank in a car or a 25 gallon tank in a truck.

(One suggestion is to let your tank run as close to empty as you can if you use this option because you’re only given the discount once so you want to make it worth it!)

Also, pay attention to the gas stations in your area and watch their prices. Some stations offer lower gas prices toward the beginning of the week and hike it up before the weekend. Others have cheaper prices in the morning and raise them up a few cents before the after work rush. When you know the best time to get gas at your station of choice, you can take advantage of the lowest possible price point.

#2: Car washes

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Keeping your vehicle clean not only helps it to look better, but it will likely increase the life of the body as well. When you regularly remove the dust, salt and dirt from its exterior, you’re reducing the chances that you’ll have rust related issues. However, it isn’t exactly cheap to wash your car all of the time.

The average car wash costs anywhere from $10-$20 per wash. Although it may seem like a small expense considering the good it does, if you keep your vehicle spotless with a trip to the car wash every week, you’re going to shell out anywhere from $40-$80 per month. It adds up quick.

Of course, your best option is to just wash your car yourself. Not only will you save the money, but you’ll also probably be more detailed because you’re doing it by hand. Also, you’ll be able to see if any rust spots are starting to form and will be able to keep an eye on them before they do major damage.

If you don’t have access to the space necessary to wash your own or the weather isn’t suitable for it, some car washes offer monthly packages that allow you to get unlimited washes for one price. It may cost a little more up front, but the savings over the course of the month will be worth it.

#3: Maintenance expenses

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If you’ve ever owned a car, you’ve encountered maintenance expenses. And if you want your vehicle to run properly for many years, you need to get regular oil changes, tune-ups, brakes, tires and more because the better you take care of it, the longer it lasts.

There are a couple of ways to save cash on these types of expenses. First, if you know someone you trust that can do the maintenance out of their garage, this will probably be your cheapest option. Some guys will do it for a 6-pack which isn’t too expensive at all!

If you go to a business, see if they offer any coupons. If not, ask them if they accept competitor coupons. Most places offer discounts, but you’ll have to ask for them because they’re probably not going to offer them up front.

Although you may be tempted to skip maintenance expenses, remember that it is easier to pay a few bucks every couple months than it is to repair major damage due to neglect. There is no point saving money only to spend even more in the future.

Try some of these suggestions and keep your cash in your wallet, where it belongs. Who knows? You may just save enough to pay the car payment. How great would that be?

Cover photo: weheartit.com

About the author

Christina DeBusk

Changing careers mid-life from law enforcement to writing, Christina spends her days helping others enrich their businesses and personal lives one word at a time.

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