Smart and Savvy Ways to Save on Car Expenses

Ever hear that ‘slow and steady wins the race’? Likewise, keeping money in the bank isn’t about accelerating income, it’s about slowing down how much you spend. With that said, here are some tips on how to make smarter spending choices when it comes to your car so you can keep driving without driving down your tank:

Your monthly car payment

For most, the dreaded monthly car payment is the biggest culprit when it comes to budget busters. Here are a few ways you could lower or eliminate your car payment altogether:

Refinance

Are you sick of paying too much interest? If your credit’s improved since you drove your car home from the dealer, it’s likely you could get your car payment lowered by refinancing the loan. Even if you don’t get approved for a lower rate, you could still see lower payments by merely extending the term of your loan when you refinance.

Downsize

If your car payment is single-handedly running your paycheck dry, you might consider exchanging your ride for something a little more used, but way more affordable. Be careful though. If you want to get the most money for your wheels, selling privately is a much better way to go than trading in at the dealership.

Drop your lease

If you’re leasing, chances are you’re already getting a lower monthly payment than you would if you owned. However, when it comes to leasing your ride, there’s no end in sight. In this case, you might be better off dropping your lease to buy something more affordable that you can pay off in a few years. Just be sure that your credit and your wallet are ready to buy a car before getting rid of your lease.

Covering yourself

This is something you want to revisit annually. Insurance companies are constantly in competition with each other and will do whatever they can to get you a better rate. You can easily shop around for cheaper car insurance right now. While you’re at it, keep the following tips in mind:

Shop around

As mentioned, car insurance companies are always in competition with each other, putting you in the front seat for more savings. So, don’t hesitate to shop. The insurance companies are there to serve you, not the other way around. Just a little smidgen of your time could result in big money saved. Try it. What have you got to lose?

Look for discounts

To maximize your savings, it helps to research all available discounts; good-driver discounts, homeowner discounts, car discounts, loyalty discounts, etc. If you’re in a certain occupation (a school teacher or engineer), you could qualify for a discount there too.

Clean up your driving record

A clean driving record saves money. You can order a copy of your driving record from your local DMV and check it for any violations, outstanding tickets, etc. With a clean driving record, you could easily qualify for more savings.

Ditch the collision coverage

Collision coverage is fine to have if your car is worth fixing up after an accident. But if your ride isn’t worth it, it’s not worth having collision coverage either. Drop it from your policy and save more.

Increase your deductible

Raising your deductible will save you money on your premiums. Talk to your insurance agent today to find out how much you can save by raising your deductible.

Filling the tank

Gas prices are always changing and depending on what you drive and how you drive, you could be paying more than you have to:

Sharpen your driving skills

As it turns out, you can save big money just by changing the way you drive your car. Here’s a quick guideline to show you how:

• Drive moderately: Don’t drive like you’re being chased. Driving nice and easy saves lives and gas money.
• Lay off the gas: Speeding won’t get you anywhere. Do the speed limit. You’ll still get to where you’re going in good time and your gas will last longer.
• Use cruise control: If you’re on the highway, using cruise control is better than keeping your foot on the gas.
• Turn the A/C off: A/C uses up gas. Turn it off and drop the windows.
• Turn your car off: If you’re parked, don’t leave the car on. Turn it off whenever you’re idle.

Ditch the gas guzzler

If you’re driving a huge truck or SUV, you’re probably paying too much for gas. Swapping out your monster truck for a modest 4-door sedan will save you a ton of cash at the pump.

Shop around

Smartphone apps make saving and budgeting easier than ever. Use GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas prices in your area.

 

 

The bottom line

Saving money on car expenses isn’t about major overhauls. It’s the small decisions that make a big difference. So, study these tips and apply them to your auto habits today so you can start saving for tomorrow.

Learning different ways to save money is great for your financial wellness, but you can’t always see what’s up ahead. With that said, financial emergencies happen. They happen to everyone. It’s a pothole in life’s highway that you almost never see coming until it’s too late. If a financial pothole put a flat in your savings, an auto title loan could help you get back on the road. To learn more, contact a lender near you today.

Note: The content provided in this article is only for informational purposes, and you should contact your financial advisor about your specific financial situation.