Keep up on scheduled maintenance. Image courtesy of Jason Anfinsen.
Whether you own a vehicle or rent or borrow one from time to time, you probably know how expensive cars can be. While convenient, cars require regular tuneups, repairs, insurance and washing to keep them running smoothly. Here are the ways that I save on a variety of automotive needs.
Car rentals
First of all, evaluate whether or not you really need one. If you’re staying in one city, you may be able to get by with the local public transit. You can also look online for lesser-known agencies or independent agencies that may offer more competitive pricing. Make sure to look for coupon codes for car rentals, you’ll be amazed at what you can find! Look for rental agencies that aren’t right at the airport or major transit hubs, and rent the smallest possible car you can. Also, instead of blindly signing up for the pricey rental car insurance, check your auto insurance policy to see if it covers rentals. You can save up an average of $20 per day if your insurance covers it.
Repair
If you own a car, you’ll need to get it fixed periodically, which can be very expensive. One way to save is to make sure you are performing regular maintenance. That way, you can catch any problems when they’re small. If you belong to an auto club, choose a repair shop that offers a discount for membership – and find out if they’ll accept competitors’ coupons (many will). Learn how to perform some basic maintenance (changing lights, wiper blades, oil) on your own. Those are easy jobs and not worth paying someone else to do.
Parts
If you’re a do-it-yourselfer and like to do your own repair, check your local junkyards for parts – they are typically cheaper than auto parts stores. Just make sure they are the appropriate parts for your car, or it can lead to bigger problems down the road.
Accessories
There are tons of extras you can get to customize your car – mats, interior décor, in-car entertainment, Bluetooth sets and more. Shop around for these items as prices can vary drastically. Check online marketplaces like Amazon, or use a price checking site like Nextag, PriceGrabber, or Shopzilla to save yourself the effort of wading through dozens of sites.
Gas
Even as gas prices are getting lower, filling up your tank can still make a big dent in your bank account. Carpooling and cutting back on how often you drive can add up to real savings. Make sure to download the CouponCabin mobile app to compare gas prices in your area.
Post contributed by Bekah Jorgensen of Motherhood Moment.
