While traveling through the United States, my husband and I made a mistake. For the first little while, we would opt for the cheapest gas price when we filled up regardless of the octane level. Unlike in Canada, where the lowest octane level available is 87, in the States, you can buy 85 octane level gasoline.
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Just recently our older vehicle was giving us trouble. We tried to start it one morning and the battery was completely dead. After fiddling around for a while, my husband discovered that even when the car was turned off, something was draining the battery. He eventually was able to pinpoint the problem. The daytime running lights were using battery power due to a malfunctioning part.
My husband called a car repair shop and was told that the price of the new part would cost between $200 and $300. He decided to contact a local junkyard to see if they had this part available. Sure enough, they had the same type of vehicle sitting in the junkyard. My husband was able to remove the part from the car and he only had to pay $10 for it! Now that was definitely worth his time.
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If your vehicle is on its last legs and you are in the market for buying another car, I would recommend that you check out a website called Samarins.com. It is an illustrated guide for both car buyers and car owners, and it is jam packed full of practical tips for how to select your next car and then how to take care of it once you buy it.
For those looking to buy a used vehicle, check out the used car buying guide and study how to check the history on the used car you are interested in. Learn the simple tricks so you know what to look for when you look under the hood. These tips can save you from buying a lemon.
Check out the used car reviews section as well. It gives you a description of both the strengths and weaknesses of each vehicle, as well as overall information. Specific maintenance tips are provided as well as what to look for when you buy that particular car. Each review includes pertinent links to other resources as well that will make it much easier to do your research. You will want to visit those recommended sites as well to determine the crash test ratings, etc.
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Having a car is already expensive enough due to maintenance costs and insurance, not to mention fuel. The following tips will help you to save some money when it comes to your car.
1. Shop around for auto insurance if you live in a place that has more than one option. Make sure you are getting the full protection you need from a reputable insurance company, and don’t be afraid to shop around every year to make sure you are getting the biggest bang for your buck.
2. Wash your car at home rather than paying the big bucks at a gas station car wash.
3. Do not buy a higher octane level gasoline than is required by your vehicle as you will be wasting your money.
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Cars are among the most expensive purchases we’ll make. It’s therefore understandable that consumers want to make the right choice in deciding how to pay for a new car, whether to buy or lease.
When deciding on the best option for your unique circumstances, it really depends on your lifestyle and priorities. Car buying is just one consideration that needs to fit in a much larger picture. In reality, the perfect option for one person can be totally wrong for another.
First off, let’s consider how a lease differs from financing. When you lease a vehicle, in effect you are paying for your “use” of the car. You don’t own it. Rather, you get exclusive rights to use the car, for a predetermined period of time. Basically, you are paying for the equivalent amount of the car that you “use up”. Leasing has a number of cumbersome restrictions, not the least of which is that it is very difficult to get out of or transfer a lease. Generally, once you’re in a lease, you’re in it for the entire term.
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Your car will serve you well, and cost effectively, if you take the time to learn a few basic maintenance skills. Ready to start? Let’s go.
There are many areas where you can save real money when running your car. Some of these are:
- Actual running expenses
- Minimizing servicing costs
- Reducing the slide in value as it gets older
Let’s look at each of these areas in turn.
Actual Running Expenses – save on day-to-day running costs
a) Go easy on the throttle and the brake pedals. If you anticipate the traffic and road conditions a little more, you can save fuel and brake pad wear. Don’t be in such a hurry, go easy on the car controls.
b) Keep the tires at the correct pressure. If they look to be wearing unevenly, get them checked. Get a wheel alignment done at least once a year.
c) Shop around for the best fuel deal. Use coupons or dockets always.
d) When it’s time for new tires, shop around. Don’t be afraid to ask “What is your best price?” Compare prices and brands. Get to know the most suitable tire for your type of driving needs. Play off one retailer against another. The same goes for brake pads. Don’t just accept any quote.
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Here are some interesting tips that I read in Shameless Shortcuts that I thought were worth sharing. Taking good care of your car will always pay off in the long run. Try these simple tips below:
1. Make sure that you keep at least a quarter tank of gas in your car at all times. By doing so, you are keeping the electric fuel pump lubricated and it will last much longer. If you drive near empty often you can wear out the fuel pump and they are expensive to replace.
2. Once you hear the click on the nozzle, stop pumping. You can damage the emissions canister if you overfill your tank too often.
3. The best time to buy gas is in the cool of the morning or late evening because gas pumps measure gasoline by volume, not density, and gasoline is densest when it’s cool.
4. Check your owner’s manual to check what the best octane level is for your car. There’s no need to buy the most expensive gas if you don’t need to.
