Ways to Save Money: Part 5 - by David Ning

Transportation: Repair, Maintenance, etc.

1. Always use the lowest octane gas your owner’s manual suggests. While only 15% of cars require premium, 25% of gasoline sold is premium. Why? Probably because some people respond to advertising instead of reading their owner’s manual.
2. Keep your car tuned and check your tires. These simple things can easily save you $100/year in gas, not to mention giant increases in your engine and tire life.
3. Car pool! Sharing the ride with just one other person will cut your commuting costs in half. You’ll also reduce your stress level by 50%.
4. Keep your air and fuel filters clean. Your car will perform better, your mileage will increase and your engine will last longer. Best of all, these items are inexpensive.
5. Make it a habit to be a smooth operator. Scan the road ahead and try to anticipate any slowdowns. Try to maintain as constant a speed as possible. That will save gas and make you a safer driver.
6. Lighten up. Roof racks hurt mileage by spoiling your aerodynamics. If you don’t use ‘em, lose ‘em. To increase your mileage even more, take the excess weight out of your car.
7. Get a good mechanic. The best way to save money on cars is to keep yours as long as possible, and the best way to do that is to have it serviced well and regularly. To find a good mechanic, try calling some classified ads placed by people selling cars similar to yours. They might have a good suggestion. In most cities, you can also check with AAA, even if you’re not a member. At the minimum, find a mechanic that’s certified and experienced with your type of car. Always get estimates in writing before work is done and always get used parts back.
8. If they’ll work as well, try used or rebuilt parts. Your mechanic or body shop will know if OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are necessary or desirable. If they are, fine. But if they’re not, you can save a bundle.
9. Shop rental cars! If you’re going to rent a car, comparison-shop heavily. Prices differ a bunch depending on company, current demand and location. Don’t hesitate to pit companies against each other. And ask as many times as possible about special deals, promotions, coupons, and any source of potential savings such as membership in AARP or AAA. Even while you’re standing at the counter waiting for your reserved car, it’s not too late to ask for a discount or free upgrade. Sometimes a smile and a simple request will do wonders.
10. Don’t buy rental car insurance if you can avoid it. These policies rank high among the western world’s great rip-offs. Your regular car insurance or possibly even your gold credit card will often render it unnecessary. Check before you leave home.
11. Keep change in your car. How many times have you not fed a parking meter because you couldn’t find any change? Keep some in your car at all times and avoid unnecessary tickets.
12. Make travel less taxing. Keep a little notebook in your car so you can record the mileage you log on deductible trips. Trips to the doctor, job-hunting trips, trips for charity: all deductible, which means you could be on the road to lower taxes.