If you live in an area where public transportation, walking and bicycling are not realistic options for getting around, your vehicle is likely a major expense. Luckily, there are ways to minimize the amount you spend on your wheels and maximize your time between car purchases.

Buying Gas

This is perhaps the most tangible expense for drivers, because we fill up constantly (or so it sometimes seems). To limit what you pay on gas:

• Keep track: Save receipts at the pump and figure out what kind of gas mileage you’re getting. If your MPGs decrease, it’s probably time for a tune-up.
• Keep it legal: Staying within the posted speed limit saves gas – according to FuelEconomy.gov, for every five mph you accelerate over 60, you’ll essentially pay an extra 24 cents per gallon of gas!
• Keep it steady: Quick acceleration and braking can eat gas, so maintain a steady pace (unless it’s an emergency!).
• Turn it off: If you’re idling for more than 10 seconds, it’s probably more efficient to turn off your car and restart it. That’s good to know if you’re waiting for someone or in bad traffic.
• Tune it up: Regularly checking your air filters, tire pressure and fluids can help you maintain optimal safety and optimal gas mileage. If you’re comfortable handling your car yourself, save money by performing minor maintenance on your own; if not, invest in a good mechanic.
• Clean it out: Extra weight in a vehicle can worsen gas mileage, so make sure you aren’t lugging around anything you don’t need to.

FiveCentNickel.com also suggests keeping the inside and outside of your car clean. In addition to preventing rust, the blog wisely points out that regular cleaning will lower your chances of craving a new car for its pristine feel.

Paying for Insurance

Be sure to comparison shop for insurance—rates often vary widely at different companies. And keep track of your policy—many offer discounts for blemish-free driving records or for having a vehicle with certain safety equipment.

Another place you may find savings is in memberships you have: some groups offer discounted auto insurance, so be sure to check membership information you have for all your groups!

Getting a New Car

Financing a car is expensive. If you plan ahead and open a savings account exclusively for your next vehicle, you can save thousands on interest when it comes time to make the purchase. Experts suggest socking away the amount of a car payment each month so you’ll be ready to pay cash when you need new wheels. If debt becomes unmanageable and you end up filing bankruptcy, figuring out what to do with your car can be tricky.

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