How to Cut Down Car Expenses and Save a Buck or Three

December 30, 2017Car Tips and Tricks
Julie Grace

Originally from The Golden City, Julie has explored the ins and outs of moving and has written all the tips down.

Over billions of cars are being used all over the world. An average American household spends around $5,000 a year on them. So, knowing how to cut down car expenses will come quite in handy when you want to have a few extra bucks in your pocket. Finding new ways of doing it can be exhausting and overwhelming. In fact, some people think a car loan, gas, and insurance are inflexible.

Saving money to move and also saving on moving costs is surely something you need to consider. However, you won’t move each week or month as you will use your four-wheeled, right? That’s why you should have in mind some tips on cutting down car expenses.

Learn How to Cut Down Car Expenses After Moving Across the Country and Having a Fresh Start

For starters, organizing the move and figuring out how to efficiently ship a car across the country is a time-consuming process. For example, if you’re moving to the City of Angels, it’s completely normal to wonder what driving in Los Angeles is like, and think about whether it is really worth the trouble of owning a vehicle there. But, besides answering this question and achieving a stress-free move, you need to hire the best Los Angeles movers, too.

Remember, there are many reasons why people move. One of the most common ones is finding a better home and quality of life. So, once you prepare for movers, have in mind it will take some time to adjust to the new home.

One of the best ways to do it is to have the faithful four-wheeler by your side. It will take you to all those amazing places you need to visit and make you feel better. So, consider all benefits of car shipping, but also explore some useful tips on saving some cash on car expenses. Here’s some of the stuff to consider:

  • Car insurance,
  • Auto loan and credit limits,
  • Routine maintenance,
  • Gas and fuel.

With the Best USA Auto Transport Company Everything Will Be Easier

When you decide it’s time to move and make a moving budget, you should choose a reliable relocation company. With the right professionals, you get to decide between two types of car transportation – you can use vastly popular open trailers, or you can opt for enclosed auto transport. But no matter what you choose, you’ll be in good hands.

Furthermore, make sure you avoid the most common relocation mistakes and not check if a company is legitimate. Rushing out and hiring the first mover you run into might cause you trouble. And with all the tasks you have to do, you surely don’t want anything to go wrong. So, take your time, research and you’ll be able to find the professional company that is right for you.

Give USA Auto Transport an Ask for a Free Quote

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Person Who Picks One the Most Expensive Cars Should Expect Big Credit and Insurance Expenses

If you’re looking for the most popular imported cars because you want to buy a new one, you better think twice. Unless you’re a millionaire, it’s not so wise to spend a fortune on a vehicle that will, after just one year, be twice cheaper.

Also, use some tips on buying a used car. Just be sure you buy a reliable vehicle, and it has everything you need. For example, if relocating with family, then a family car should be your choice. Choose wisely because one of your picks will determine your future way of traveling.

A family inside the red vehicle after terminal to terminal car shipping
Last year in the US, there were around 40 million used cars sold

One of the First Steps – Check Alternatives and Lower Car Insurance

Thinking about how you will save money isn’t the easiest thing to do. However, among all things you need to do after the move, it’s more than important. Not only will it help you cut down spending unnecessary money, but it will also improve your quality of life. However, having one of the best car insurance for young drivers is a must if you’re new at this.

One of the ways you can check the alternatives is to contact your insurance provider. With them, you can negotiate and see if there’s a possibility to lower your premium. If you can’t get a suitable agreement for both sides, you can look for other insurers’ quotes.

Proceed with reading and consider the next steps to help you reduce costs.

Consider Taking a Defensive Driving Course

Many insurance companies will reward you for having the defensive driving courses passed. Drivers won’t have only the reductions from the insurer, but they’ll also learn some tips on safe driving. Feeling endangered at home and on the road is essential. The good news is that some of the courses and tests can be completed online.

Take a Good Look at the Insurance Policy – There Are Some Things You Could Drive Just Fine Without

Once you check the most famous routes in the USA, you’re thinking about an insurance policy that will protect you. Many insurers offer things you could easily live without. So, why not cut them back or even change your coverage policy? For some people who are only city driving, roadside assistance is probably unnecessary. Also, enhanced glass coverage or car rental reimbursement could easily be removed from the contract and save you money.

On the other hand, if your current provider isn’t open to negotiating, feel free to look for another one with more suitable offers. You might find similar coverage for a lower price and offer you a more comprehensive policy, too.

people reading through the insurance policy
Approximately 87% of US drivers have some sort of vehicle insurance.

Get In Contact With Your Loaner and Check If a Refinancing the Loan Is an Option

Once you buy a car and you have to move across the country, it’s most probable that the first thing you do is prepare the vehicle for shipping. However, since the move and the vehicle transportation aren’t free, it will be good to cut some expenses in your everyday life, and driving habits, too.

If you’re still caught up with a car loan, you can check the better rate and do refinancing. Contact the lender and ask if they can help you with it. See what options are available. If the current lender doesn’t have anything to offer you, find one that is willing to help you.

A businesswoman speaking on the phone with a car shipping company
Check all refinancing loan options

Keep Your Credit in Good Shape to Refinance Your Auto Loan

Refinancing your car loan can be one of the great ways to reduce car expenses. To make this happen, your credit has to be in excellent shape. So, before even thinking about getting a lower rate from the insurer, review the credit report. That way, you’ll know exactly what lenders see when they get your application. Here are some steps you can take when maintaining your credit and keep it good:

  • Pay every bill on time,
  • Don’t rack up balances on your cards,
  • Consolidate cards for fewer balances,
  • All debts should be the same when paying time comes.
A man sitting on boxes and pointing his hand to the alarm clock he's holding while waiting for truck for terminal-to-terminal car shipping
Get a lower rate with your credit in good condition

Don’t Avoid Routine Maintenance

When someone says their car is broken, we immediately think about the repair costs. To avoid some major expenses on bigger repairs, keep up with your scheduled maintenance. The general rule for most car types is that they should have a regular diagnosis and maintenance once a year.

On the other hand, if you’re a frequent driver, get your vehicle checked more often. Ensure the breaks, belts, pads, fluids, and all other parts are replaced if needed. Not only will it save you money in the long run, but it will prolong the life of your four-wheeler.

Learn How to Do Small Maintenance by Yourself to Save Some Money

We all know that maintaining a vehicle is quite expensive. That’s why learning to do some smaller fixes is one of the best ways to cut expenses. Here’s what you can do by following safety precautions:

Remember, four-wheelers are complex machines with so many parts inside. Also, there are many hacks you can try out to test some of those parts, and if they are working properly. Watch the interesting video below on how to test a fan clutch for any BMW.

YouTube video

Watch Out For Speed Limits and Drive Carefully

If you don’t respect the speed limit, it will not only put everyone in danger, but it will also waste gas. You’ll end up filling up your tank more times a month than it should. When you rapidly accelerate, and constantly drive at high speeds, know you’ll instantly need more cash to buy fuel. So, drive slowly and check when two speeds are better than one cause you still can save some bucks.

A man filling up a car's tank before professional auto transport
Drive slowly and reduce spending cash on filling fuel more times a month

Kill Two Birds With One Stone – Make a List of Things You Can Do When Turning on the Car

Once you beat the driving anxiety after the move (which is completely normal when you’re in unknown surroundings), think about old habits you might want to avoid. For example, many people who own and drive a car just hop in and run an errand. It’s an unnecessary waste of fuel turning on your vehicle every time you have to buy something or get one thing done.

The best way to avoid that habit is to create a checklist of things you need to do for the whole week, for example. Leaving your home for all those little tasks can be replaced with just one leave home with the right list, right? Cut back the number of times you go out, and you’ll see how it will reflect on your budget. You won’t see the difference instantly, but surely in a year, your pocket will be thankful.

A today list of things written in the notebook
Don't leave your home and turn on your car for just one task

Carpooling Sounds Like a Great Idea When Reducing Gas and Fuel Costs

Carpooling can be a great solution when you’re looking to cut some expenses. You can carpool with schoolmates, coworkers, friends, and even family. If a household has two or three cars, you need to multiply each cost by the number of vehicles there are. So, if you’re heading in the same direction, why turn on more than one car? It will keep you from spending cash, but it will preserve your vehicle, too.

When You Learn Most Important Hack on How to Cut Down, Enjoy Some Extra Bucks in the Pocket

With all this being written, you can now plan how to keep some extra buck in your pocket when it comes to car expenses. If you’ve never thought of it before, start doing it. It will pay up eventually, and you’ll have an extra budget for some other stuff you wanted for months or even years.

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