While having a car might be necessary, spending a fortune on running it doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of small cutbacks you can make that can add up to big savings. We’ve put some ideas together to help you save money when running your vehicle. Check them out below! 

1. Shop Around For Insurance

Insurance can be one of the heavy hitters when it comes to spending money on your car. However, as much as you love to hate it, insurance is legally required in most states. Shop around for the cheapest car insurance quotes you can find that offer you the most appropriate level of coverage without breaking the bank. Add your partner or family onto your insurance and you’ll make greater savings, plus it means you can car swap when needed. 

2. Empty Your Car

The emptier your car, the fuller your gas tank will be. Ferrying around unnecessary items will increase the weight in your car, leading to an increase in fuel consumption. Unpack your car trunk and clear out all of the junk you may be storing on your back seats. If you have a roof rack for your bike or other large items then remove it when you know you won’t need it for a while. Plus, the lower weight will mean that you’re protecting your shock absorbers. 

3. Purchase Non-Premium Gas

It can be tempting to spring for the premium gas on offer, however, unless you’re driving a premium vehicle it is not necessary. Stick to the regular gas pumps and you’ll save yourself a ton of pennies in the long run. 

4. Keep The Air Con Off

Using air conditioning or heating is one of the quickest ways to blast through your fuel consumption, meaning that you’ll need to purchase gas again much quicker. Did you know using air-con can increase your use of fuel by 8-10% on average! Crack the windows wherever possible or layer up with a coat in winter for more effective fuel savings. 

5. Hire A Parking Space

If you regularly use a parking lot for work or other daily activities, check if you can purchase an annual or season pass that offers you savings. Even reducing the cost of your parking by a couple of dollars each day can add up to a huge amount. If you park in the closest or most convenient lot for your work, look for one slightly further away that may be cheaper. You’ll add a little exercise to your day while you’re saving cash! Some homeowners even rent out their personal driveway as parking spaces, so look around in your area for a cheap spot that works for you. 

6. Forgo Professional Car Washes

It’s a great feeling to drive around a super shiny car, but spending the money on car washes can easily build up. By washing your car at home you could save around $20 per month. You don’t even have to go the whole hog with a full at-home detail, just a handwash with some old rags and good quality car wash liquid. 

What tips will you be taking on board to save some dollars? Let us know in the comments!