Saving Money on the Cost of Automobile Travel

Ways to save money are all around us, we just have to be open to using them. Finding ways to cut back on spending is sometimes as simple as examining our habits. Choose one part of your budget and find new ways to save money, then move on to another category. Soon all aspects of your budget will be adding more money to your savings account.

Use a few of these ideas to save big on your automobile travel.

[1] Slow it down.

Studies have shown that the faster you go the more gasoline your vehicle will use. Lower your speed to put savings in your pocket.

[2] Use your brakes less.

Less speed is one way of cutting down on using your brakes, avoid tailgating is another. Not only do you burn more gasoline each time you use your vehicle's brakes, you also ware out the brake pads faster, too.

[3] Do regular maintenance on your vehicle

Keeping your filters, belts and tires in the best condition can make a big difference in the fuel use of your vehicle.

[4] Do not let your vehicle sit and idle

If you know you are going to be stopped for more than 30-60 seconds,[not counting time waiting at signal lights] turn your motor off. The motor only needs about 5 seconds of fuel to restart, anything over that is wasting fuel and your money.

[5] Check for alternate routes

If you travel the same route to work or events, look for other routes. Sometimes we can find shorter routes or less fuel use ways. Look for routes with less signal lights, pot holes or hills to climb. All these things cause you to use more fuel. Saving one dollar a day is 365 dollars in a year. Do this with 5 different everyday events and you will have saved $1825.00 in one year.

[6] Lighten the Load

All of us carry little used items in our vehicles. Unload them, put them in the garage, where they belong. Every extra pound of weight you carry in your vehicle, adds to your fuel cost.

[7] Roll down the windows

Air conditioning can account for 25% of your fuel cost. For slow city travel, roll down the driver's window a few inches and the back passenger window on the opposite side for increased air flow. When going faster, close the windows and turn on the ventilation fan. Only use your vehicle's air conditioner on high heat days.

Using one or several of these suggestions will not only lead to more money in your budget but less ware and tare on your vehicle, allowing it to last longer before it needs replacing, thus meaning more savings.

Money Saving Tips to Lower Your Driving Costs

In hard economic times we need to make every dollar stretch as far as we can but sometimes, to save money, you have to spend a little money. This is especially true where your car is concerned. Simple low cost maintenance procedures and driving habits can save you a lot more money over the long run.

An unknown author came up with the acronym B-L-O-W-B-A-G that makes it simple to remember how to take care of the most important features on your car.

B = Brakes - Worn brake pads can damage the brake rotors leading to more expensive repairs later on.

L = Lights - It is easy and cheap to change your own light bulbs and good lights can prevent a collision by making your car more visible. Keep extra bulbs in your glove compartment just in case.

O = Oil - Oil changes are cheap and, when done on schedule, will extend the life of your engine. Make sure you use the manufacturer's recommended oil type. Check your oil level often and keep an extra bottle handy just in case.

W = Water - Check your water level and make sure you use the recommended coolant for your engine. Check your radiator for leaks and make sure your windshield washer reservoir is full.

B = Battery - Check for corrosion on your battery terminals and, if your battery is not sealed, check the water level and replace it with distilled water when necessary.

A= Air - Check your tire pressure when the tires are cold. Maintaining proper air pressure will prevent wear on your tires and extend your gas mileage.

G = Gas - Make sure your gas gauge is showing the proper level and use the proper octane level recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

Other money saving tips to remember include:

Tires - Rotate the tires every time you get your oil changed. Rotating your tires will prevent excessive wear and extend the life of your tires. Check the tread; worn tires can cause you to skid on wet roads or they can blow out and possibly cause a collision.

Suspension System - Making sure the springs and connections are in good working order will help extend the life of the vehicle and prevent more expensive repairs later on.

Reduce your insurance rates by attending a defensive driving course or traffic school - In some states, voluntarily attending a defensive driving course can help you reduce your insurance rates. It can also help you improve your driving habits and thus prevent more wear and tear on your vehicle. Check your state laws to see if you are eligible.

Drive the speed limit - Speeding, just by a little bit, won't save you much time and it can cost you money. For example; a ten mile trip at the posted speed of 40 mph will take 15 minutes. Driving 5 mph over the speed limit will only save you a little over a minute but it will cost more gas, create more wear and tear on the engine, and possibly lead to an expensive speeding ticket.