20 Ways to Save Money on Your Car, Part 6

Here's the last part of a money saving article written backwards from Money Central. The title is "20 Ways You Waste Money on Your Car", but it really offers 20 ways to save money on your car. Here are the tips for this time around:

• Assuming the problem is major.

• Not changing the fuel filter.

• Not knowing how to change a tire.

• Not keeping your tires properly inflated.

• Car washes.

My thoughts on each of the tips above (in order):

1. I ALWAYS assume it's a major problem. I need to stop doing that.

2. Covered. I think. Ooops! I better find out for sure.

3. You mean I have a spare tire somewhere on my car? Ouch! I'm in bad shape on these so far today. Isn't this what AAA is for?

4. I try to check them as often as once a month, but I never seem to get around to it. Convenience (and time) seem to be my biggest hindrances. I'm thinking of buying a small air machine for my garage to make it very easy to check/fill my tires. Seems like it would pay for itself. Anyone out there do this?

5. I go back and forth on this one. On a nice, hot, summer day when I have time, there's nothing like doing it myself. Then again, I live in Michigan and I'm busy, so the combination of "great day" and "I'm free" doesn't happen very often. That said, we always try to combine the car wash with some fun. We let the kids "help" and somehow it always seems I end up turning the hose on them. ;-) They LOVE it, and it's a great way to clean your car, have a great, family time, and not spend much money.

Comments

[Blaine Moore (Run to Win)]

A friend of mine has an air compressor that you can keep in the car and plugs into the cigarette outlet. It works great, is very conveniant, and was necessary with some problems that they recently had. Last winter, she went over a curb and bent a rim. They held off getting it fixed until it was time to change out the snow tires to save some money, but with warmer weather it started leaking on a consistant basis and needed to be refilled every day or two. Thankfully, they've gotten that fixed since then.

[financialreflections]

"Not keeping your tires properly inflated."

This is a biggie for me. I've had to replace tires early because I forget to inflate them. I get the tell-tale wear on the outer edges, but by then, it's often too late.

[annab]

I keep a tire gauge in the car, and when I fill up the tank, I check the tire pressure. It makes it easier if you do it all at one time.

[Tim MMF]

Speaking of car care, I need an oil change!

[JenMoon]

i go back and forth on the car wash thing; it's only $5-7 and better for the environment and my back if i drive through someplace. if i do it at home, i feel pretty guilty about all that water runoff...

[Ciji]

As a single woman, I think services like AAA are invaluable. My work takes me driving long distances in and out of state, often alone and at night. Now, I know how to change a tire, but it's much safer to call AAA and have a professional handle it.