5 Ways to Save Money on Car Expenses

The coronavirus pandemic has thrown off a lot of our lives. From businesses having to halt their day-to-day operations to families and communities coming together to help those who are most at risk, this summer is certainly different from last year’s.

Millions are out of work, and for many of us, even though life is slowly returning to normal, funds are probably still pretty tight. Like utility bills, mortgage payments, and groceries, car expenses are one part of our lives that can’t be avoided. But there are a few things you can do to cut down your expenses so you don’t feel like you’re drowning in debt.

Here are five ways you can save some money on your car expenses.

Get techy

Whether you’re a baby boomer, a millennial, or a Gen Zer, the right apps can make your life a whole lot easier – and they can help you save a few bucks. Apps like GasBuddy and autoTRADER take a most of the work out of finding the best deals in your area. Gas Buddy is a great way to find the cheapest gas near you so you know whether you should gas up near home or closer to work.

If you’re in need of a new car (or truck, or RV, or boat, bike, snowmobile…), autoTRADER can show you the best prices for the best-quality picks that meet your needs. The app also lets you compare vehicles to narrow down your options. 

Do It Yourself

We don’t suggest DIYing your oil change or paint touch-up, but consider foregoing your weekly car wash and doing it yourself. Summer is the best time to use the beautiful weather to your advantage and save some money.

For the most part, you should have all the materials you need: water, a few buckets, a sponge, and a microfiber cloth for drying. You may need to pick up some car wash soap if you don’t already have some, and you’re good to go.

Contact Your Insurance Company

There are myriad ways to save money when it comes to your insurance. If you haven’t already bundled your home or life insurance with your auto insurance, doing so can save you a good chunk of money. 

If you’ve swapped your office for a corner of your kitchen table, you can even ask about lowering your payments due to less traveling. Less traveling means lower risk, so why should you keep paying the same for insurance when you’re quarantined at home?

 If your insurance is as low as it will possibly get, give your insurer a call anyway and inquire about any COVID-19­–related discounts. Many insurers want to help their customers during these trying times and are offering discounts on their insurance payments. Some companies are automatically discounting customer policies, so if you pay monthly, check your most recent bill for any changes. 

Be Consistent

A small problem can worsen over time if you leave it for the sake of saving a little money. Rust spots, for example, will continue to grow if you don’t address them immediately. If you notice damage to your vehicle, you may brush it off until things are “back to normal” and your income is freely flowing again, but who knows when that will be.

Our advice would be to come in for a free estimate, or fill out our online estimate form, so you know how much the repair will cost you, and work toward saving up for it as soon as possible. It may be cheaper than you’d anticipated, or it may be more serious. In both cases, knowing and addressing the problem is more cost-effective than letting it grow.

Spend a Little More

Okay, we know you’re already strapped for cash, and spending more money is probably not what you want to do. But for the sake of saving money, you may ask your auto repair shop to find you aftermarket parts. In many cases, though, OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts may be your best option in the long run. 

Aftermarket parts are not made by the car manufacturer and are not exactly those used in your car – they’re only similar. OEM parts, on the other hand, are made by the vehicle manufacturer to look and function exactly like your car’s original parts. Plus, they’re warrantied.

Whether or not the pandemic ends sometime in the near future, it’s nice to save some money where you can. Given the stress that COVID-19 has caused for many of us, these savings can hopefully cover, at the very least, an afternoon family outing or a romantic dinner. And with any luck, this pandemic will be over soon and life will begin to go back to normal.

Let us know in the comments if you have any other money-saving secrets when it comes to your car!

Mar 23, 2017 - Celebrities Who Look Like Their Cars

We've all heard that if you spend enough time with your pet or significant other, you start to look like them. But we never hear about people who look like their cars. The average person spends over four years of their life driving and 38 hours a year stuck in traffic, so perhaps it's possible for a person to end up looking like their car. Or maybe there's a weird science where we subconsciously pick cars that reflect who we are. Either way, these next 5 celebrities and their cars could almost pass for twins (if it wasn't for the whole animate-inanimate thing.) Paris Hilton & her Bentley Continental

Car enthusiasts might cringe at the fact that Paris Hilton had her Bentley Continental painted bubblegum pink with matching rims, seats, and a steering wheel, but can you deny the pair's similarities? While cars like BMW, Lamborghini, and Ferrari are seen as cars for people who want to flaunt their "new money", Bentley is an "old money" car for people who have so much money they don't need to flaunt how much they have.

David Beckham & his Porsche Turbo

Since he was signed to Manchester United at 17, David Beckham has become one of the most valued and well-known soccer players in the world. Yes, we're using David and his Turbo as an example partly because of its name (the car is fast... David Beckham runs fast... get it?), but also because after a 20-year career, he's still considered one of the best. Since the Porsche 911's creation in 1963, it's been upgraded and reimagined infinite times, and its Turbo counterpart remains one of the best sports cars out there. Okay, this example isn't so much about Beckham looking like his car as it is the overall resemblances between the two.

James Bond & his Aston Martin(s)

Understated, timeless, and incomparable. The Aston Martin is significantly lesser known than other high-end cars (like the Lamborghini, Ferrari...), making it the perfect match for an elusive, badass CIA agent like James Bond. We say Aston Martins plural because no one Aston Martin in the James Bond series is less perfect than the others. Pictured above, Daniel Craig looks identical to his DB5 in (suit) colour and in suaveness. This is our idea of a dynamic duo.

Nicki Minaj & her Lamborghini Aventador

We know. Another pink car. It's an abomination. But again, Nicki Minaj's matte bright pink $400,000 Lamborghini Aventador is the perfect complement to her over-the-top, caricature-like personality. Unlike Paris' Bentley, the Aventador is a lot more flamboyant, with its dramatic angles and scissor-doors, much like Minaj's personality.

Jay-Z and his Maybach Exelero

Jay-Z is one of the most successful rappers (the 3rd richest, and with a net worth of $550million), and he's very open about his expensive taste in jewellery and cars. His Maybach Exelero is proof of that at $8million and one of the most expensive celebrity cars. The sleek black finish with chrome detailing matches Jay's sleek black suit and extravagant bling to a tee.

Mar 7, 2017 - What Vehicle is Best on Gas?