New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be all about cutting carbs and hitting the gym — your car deserves a little TLC too!
With a few practical changes, you can turn your trusty ride into a budget-friendly companion. From adopting fuel-efficient habits to protecting your tires, we have tips to keep your wallet happy and your car rolling smoothly all year.
Let’s start the New Year with a Full Tank… of Savings!
1. Give Your Car a Spring Clean
As you gear up to ring in the new year, you might as well get a head start on some spring cleaning. Aside from keeping your car looking fresh, there are some additional benefits to giving your vehicle a deep clean.
Firstly, for every 100 lbs you remove from your car, you boost your fuel economy by 1-2%. You can use the extra space for light travel essentials such as an emergency kit. This will also help put some dollars back in your pocket, which you can use to fuel up.
Secondly, sticking to a regular car cleaning schedule can prevent unnecessary repairs and save money in the long run.
You can also consider investing in a car wash subscription. It’s a smart way to keep your car squeaky clean without breaking the bank.
2. Keep Up With Your Service Schedule
The next best thing you can do to prevent throwing money at your vehicle is to get it serviced regularly. Think of your car the same way you think of your health – the more you care for it, the longer it’ll last.
Skipping engine oil or transmission fluid change or putting off that brake pad replacement might feel like you’re saving a few bucks, but you’re just inviting a bigger problem (and a bigger bill).
3. Don’t Ignore Your Car’s SOS Signals
Your car has its own way of communicating with you — through warning lights and sounds.
If your dashboard is lit up with any sign or your car is purring differently than usual, don’t ignore it. Your car is trying to draw your attention to a part that isn’t functioning as it should or needs replacement.
For example, a grinding sound could mean your brakes need help or that your engine is running low on oil or coolant. Likewise, clicking sounds on startups can point to a failing battery.
4. Protect the Tires
Your car’s tires are your first line of defense on the road. Worn-out or poorly maintained tires can put your safety at risk, so keeping them in top shape is non-negotiable.
If you notice excessive wear or cracking, it’s a sign to replace them — and what better time to invest in a fresh set than the start of a new year?
Regular tire rotations are also a must. Rotating your tires every 5,000 miles helps distribute wear evenly, preventing one tire from wearing out faster than the others.
Another game-changer is performing seasonal tire swaps. Switching to winter tires during colder months provides better grip and helps extend the life of your all-season tires.
Also, don’t forget tire pressure, especially with temperature swings. A drop of 10 degrees can lower your tire pressure by 1-2 PSI while rising temperatures can increase it just as much. Low or high tire pressure doesn’t just reduce performance — it increases the risk of accidents.
5. Learn Some DIY Car Repairs
Fixing your car yourself can seem daunting, but there are many easy jobs to tackle on your own. Jobs such as:
- Jump-starting your car
- Windshield wiper replacement
- Replacing an air filter
- Changing your oil and oil filter
- Changing a set of spark plugs
- Replacing lightbulbs
- Changing a dead battery
While you can find tutorials and how-to guides online or in car repair manuals, the best way to learn these is to have someone with mechanical knowledge walk you through the process first.
6. Prioritize Fuel Efficiency
When your vehicle uses fuel efficiently, it saves you money and reduces your carbon footprint.
Here are a few simple driving habits that can make a big difference:
- Avoid sudden acceleration
- Try to maintain a steady speed
- Cut down on unnecessary idling
If you want to take fuel efficiency to the next level, consider upgrading to a hybrid or electric car. These cars have lesser carbon emissions and offer greater energy efficiency, making your driving more sustainable.
7. Invest in Preventative Car Care
Preventive care might feel like an upfront expense, but it saves money in the long run and keeps your vehicle in mint condition.
Start with rust prevention — especially if you live in regions prone to snow and road salt. A rust-proofing spray can protect your car’s undercarriage and body from corrosion.
Similarly, use a car cover when parking outdoors. This helps shield your car from UV rays, bird droppings, and other environmental damage, preserving its paint.
You can also consider occasional fuel additives or treatments that clean injectors and reduce carbon buildup in the engine.
8. Get a Solid Insurance Coverage
Car insurance can be one of the most significant ongoing expenses for car owners, but not if you plan smartly. By reviewing and tweaking your policy every so often, you can uncover some serious savings.
Here’s how:
- Shop around every year to find better rates.
- Ask about available discounts for safe driving or bundling insurance policies (purchase multiple types of insurance from the same provider to avail discounts.)
- Use apps or devices that track your driving for potential savings.
- Reduce coverage on older cars to save money.
- Go for a higher deductible to lower your premium.