Auto Repair: Eight Ways to Save Money on Car Expenses

Perform routine maintenance. It is important to keep a regular schedule to have your car inspected and worked on. Lack of routine maintenance could mean the difference between outrageous auto repair costs and low repair charges. Every automobile is different, so it's best to refer to your owner's manual.

Tune up your vehicle. Keep your vehicle properly tuned. Poorly tuned vehicles use between 25 to 33 percent more gas each year. Your vehicle should receive a tune-up every 30,000 miles or two years, whichever comes first. You can save about $145 to $255 each year by keeping your vehicle properly tuned.

Change your motor oil and filter every 3,000 miles or every three months, regardless of how often your vehicle's owner's manual recommends. Regularly scheduled oil changes will save you money on auto repair expenses.

Check your vehicle's air filter once a month. A dusty air filter decreases gas mileage and shortens the engine's life. You should change the air filter once a year or every 15,000 miles. You can save a ton of money on your vehicle expenses, so why not get started?

Look for discounts. Notify your insurance agent of all the safety features that qualify you for discounts on car insurance, such as anti-theft devices, automatic seat belts, anti-lock brakes, etc. It is also worth noting that some insurance companies give discounts to individuals who have recently taken a defensive driving course.

Obtain car insurance quotes. Shop around for auto insurance. Auto insurance rates vary wildly. You should obtain several car insurance quotes before you purchase a policy. However, if you have bad credit, you may want to stay with your current insurance provider. People with bad credit pay 20 to 50 percent more in insurance premiums than those with good credit.

With rising gas prices, it is important to do what we can to cut back on car expenses. What used to be a $25 fill up is now $40. Read this article if you're spending a lot of money on gas, auto repair, and other auto-related expenses. Here are eight things you can do to keep that money in your wallet.

Pump your own gasoline. Self-serve gasoline is typically 5 to 10 percent cheaper than full service. You can save about $65 to $125 per year by pumping your own gas. Also, do not top off the tank when pumping gasoline. Some of the gasoline may end up overflowing if you park on a hill.

Use regular gasoline. Unless your vehicle is knocking and pinging, don't use premium gas. For most vehicles, premium gas offers no benefits. Keep in mind that premium gasoline costs about 10 to 15 percent more than regular.