Owning a car is expensive. That’s why I own three: to suffer. There’s not only the upfront cost of the vehicle but also the price of repairs, maintenance, insurance, and gas. Sorry to bum you out.
But on the bright side, there are plenty of ways to save some money. You may have to do some stuff yourself or take a bit more time on your commute, but it’s worth it to those who want to lessen the car’s impact on their wallet.
How We Picked These Tips
We didn’t just pull these ideas out of a hat or overhear them at a questionable gas station. These tips are backed by sources like the U.S. Department of Energy, NerdWallet, AAA, and drivers who’ve lived and learned (often the hard way).
Whether it’s government studies or trusted consumer advice, we aimed for solid info you can actually use — no gimmicks, no snake oil, and definitely no $299 “fuel magnets.”
Learn To Change Your Own Oil
Just like us, cars need regular checkups for maintenance-related things. This helps ensure that it runs smoothly and without any issues forming. It’s frustrating when the “check engine” light comes on, or the light telling you that an oil change is due in a few hundred miles.
You can save time and money by learning to change the oil yourself. According to Nerd Wallet, oil changes cost anywhere from $20 to $100 depending on your car’s make and model, as well as the type of oil you use. I’ve often paid much more than this, likely because I live in Los Angeles. If you aren’t paying for labor, you can save a lot of money — that’s why many people opt to change oil themselves.
Don’t Speed
Driving fast has its perks — getting to work faster, having fun, etc. But speeding also uses much more gas, which means you have to fill up more often. At an average of $3.11 a gallon, you don’t want to visit the gas station too often. In addition, driving fast will also increase wear and tear on parts such as the tires and brakes.
According to the US Department of Energy, aggressive driving lowers gas mileage by up to 30% on the highway and up to 40% in stop-and-go traffic. To save on gas, you need to drive a bit slower and avoid rapid acceleration and braking. It’s tough to hear advice like this, but I’m paying $5.12 for premium in Los Angeles…
Check Your Tires More Often
Alright, the US Department of Energy is at it again with more ways to save on gas. They claim a study proved that tires at 50% of their recommended pressure negatively impacted drivers’ fuel economy. This is definitely a way to waste fuel, which is practically as valuable as gold right now.
Underinflated tires can also be dangerous to drive with, the Department of Energy noted. Getting in an accident or having your car break down will definitely add an unexpected cost to owning a car. Even if you don’t have an accident, driving with the wrong tire pressure will cause premature wear. It’s smart to check your tire pressure at least once a month to make sure everything looks good.
Stop Going to the Dealership
It can be convenient and easy to bring your car to the dealership instead of a local garage. Comparing various shops to find a trustworthy one with great prices can feel intimidating or daunting. However, it’ll be worth it if you’re looking to save some money.
According to Nerd Wallet, dealerships tend to charge more for services and repairs than independent local shops due to larger overhead and operating costs. Their specialization in specific vehicles can also lead to a higher rate. The parts and materials are also marked up since dealerships use original parts instead of cheaper aftermarket parts.
Check For Insurance Discounts
Many car insurance companies offer a variety of discounts, which can save you money on this undesirable bill. There are plenty of discount types, ranging from setting up automatic payments, signing up for e-statements, installing anti-theft devices on your vehicle, and maintaining a clean driving record.
Check with individual insurance companies to see. For example, Progressive has discounts for having multiple cars, being a student, bundling multiple insurance policies, and vowing never to watch another Fast & Furious movie ever again. Only one of those is fake, but we’ll leave it to you to figure out.
Invest in a Car Cover
Want to avoid going to the car wash constantly? A car cover can keep dust and other particles from forming on your car if it’s sitting around for a bit. The car cover you pick should be determined by whether you keep your car inside or outside, and it should have UV protection and breathability, according to CarCovers.com.
Where I live, having a car cover is almost mandatory unless you want your black car to look gray from dust in a matter of a few weeks. I know, I’m really making Los Angeles seem glamorous.
Wash The Car Yourself
Speaking of car washes, it’s definitely cheaper to wash your car by hand, whether it’s at a hand-washing station or in your driveway. There are plenty of cost-effective products you can buy at retailers online that will keep your car clean and detailed. Keep these handy to save some bucks on car washes.
Drivers report paying $20 to $40 for a car wash on average. It’s nothing crazy, but it does add up if you keep bringing your car back rather than taking the time to wash it yourself at home. Unfortunately, saving money is not always convenient.
Keep Up With Scheduled Maintenance
Whether you learn to do it yourself or head to a local shop, it’s smart to keep up with car maintenance. While it may feel like a hassle sometimes, it will cost way more if you let your fluids go low and ignore squeaking brakes.
This can lead to bigger problems that will cost much more money, and at that point, you probably can’t do it yourself anymore, either. It’s much better to avoid these big, unexpected bills by keeping up with scheduled maintenance and catching things before they get worse.
Get a Fuel-Tracking App
You know what they say: “Outta sight, outta mind.” But if you really want to know how much you’re spending on gas to better manage fuel efficiency, you may want to pay closer attention. The best way to do that is by using a fuel-tracking app.
If you’re like me and no longer have room on your phone for more apps, just create a note on your phone. Record the distances you travel and the mpg each trip. Keep notes on new techniques and driving styles you tried during each trip so you can see exactly how to save yourself some cash.
Learn How to Rotate Tires
You should rotate your tires once every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, according to Consumer Reports. You can check your car’s manual for the exact mileage they recommend.
If you want to save on tire rotations, learn to do them yourself. If you already know how to remove and install a wheel, you can do this. Once you invest in the right tools, drivers on Reddit claim it’s pretty easy to do it without bringing your car into a shop.
Bundle Repairs When You Can
Here’s a pro move: stop making five separate appointments for five tiny car problems. Mechanics charge for labor by the hour, so if you’re already going in for an oil change, why not knock out that tire rotation or air filter swap at the same time? You’ll save on labor costs, spend less time in waiting rooms that smell like burnt coffee, and feel wildly efficient, which we love.
Sign Up for Gas Station Rewards
Loyalty programs aren’t just for coffee chains and sandwich punch cards. Gas stations want your loyalty, too, and they’ll throw you a few dimes per gallon to get it. Apps like Shell Fuel Rewards, Safeway Fuel Points, or BPme can save you $0.10–$0.30 per gallon, which adds up fast if your commute is longer than two Taylor Swift songs.
Bonus: most of them are free to join, and some link to grocery store purchases or credit card rewards. Just don’t get lured into buying extra snacks thinking you’re “saving money.” (We see you, gas station cookie aisle.)
Check Your Air Filter
This is one of the easiest DIY car tasks out there, and it can actually help your fuel economy. A clogged air filter makes your engine work harder than it has to — kind of like trying to breathe through a sock. You’ll use more gas, spend more money, and your car will wheeze its way through life like it needs an inhaler.
Most cars make air filters super accessible, and you can pick up a replacement for cheap online or at an auto parts store. Five-minute fix, real savings.
Your Wallet Will Thank You
Owning a car doesn’t have to mean living in a constant state of financial despair. A few smart habits and a little DIY confidence can go a long way toward cutting your costs. You don’t have to do everything at once, but the more of these you stack, the more your bank account stops crying every time your car does something weird.
So skip the speeding, check those tires, and maybe, just maybe, wash your car with your own two hands. It won’t make you rich, but it might help you afford dinner after you fill your tank.