If you’re looking to save money, or reduce your spending, then one of the obvious places to look to make cuts is your car. Driving is expensive, and the cost of maintaining a car and buying gas can eat up a large portion of your budget each month. That being said, most of us need a car to get from A to B, so what options do we have? The good news is that you don’t need to give up driving completely – there are plenty of ways to cut your costs.

Let’s explore a few ways to save on driving:

Drive less

One of the easiest ways to save money on driving is to drive less. Do you always need your car to get you where you want to go? If you have alternative modes of transport, such as cycling or walking as possibilities, then you should try to switch things up. What about taking public transport? Depending on where you live, this may be a possibility for you. Or how about carpooling? Is there anyone that lives near you that also works near? Even giving up your car for a day or two a week will bring down your fuel costs and make running your car more affordable. Not driving one day/week can save 20% on gas costs for the work week!

Using your car less is also good for the environment, so why not consider carpooling to work so that you can all save some money, while doing your bit for the environment too.

Switch to a more affordable car

Some cars are more expensive to drive and to own than others. If you’re often taking your car for repairs or you find that your car consumes more gas than the average vehicle, it could be time to upgrade to something more affordable. Sure a large truck or SUV may be fun to drive but is it worth the extra cost vs that hybrid?

Downsizing vehicles could also leave you with a little extra money after the sale. If you’ve got a car loan (which I don’t love the idea of but it’s not the worst), can you refinance to a lower rate? Or perhaps you don’t need a car at all, and could just use Uber/Lyft or Zipcar the few times you do need it.

Fun personal story – I had an electric car for a few years and absolutely loved it. Literally cost $20 in electric costs for the whole month!

Budget for your repairs

Maintenance is another costly issue for car owners, and if you save up for repairs you’ll be much better off in the long run. But don’t forget you can also shop around for repairs to help you get the best deal. Take a look at the services offered at www.eliteautomotive.vegas that could help you benefit from quality repairs at an affordable rate. Don’t let unexpected costs surprise you when it comes to your car, always keep a cushion handy in case you’re hit with a big repairs bill.

By making driving more affordable, you’ll stand a better chance of being able to manage your budget, make some savings and maybe even have money left at the end of the month. Whether you’re trying to save money in college, save for a house or simply clear your debts, finding ways to reduce your outgoings is a must. Start with your car and see how much money you could really save.

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