Ways to Save on Auto Expenses

In Los Angeles traffic, a car is almost a necessity. Sitting in that rush hour traffic can really rack up the gas mileage though and make your monthly bill that much larger. With gas prices on the continuous rise, the expense will only get worse with time. Now is the time to start thinking about how you can save money, instead of spending it on your car. Los Angeles Banking Rates brings you some tips on how to save on car expenses.

Try doing your own car work. Change your own oil, blow up your tires, and wash the car yourself. Car garages always charge exorbitant prices for small fixes you probably could have done yourself. Find out if any of your friends has any mechanical knowledge before taking your car to the garage for a small problem. Seek help on the internet if you need to. Learning to do things like switching out your own windshield wipers can save you a lot of money over time.

Buy used but not classic. A used car comes with a much smaller price tag than a brand new one. Even buying one year old cars can make your car more affordable. Choose something with good gas mileage, enough space, and a look you can live with for a couple years. However, avoid classic cars and really old cars. Once a model gets old enough, the dealership will not manufacture parts anymore, which can make repairs much pricier when you go to get repairs.

Buy a manual shifter. Although they are not as popular as they used to be, stick shifters are much more economical. By manually shifting the car into the right gear, you save a lot more gas than you do with an automatic shifter. Furthermore, shifters can slow down without hitting the brakes, giving you a more economical use for your gas.

Turn off the engine. If you pick someone up and you wait outside at the curb, do not leave the engine idling. At that point, you are getting 0 miles per gallon. In L.A., this is also a strategy you can try in heavy traffic. If you are stuck in a very slowly moving line, do not move up every half inch with the car in front of you. Turn off your engine and wait until there is a bigger space to turn it back on.

Alternate methods of transportation. As the second biggest city in the U.S., L.A. has an extensive public transportation system. You can use Google Maps to map out a route and time using the Metro and light rail lines. Consider walking or biking places as well. Not only will you be using less gas, but you will also be helping to save the environment. If you really cannot manage that, think about buying a scooter or electric vehicle for the drive to work, reserving your car for longer trips.

With all the money you are saving on your car, you might be able invest some in a high yield savings account or use it to pay off your low interest auto loan.