In today's ever-evolving world, the transportation sector is undergoing a significant transformation. One notable shift is the rise of electric car rentals. As the awareness of the importance of sustainability increases, electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining traction. Renting these vehicles offers both individuals and businesses a chance to participate in this green revolution without committing to purchase.
For many people, car ownership is an essential step towards achieving personal independence and reaching adulthood. But unfortunately, owning a car has a way of making life more difficult. That’s because, more times than not, owning a vehicle means spending thousands every year to ensure you keep driving.
Buying a car has always been an expensive proposition, but the cost of car ownership has skyrocketed in recent decades. Between the price tag, taxes, fees, financing, refueling, insurance, maintenance, and repairs, the average car owner spends over $8000 each year for the privilege of staying on the road.
Enough is enough! It’s time to stop letting our cars become money pits. They’re supposed to provide us with more freedom, not burden us with more financial strain. With this in mind, let’s take a look at six ways to lower the cost of car ownership:
Cheaper insurance
Motor vehicle insurance is required by law in most states and countries, making it a necessary expense associated with car ownership. However, most people overpay on their car insurance when compared to more affordable coverage. A 100 300 insurance policy - combined with a third number indicating property damage coverage - is more than sufficient for most drivers. Higher limits generally come with higher premiums, meaning more money spent each month on insurance you likely don’t need.
Preventive maintenance
Many drivers think oil changes, tire rotation, and yearly tuneups are optional aspects of vehicle maintenance. They couldn’t be more wrong. Preventive maintenance is critical to keeping your vehicle in peak condition. Doing so reduces the chances of costly repairs, ultimately lowering the cost of car ownership. What’s more, scheduled maintenance extends the life of your vehicle, allowing you to get more mileage out of it or sell it for a better price.
Safe driving
Wear and tear is an unavoidable consequence of driving. However, aggressive maneuvers and other reckless behavior behind the wheel will cause parts of your car to prematurely fail and require expensive repairs. Combined with the dangers posed to yourself and others by unsafe driving, the writing is on the wall - or the road in this case - that responsible driving is critical.
Mindful parking
A parking ticket now and then is not a big deal from a cost-benefit point of view. However, amassing large quantities of parking tickets is a recipe for financial disaster. In addition to the cost of the tickets themselves, fees and penalties for failing to pay on time can lead to hundreds more owed. Drag your feet long enough, and you could even face criminal penalties, including jail time. All things considered, it’s probably better to pony up the $25 bucks for garage parking than risk the $100 fine for parking someplace you shouldn’t.
Reliable service
Car dealerships will do anything to get you to bring your car to them for service. Unfortunately, most dealerships charge an arm and a leg for basic maintenance, and the price goes up from there if you need any significant work done. Rather than go to the dealership, consider finding a trustworthy mechanic operating independently. These mom-and-pop repair shops tend to charge less while providing the same level of service.
On-time payments
Whether it’s the car payment, insurance premium, property taxes, or license fees, it’s always in your best interest to pay on time. Doing so avoids additional interest, late fees, and possible court dates. All added up, on-time payments will save you hundreds, if not thousands, throughout your lifetime.
Car
ownership has never been a cheap privilege. With that said, it shouldn’t have
to cost someone thousands every year. There are effective ways to lower the
cost of car ownership, making the prospect of affordable driving a possibility
for virtually everyone behind the wheel.
People often joke about a car salesperson’s trustworthiness but lack to give good advice on actually how to buy your first car. Ads can be misleading, sales associates can be pushy, and it can feel like everyone just wants your big bucks.
Making smart moves when it comes to a car
purchase doesn’t have to drive you insane. Knowing what to look for and
understanding the market will help you get on the road with less stress and
more cash in your pockets.
Anyone who has inquired about an auto deal based on an advertisement probably had the dealer read them the fine print. Ads can make anything sound like a great offer, but dealership digital marketing trends are designed to get you in the door, not necessarily to help you be informed.
Marketing makes base models look luxurious and
top models affordable, but going in with commercial expectations will end up
costing you more than you wanted.
There’s no such thing as a good deal for
something you don’t want. It can be embarrassing to admit you don’t understand
all of the options, but the more you know, the easier negotiating the right
deal becomes.
Although Hollywood makes walking in with a briefcase of money look good, boasting about what’s in your pocket will not play in your favor when talking to dealerships.
Dealers make more significant profits when buyers finance, making cash buyouts less desirable deals to make. Telling a dealer that you’re paying in cash will give them less incentive to offer you an economical deal.
If you’re planning on buying a vehicle outright, keep that bit to yourself until you are ready to close. The upside to being a cash buyer is you can qualify for specific tax deductions and avoid worrying about car value depreciation before your car is paid off.
The best time for someone to buy outright is:
●
When you need to avoid monthly
payments
●
When you have had time to save or
have an immediate need to save
●
When buying a car for the first
time or as a gift
●
When you are working on repairing
your credit
People warn against leasing because you have no equity in the vehicle’s value, making your money as fleeting as the lease term. However, if you have to lease a car, you should keep in mind that the higher your credit is, the better your offer incentives will be.
Those who find leasing the most beneficial are:
●
Those building their credit score
●
Those who frequently travel or
have idle vehicles
●
Those who want low monthly
payments
●
Those worried about paying
maintenance fees
Qualifying for an auto loan can put you in a good financial situation because loan agreements spread payments over a more extended time than leasing. A typical lease term is three years, whereas a loan agreement usually is six.
Buyers typically spend more when taking the auto loan route, but they gain equity in the vehicle. Auto loans have the appeal of putting you in a better position later on, which is why there’s no shortage of offers.
Buyers who benefit the most from an auto loan include:
●
Buyers with low credit or improving credit
●
Buyers looking for a specific
vehicle
●
Buyers who want control over their
monthly payment
● Buyers who wish to avoid multiple credit checks
COVID-19 has put a strain on the car industry, but finding a good deal isn’t impossible. Standard leasing and loan interest rates are between two and a half to slightly over four percent. If your lender falls within that range, chances are the deal is fair.
No matter what you choose, having your credit score and financing checked and secured before meeting with a dealer will put you at an advantage. You also need to make sure you look at what you need as insurance for a leased car, as well.
To be a strong negotiator, you have to know
what’s at your disposal. Otherwise, every deal will seem to have limited
options. Just like changing a tire, you need the right
tools, and in this case, knowing what you need is your jack and lug wrench.
When shopping with a dealer makes you uncomfortable, it can be hard to tell if you’re dealing with one bad sales rep or a bad dealership. You won’t be spending money where you feel you’re being taken advantage of, but don’t let the stereotypes get in the way of you and a good deal.
The majority of auto salespeople don’t deserve the sleazy reputation and are honest people making a living in the sales industry. However, individual sales representatives, dealerships, and deals all have tells that can alert you if you should reach for a pen or your wallet.
Tricks of the auto sales trade are designed to predict human behavior in order to gain the most as a seller. To perfect the art of sales, learning how to read a customer’s emotions and even steer them in the direction you want is a mandatory skill.
There’s nothing wrong with applying a little
psychology to a sale, but certain tricks are just ways to cover up bad business
and flat-out manipulative.
If you feel like you’re becoming a cliche at a car dealership, your instinct probably isn’t wrong. It is in your best interest to promptly leave a dealership that’s making you uncomfortable, or doing any of the following:
● You’re greeted at the door: This dirty trick
masks itself as prompt customer service but starving, desperate salespeople are
never a good sign.
● You feel rushed: If the car you’re interested
in had a confirmed offer, it wouldn’t be available. Creating a sense of urgency
is an old sales tactic with buyer remorse rates higher than the interest.
● Bait and switch: The special you saw or a
promise made before you came suddenly changes when you arrive in person; kindly
let them know you’re not interested.
● Everyone is a helper: You shouldn’t need to
meet the entire office when dealing with a sales representative. This tactic is
designed to make you buy out of frustration.
● Limbo sales tricks: When a salesperson keeps
raising the bar on what you said you’re able to pay, your inner voice should be
shouting “Leave!”
● Wasting time: Granted, no car buying experience
is instant, but wasting time is an old dealer’s tool. Dealerships make you wait
to make you feel as though your time is invested, so you’re more likely to
close that day.
● Bad online reviews: Everything online has
haters, but if you notice multiple people mentioning the same grievances,
you’re probably better off elsewhere.
● They distract you: Getting transparency is
crucial when buying a vehicle, especially if it’s used. Having to pry to see
the Carfax report or to get the fine details of the deal reiterated the
salesperson is hiding the deal’s weak points.
Knowing what traits to be aware of when searching the auto market doesn’t mean you should fear the process. Do your research and prepare yourself by asking a lot of questions. You may feel silly or repetitive, but seriously, the more questions you ask, the better.
Read the fine print when signing a deal, and don’t be afraid to walk off the lot if you don’t like where things are going. Remember they need your business, and as the buyer, you are in control.
The road can be a dangerous place no matter where or when you are driving. Even if you take every precaution to be a safe and attentive driver, you can’t always account for the other people on the road or even your vehicle’s reliability.
Things can and likely will go wrong while driving at some point in your life. If they do, it’s essential to keep the right items in your vehicle to ensure you’re covered for whatever incident may occur.
Though you likely have information such as a
list of roadside assistance companies on
hand in case of an emergency, you still should be prepared for the moments in
between the actual incident and their arrival.
Jumper cables are one of the essential items to keep in your vehicle. A dead battery is one of the most common occurrences among drivers.
Even though a dead battery is typically an easy fix, your options are minimal without jumper cables.
Since it’s clearly out of your control when and where your car battery decides to die, being stranded somewhere without jumper cables leaves you at the mercy of others. You will either have to hope you encounter someone who has jumper cables on hand or call someone you know to bring them to you.
Having them readily available leaves you with
much better odds since you will only have to hope for someone to be willing to
give you a little juice from their vehicle.
You may find yourself stranded in the late evening or even nighttime hours, which means the sunlight is dwindling or disappearing altogether.
It’s difficult to do much when you’re unable to see and leaving your car lights on might leave you with a drained battery.
Having a flashlight on hand can save you many headaches if something goes wrong during the night. Most flashlights will last anywhere from 2 to 50 hours, depending on their brightness, giving you plenty of light until your problem is solved or help arrives.
You never know what you might encounter on the road. Even a minor car accident can cause injuries, or you may even find someone or something needing medical help while you are out.
Having a first-aid kit ready and available can save you in many unexpected situations. These kits can come prepackaged, or you can build one yourself.
The best items to keep in your first-aid kit are:
●
Bandages
●
Gauze
●
Hand sanitizer
●
Pain medication
●
Tourniquet
●
Surgical tape
●
Scissors
● Antibacterial cleaning solution
These items will come in handy if you, someone with you, or even someone you encounter suffers an unexpected injury. If the damage is minor, they will likely be enough to hold over until professional help arrives.
You don’t get to control where your vehicle breaks down. This means nothing is stopping it from happening at night on a busy road, intersection, or even the highway.
Having flares readily available can make the
difference between being safe and being hit. Unfortunately, distracted driving is at an
all-time high. Having flares that are bright and flashing means people are much
more likely to see you and move over to give you space.
Temperatures can vary in large amounts from day to night time. And some people live in climates where winters are bitterly cold, even during the day.
If your car breaks down when the temperature
is much colder than you are dressed for, having warm clothes can be a
lifesaver.
Being able to bundle and layer on clothing to keep yourself warm stops you from having to waste all the gas in your car running the heat. And it saves you from a situation where perhaps your vehicle won’t start at all.
Items such as an extra coat, a warm blanket,
and thick socks can make a massive difference if you become stranded in
freezing temperatures.
Having a glass breaker in your vehicle at all times can make the difference between life and death, not only for you but for others as well.
If you were to ever find yourself in the unfortunate situation of your vehicle being submerged in a body of water, a glass breaker could save your life.
Many come with the option of a built-in seatbelt cutter as well, making them even more functional.
These handy tools will also help if you ever
need to remove someone such as your child, a pet, or even a stranger you are
assisting from a vehicle as well. The tools work from the outside of a window
just as well as from the inside.
A flat tire can happen no matter how excellent the tires on your vehicle may be. All it takes is one sharp object, and you can find yourself on the side of the road with a tire utterly void of air.
Having a spare tire on hand can help you get back on the road sooner. If you know how to change a tire yourself, you can save much hassle waiting for roadside assistance.
You never know exactly how long you may be stranded, so having something such as water available can be a big help if you find yourself stuck in your vehicle.
If the day is sweltering, you could get thirsty quickly. Having water on hand allows you to keep yourself hydrated while you wait for assistance.
Reusable water bottles are also a great
eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic bottles. Simply keep a reusable
bottle filled with water in your vehicle at all times to ensure you’re safe.
Keeping yourself nourished is almost as important as keeping yourself hydrated. Being stranded for hours with no food can make you low on energy, especially if your car is in a situation that potentially requires pushing or strength.
Having extra food on hand that won’t expire quickly can help provide the extra energy you need until assistance arrives.
Cellphones may have some negatives to them, but they are convenient to have in an emergency. With them, you can call anyone anytime, so long as you have service and charge.
If your phone is low on battery or being used
for extended periods, draining its battery, a portable battery charger can be a
huge help. These devices are pre-charged and allow you to use them just as you
would a wall or car charger.
Even if your car is dead, you can still use the portable battery charger to keep your phone charged for calling for help or waiting for a call.
Vehicles do incredible things for us every day. But when driving, there are many potential hazards and dangerous situations that could happen.
Keeping your car stocked with these items or even a specific car emergency kit can help alleviate some of the risks that could occur if you should find yourself stranded, stuck, or broken down.
A flat tire never happens when you have the time or patience to deal with it. It always happens unexpectedly and when you have no room to add anything else to the top of your priority list. No matter when it happens, switching out your tire is a necessity because you cannot drive with a blown tire.
Knowing how to change a tire could mean
the difference between being 30 minutes late and losing your job. It could mean
you make it late to the family event instead of missing it altogether. Most importantly,
it could also save you money from having to call your insurance company for
roadside assistance or having to file a tire blowout insurance claim.
Fixing a tire is a skill that everyone
should know, no matter their gender. It can be more dangerous waiting a long
period of time in a place you are unfamiliar with than doing the physical work
on your own.
The very first thing you should do when your tire blows is to turn on your hazard lights. Avoid braking hard, if at all, to avoid your vehicle from skidding off.
It is best to let your car come to a natural stop on its own. The drag from the blown tire will cause friction against the ground, slowing the car down.
Your hazard lights must be flashing throughout
all of this to make yourself as visible as possible. Cars that are passing by
you will attempt to get out of your way so you do not have to do it yourself.
Veering out of the way of other cars risks more danger to yourself and others.
Similar to various important steps you take after a car accident, you should pull over somewhere safe as your car comes to a stop and check that everyone in the car did not sustain any injuries after the tire blew out.
Ideally, the safe place to pull over will be
solid and level ground that will prevent your car from rolling while you are
working on it. Your automobile should be far enough from the road to give you
room to change the tire and to where you and other drivers passing can maintain
visibility. It is also best to park in a well-lit area if possible.
Once you have parked your car, ensured every passenger is safe, and have turned your hazard lights on, you need to check that you have the bare minimum materials needed to change a tire. This will be a jack, wrench, and a spare tire.
Normally, these items will be stored in your trunk as these products usually come with your car at the time of purchase. If you do not have these materials, you will need to call roadside assistance as soon as possible.
However, changing a tire will go smoother with these additional items:
●
Tire gauge
●
Vehicle’s owner manual
●
Flashlight
●
Gloves
●
Rain poncho
● Knee pads or a mat for kneeling
These additional items are not a necessity,
but adding them to your car as a preventative measure can be beneficial.
Some vehicles have a wheel cover (or a
hubcap), and you will have to pull it off before placing your wrench onto the
lug nut. Once the wrench is on the nut, turn it counterclockwise to loosen it.
You should ONLY loosen the lug nut and not remove it completely. Repeat this
process with the remaining lug nuts on the blown tire.
Position the jack that you pulled from your trunk directly under a metal part of your vehicle’s frame. If you place the jack on anything other than metal (like plastic), you will risk a part of the car breaking, the car collapsing, or both.
With the jack in position on the metal frame,
crank it to lift your car off the ground. You should lift it high enough to
pull the tire off and should ensure the jack remains perpendicular to the
ground. As a caution, consulting your owner’s manual to be sure you are placing
the jack in the right position can prevent any mishaps.
With the vehicle lifted high enough off the ground, use the wrench to remove the lug nuts completely by turning the wrench counterclockwise. Store the lug nuts in one safe place because you will need them at the end.
Once all the nuts have been removed, securely
grab the tire and pull it straight off the car. Place the blown tire in your
trunk.
Line up the holes on the spare tire with the lug nut posts on the car and then slide it into position. Be sure to push the spare tire as far back as it will go.
Your spare tire is only intended to be driven
for no more than 70 miles and should go no faster than 50 miles per hour. So
you should aim to replace your blown tire at your earliest convenience after
finishing securing the spare.
Put the lug nuts back onto the posts before securing them with the wrench. Turn the lug nuts clockwise in increments, altering between every other nut with the wrench. A good order to tighten the lug nuts can be 1, 3, 5, 2, 4, and repeating until they are all as tight as they can be.
Tightening your lug nuts in an alternating
pattern helps you to keep the tire on straight. If the tire is not secured in a
straight alignment, the car will drive funny and can ruin the entire alignment
of your car.
After ensuring your vehicle is secured properly, you can lower your jack by slowly releasing the crank function. Once the car is lowered all the way to the ground and the jack is removed, attempt to tighten the lug nuts a little more to double-check they are secured.
You should also double-check that you're spare is placed onto the posts in a straight manner before driving off to avoid dealing with car repairs you cannot afford.
You should finish up by placing your blown tire in the trunk (if you have not already) and any other tools you used in the process. Once you have driven off and arrived at a safe location, you should contact a trusted mechanic to replace your tire. A trusted family member who knows how to properly fix a torn tire can serve just as well.
