A/C Tips for your Automobile

Run your car’s air conditioning periodically. Circulating air through your car’s A/C system helps keep buildup, mildew and other staleness from forming inside it. These things can lead to a foul smell, and aren’t healthy. Run your vehicle’s A/C on full blast for about 10 minutes to ensure when you haven’t used it in a while to make sure everything checks out.

Tip 21: Use Less Expensive Gas

Unless your car is knocking and pinging, don't use a higher octane gas than your owner's manual recommends. For most cars, premium gasoline offers no benefit. Unless your car has a high-performance engine and your manufacturer recommends a high-octane gas, use the less expensive gas. Premium gas costs 10% to 15% higher than regular. 

Potential Money Savings: $200-400/yr.

Tip 20: Shop Around for Insurance

Shop around for insurance. If you're getting good service from your company and are happy with the rates, you may want to stay with them, especially if you have had accidents or tickets. But if your record is good, shop around to see how much you can save, then decide if the savings are worth the switch. 

Potential Money Savings:  $50-200/yr.

Tip 19: Car Pool to Work

Car pool to work. By sharing the driving with just one other person, you could save an average of $20/month or $200/year in gasoline alone,  if your commute is 40 kilometers round-trip each day. Sharing the driving with two others increases your savings even more. Savings vary depending on the length of your commute.  In addition to savings on gasoline, you'll save maintenance costs and wear and tear on your car.

Potential Money Savings:  $400-700/yr.

Tip 18: Combine Insurance

Consider combining your auto and homeowner's insurance under one policy. Many insurers give a discount for multiple policies. 

Potential Money Savings: $50-200/yr.

Tip 17: Balance Your Tires

Add thousands of miles to the life of your tires by having them balanced once a year. In addition to destroying the tread, improperly balanced tires can wear out your shock absorbers and damage your suspension system, leading to more expense.

Potential Money Savings: $175-250/yr.

Tip 16: Avoid Tickets

Avoid tickets for speeding or moving violations. Many insurance companies give a discount of up to 20% if you have not had an accident or ticket for three years or more.

Potential Money Savings: $100/yr or more.