Driving Cheap

If you've got the tools and the wherewithal, save money by doing more complex maintenance yourself. Oil and filter changes are well within the comfort range of the typical Saturday mechanic. Follow the manufacturer's recommended oil and filter-change intervals (and keep a record of the date and mileage).

Cheap Stuff
Petroleum and automotive-chemical companies widely advertise the claimed benefits of their various products. Some of these products are formulated in laboratories by bona fide chemical engineers while others fall more toward the snake-oil end of the spectrum. Use your car's owner's manual to help separate actual needs from hype. Your car will be perfectly happy with fuel, oil and other fluids that meet the specifications spelled out in the manual. That goes for fuel grade too, so if the owner's manual says to run Regular Unleaded, don't waste money "pampering" your car with Premium. The higher-grade fuel won't buy you any extra performance unless the car's engine-management computer is calibrated to take advantage of high-octane gas. As for the other liquids and consumables your car needs, they're generally cheapest at a discount auto retailer/parts store.

Don't Delay
When the cost and inconvenience of significant maintenance needs looms, don't defer critical work for long. Many conditions can worsen if left unfixed. Squeaking, worn brake linings are a good example. Let them grind for long and you'll get to foot the bill for machine work—or even replacement—of brake rotors or drums.

Make Friends
Finding a truly great mechanic is about as hard as finding the perfect spouse—it can happen, but the odds aren't in your favor. To avoid getting gouged, take your car to a couple of shops (private or dealer) and get estimates on the work required. Check out the facility and the demeanor of the employees and customers for an indication of how they do business. You might also check the local Better Business Bureau for any complaints against the shop. This extra time and trouble can save you hundreds of dollars.

Starting Out
From the moment you get in your car, the way you drive can save you money. For starters, do a little planning to consolidate errands. Cold starts are particularly tough on your engine: The oil is thick and cold and for the first few moments of operation, it can't protect the wearing parts of your car like it can when the engine is warm. Don't sit and wait for your engine to warm up. Just start it and go (keep it under about half throttle until it warms a few minutes) and you'll save fuel and time.

Don't Waste
Every time you accelerate, you burn additional fuel, so to get the best possible mileage, accelerate up to cruising speed at a moderate pace. Creeping up to speed won't save significant fuel, since engines are actually more efficient with the throttle open—to a point. Once you reach cruising speed, hold your throttle position as steady as possible. Endless cycles of acceleration and coasting are needlessly hard on your engine and on your fuel mileage.

Insurance-Shop
As time passes and both you and your car age, you need to keep a close eye on your insurance coverage to get the best deal possible. It's worth the effort to shop for new insurance every couple of years (more frequently if you've got the gumption). The Internet makes this easier than ever, but be sure to check in with an agent or two. Often, the company that insures your home, life or business will also cover your car—sometimes at substantial savings over even the best deals you'll find on the Internet.

Resources
Automotive Lease Guide, www.alg.com