🔎 Disclosure: Heads up, babe: some links here are affiliate links, which means you might throw a tiny commission my way if you buy (zero extra cost to you). Only things you’d actually use and love get shared on this site.
1. Check Tire Pressure Weekly To Save On Gas
You’d be shocked at how much money your tires can waste when they’re not properly inflated.
Low tire pressure burns more gas and shortens tire life faster than a bad diet ruins New Year’s resolutions.
Check pressure weekly. Even small drops lower gas mileage.
Use the car manual’s PSI, not the number on the tire.
Buy a small digital gauge, so you’re not guessing.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Check your tire pressure every Sunday morning before errands, and top up at the nearest gas station if it’s low.
Make It Easy: Consider a portable tire inflator that plugs into your car. Makes quick top-offs super simple.
2. Keep Up With Maintenance So Repairs Don’t Pile Up
Ignoring your car’s little noises is basically signing up for a big, expensive concert later.
Stay on top of small stuff, and you’ll avoid those “your transmission needs replacing” heartbreaks.
Follow the manual’s schedule, not the mechanic’s “trust me” face.
Catch small leaks early, and they turn into wallet-melting repairs fast.
Keep receipts to know what’s done and when to do it again.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Set reminders in your phone for every 3 months to check oil, fluids, and brakes.
Make It Easy: Use a car maintenance logbook to track everything. Cheap, simple, and oddly satisfying.
3. Replace Air Filters To Boost Mileage
A dirty air filter is like forcing your car to breathe through a pillow.
Clean filters make your engine work less and stretch every gallon of gas.
Swap it every 12,000 miles (or once a year).
They’re cheap, usually under $20 at most auto stores.
Takes 5 minutes, no tools needed, no mechanic required.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Pop your hood, pull out the old filter, and slide in the new one before lunch.
Make It Easy: Keep a multi-pack of air filters handy so you don’t forget next year.
4. Drive Smoothly To Save On Fuel And Brake Wear
You know that “fast and furious” driving style? Yeah, it’s also “fast and broke.”
Smooth acceleration and braking can save hundreds yearly in gas and repairs.
Ease into stops, don’t slam brakes like you’re auditioning for NASCAR.
Avoid tailgating, as it forces constant braking and wastes fuel.
Use cruise control; it keeps your speed (and wallet) steady.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Next time you drive, imagine you’re carrying a cup of coffee. Keep it from spilling.
Make It Easy: Try a dash-mounted fuel efficiency monitor to gamify smoother driving.
5. Skip Premium Gas Unless Your Car Needs It
Unless your car manual says “premium required,” you’re literally burning money for no reason.
Regular unleaded works just fine for 90% of cars on the road. No, it won’t “clean your engine” magically.
Check your manual, not what the gas station sign says.
Premium adds no benefit to non-turbo or standard engines.
That $0.50 difference adds up to hundreds yearly.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: At your next fill-up, switch to regular gas and track performance. Spoiler: nothing changes.
Make It Easy: Grab a fuel system cleaner bottle once in a while if you want peace of mind.
6. Clean Your Car Often
You’d be surprised how much damage dirt can do to your paint job (and your resale value).
A clean car doesn’t just look good. It lasts longer and costs less to fix later.
Dust and grime trap moisture, which leads to rust and faded paint.
Washing keeps salt and debris away, especially after rain or snow.
A clean interior also helps avoid wear on fabrics and plastics.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Give your car a quick wash every two weeks, even if it’s just a rinse and vacuum.
Make It Easy: Grab a waterless car wash spray. Quick, eco-friendly, and perfect for lazy weekends.
7. Change Oil Regularly To Avoid Engine Problems
Skipping oil changes is like running a marathon without drinking water. Your engine will tap out early.
Fresh oil keeps things cool, smooth, and way cheaper in the long run.
Stick to every 5,000 miles, or whatever your manual recommends.
Dirty oil means friction, and friction means wear (and expensive repairs).
Regular changes improve gas mileage and extend your car’s life.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Mark your calendar or set a phone alert every 5,000 miles. Don’t leave it to memory.
Make It Easy: Use a spill-free oil funnel kit to change oil cleanly and without the mess.
8. Use Apps To Find Cheaper Gas Stations
Why pay extra for gas when an app can find it cheaper down the street?
Seriously, the same gas can vary 40¢ a gallon within a few blocks.
Apps like GasBuddy or Upside show real-time prices near you.
Use loyalty points from certain stations to save even more.
Small differences add up, especially if you drive often.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Open your gas app before heading out, and plan your route around the lowest price nearby.
9. Compare Insurance Rates Once A Year
You wouldn’t buy the same shoes forever without checking for better ones, right?
Insurance works the same way. Loyalty rarely saves money.
Rates change yearly, and new providers compete for your business.
Bundle home and auto to lower premiums instantly.
A quick comparison can save you hundreds without switching coverage levels.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Once a year, spend 10 minutes comparing quotes online. Then celebrate the savings with takeout.
Make It Easy: Use Insurify to compare rates automatically and get cheaper coverage fast.
10. Learn Basic DIY Maintenance To Avoid Mechanic Fees
You don’t need to be a car guru. Just knowing the basics can save a ton.
Replacing wipers or topping off fluids doesn’t need a $100 “diagnostic fee.”
Learn to replace bulbs and filters, super simple with YouTube.
Buy a basic toolkit; it’ll pay for itself after one use.
Avoid upsells for things you can literally do at home.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Pick one simple fix (like changing wiper blades) and try it this weekend. You’ll feel like a pro.
Make It Easy: Grab a beginner’s auto repair toolkit that covers all common DIY fixes.
11. Keep Your Car Light
Your car doesn’t need to double as a moving storage unit.
Extra weight means your engine works harder, burns more fuel, and drains your wallet.
Remove unnecessary stuff, like sports gear or extra bags.
Empty the trunk weekly; it’s usually where clutter hides.
Even 100 lbs of junk can reduce mileage by up to 2%.
👉 Here's How You'll Do It: Every weekend, clean out your car before errands. It’s like giving it a diet.
Make It Easy: Use a trunk organizer to keep things tidy but lightweight.
Hey, I'm Lily! I'm a mom who's really good at two things: stretching a dollar and talking about stretching a dollar. I created Money Vice after one too many grocery trips where I watched my total climb and thought, "There's gotta be a better way." Spoiler: there is. Think of me as your money-savvy friend who's always got a tip (and coffee in hand).
