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10 Tips to Save On Automotive Expenses

    --Feeling the pinch in your pocketbook?
    With consumer spending in a slowdown and unemployment creeping up, Americans are looking for ways to spend less and save more. AutoTrader.com, the Internet's leading used car classifieds site, helps get consumers' automotive finances in order with 10 tips to trim fat from the automotive diet.


  Wash cars at home. Baking soda can do wonders for cleaning everything from 
  inside the doors to aroundtire rims--it's safe for the environment and costs
  less then commercial cleaners.

  Don't use premium gas unless necessary. If your car doesn't specifically 
  require an upgraded fuel type, consider using it only occasionally and buy 
  regular unleaded. Also, pump gas yourself whenever possible.
  Both these things can save at least $5 each time you fill up at the pump.

  Change your own oil. Establishments that advertise an oil change in 10 minutes
  are telling a half-truth, since that time doesn't include what you spend waiting in 
  line for service. Save time and money by doing it at home instead.

  Keep car's inner parts in tip-top shape. Spending the money now to have your 
  car regularly maintained will save money in the long run by reducing the
  chances of mechanical failures due to lack of routine maintenance.

  Make minor repairs yourself. By changing light bulbs, replacing spark plugs 
  and doing minor paint touch-ups yourself, enough money can be saved to
  spend elsewhere to treat yourself to something special--a new shirt, a night out 
  to dinner, etc.

  Compare prices when doing routine maintenance. As much as 50% can be saved by
  comparing what different companies charge for wheel alignments, emissions
  checks and the like.

  Get a higher insurance deductible; ask for other discounts like "multiple
  cars" or "good student." Many such discounts exist--check with your local
  insurance agent to see what you can take advantage of.

  Protect car's body as much as possible-from the elements and other drivers. 
  Constant heat from the sun in summer and multiple snowstorms in winter
  never help your car's exterior. Protect it by parking it under a carport or 
  in a garage. This will also reduce body damage from inconsiderate street parkers.

  Avoid parking tickets. Being aware of how much time you have left at a parking
  meter and making sure you park legally at all times reduces the chance of
  getting a ticket or having your vehicle towed--two expenses that are almost always 
  avoidable.

  Trade in car for a less expensive model, or one that gets better gas mileage. 

  Thanks to AutoTrader For These Tips