Trim your car ownership costs down for the new year

Car ownership isn't for the faint of heart. It can be expensive to own, maintain, and operate a vehicle, and you want to keep your car in the best shape possible so it lasts a long time and also holds value in case you want to sell it down the road. We've got good news, though - it's a new year and it's time to clean up your budget, so we have tips from our Charlotte Toyota service experts on how to cut down on car ownership costs and save money all year long. Check it out!

Learn how to trim your car ownership costs over time

Tip #1: Shop carefully for car insurance. 
Car insurance can be expensive, but it's also illegal to drive without it. Since it's a must-have, you should take your time shopping for the right coverage from the right company. Ask about student discounts for college and high school drivers, and also ask about discounts for bundling your auto insurance with your homeowner's or renter's insurance. Finally, make sure you tell them about every safety feature in your car - the safer your vehicle is, the more affordable it is to insure.

Tip #2: Get on a car care schedule now. 
Getting your car on a routine car maintenance schedule now can trim down car ownership costs. Sure, you'll have to pay for oil changes and tire rotations, but you'll also be able to avoid big, expensive repairs or a broken-down car in the future. Let our Charlotte auto service techs get you on a schedule for things like tune-ups, oil changes, coolant flushes, brake service, battery checks, tire rotations, and wheel alignments to save you big money in the future.

Tip #3: Enhance your fuel economy. 
A great way to lower car ownership costs is to improve fuel efficiency, and you don't have to buy a hybrid car to do it. Simple ways to boost your ride's fuel economy include getting rid of extra weight in the vehicle (aka clean out your trunk), using cruise control when it's appropriate, and avoiding slamming on the gas when you need to accelerate. Also, don't use premium gasoline unless your car specifically requires it - it's a waste of money otherwise.

Toyota of N Charlotte's best tips for saving money

Tip #4: Change your driving habits. 
Changing your driving habits can actually cut down on car ownership costs, believe it or not. Joining a carpool or consolidating errands into fewer trips will reduce the number of miles on your car, lower your fuel costs, and translate to less frequent Charlotte Toyota service appointments. You can also do things like looking for the most efficient route before you leave your house based on miles and traffic.

Want more tips? Think it's time to get your new ride on a maintenance schedule to save money? Call Toyota of N Charlotte today! We're open seven days a week at (704) 659-2025. We can get you and your car set to save money in the new year in no time.