Ten Money-Saving Driving Tips

November 19th, 2020 by

Crazy times call for ALL the necessary tips to make life easier. With a global pandemic taking over 2020, most people have felt the everlasting effects it has had on our economy. Whether they’ve cut out those bi-weekly nail appointments, or started cooking from home, most people are trying to save up as much as they can. We care about our community, and that’s why Mungenast St. Louis Honda always offers competitive pricing and is looking out for our customers when it comes to saving money. We know these are scary & unpredictable times. Check out our list of ways to save money when it comes to your vehicle & driving it!

1. Routine Auto Care

  • Keeping up with routine car maintenance can help you save BIG in the long run. With winter coming, it’s important to get your vehicle checked out before you run into any problems with colder temperatures, snow & ice. The expert mechanics at Mungenast St. Louis Honda Service Center will gladly check your filters, brakes, fluids, battery & everything in between to keep it running in tip-top shape through the winter months.

2. Drive with Ease

  • Slow down when it comes to driving places. Not only is it even more dangerous once temperatures drop and it gets icy, but driving aggressively can also cause your gas mileage to decrease by around 15-30% at highway speeds, and around 10-40% in stop & go traffic. If you have a tendency to run late, set your alarm clock 15 minutes earlier so you aren’t speeding to get to your destination.

3. Stop Idling

  • Times have changed & vehicles don’t need nearly as much time to warm up as they used to. Idling your car for long periods of time can actually do more damage on your fuel economy & engine, than starting it up & driving it almost immediately. However, vehicles are least efficient when they’re cold, so it’s important not to drive quickly immediately after starting your car. Although engines are now designed to operate as soon as you start your vehicle, driving gently at first will help you save on fuel & reserve your engine for longer. Also take advantage of any snow or ice removal products to get your car cleared off quicker, without leaving it idling for a long period of time.

4. Use Technology

  • Not only do modern phones offer an array of different GPS apps, but there are also several other helpful apps offered for saving money while driving. You should find an app that seems to navigate traffic well. Most phones come with a general Maps app with traffic navigation built in, but some apps may work better for some than others. You should also look into an app that helps you save on fuel. Certain apps like GasBuddy finds the cheapest gas station closest to you. Instead of driving around looking for the cheapest gas, you can search ahead of time & head straight there!

5. Combine Errands

  • While your errands may be scarce nowadays with staying at home so often (and getting out of the house may be great for your sanity), try to combine any errands you have into one trip. Since your vehicle’s engine works best while it’s warm, knock out all your errands in one day around the same time.

6. Avoid Using AC

  • Although AC may not be used much throughout the winter months, wearing extra layers may influence you to reach for the AC knob. In order to save on fuel economy, try to take off any extra layers or crack the window before reaching for the AC.

7. Remove Unnecessary Weight

  • With frozen bodies of water & icy roads, it’s probably safe to say you can remove that roof rack from your vehicle. (Sadly, no more kayaking or biking for a few months). That along with any other unnecessary weight should be removed from the vehicle in order to increase fuel economy. Remember, a heavier car requires more energy to get moving, meaning it’s using more gas.

8. Check Tires Often

  • With temperatures dropping like flies, not only is your body feeling it, but your vehicle is too. Lower temperatures cause your tires to lose pressure, leading to premature wearing quicker. Most modern vehicles will notify you when your tire pressure is low, but if that’s not the case, check your tires often. You can find your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure PSI in the owner’s manual, or in some new vehicles there’s a sticker on the inside of the driver’s door.

9. Use the Right Credit Card

  • With an array of options when it comes to credit cards, it’s hard to know which is the best one to get for your lifestyle. If you find yourself traveling by vehicle often, look into a credit card that will reward you for getting gas. Some credit cards offer up to 5% back when you use it to buy fuel.

10. Go Green

  • Of course, there’s always the option to switch to a hybrid or electric vehicle in order to save on fuel economy. Whether you’re ready to make the electric switch completely or feel that a hybrid would better fit your lifestyle, you’ll eventually see those savings add up. Especially with the option of charging your vehicle at home, you’ll be saving money & saving the planet at the same time.

If you have any questions on your vehicle’s necessary maintenance, or want to get your vehicle checked out, you can easily schedule an appointment online with the Mungenast St. Louis Honda Service Center! Our expert mechanics use high-tech equipment and up-to-date technology to ensure your vehicle is getting the best service around. During this crazy year, the last thing you want to worry about is your vehicle costing you more money. We know this and will continue to do our best to put our customers at ease when it comes to saving big with their vehicles.

Posted in Finance, Technology, Tips