Five insider tips for driving dow nauto costs
Automobiles are undeniably indispensable for many Albertans. They are also undeniably expensive. Fuel, maintenance, repairs, insurance, and depreciation—not to mention the actual purchase price—it all adds up to vehicle ownership costs of thousands of dollars a year.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
“You can easily save thousands by making smart choices,” says Misty Harris of the Alberta Motor Association. AMA has helped Albertans reach their destinations safely and affordably for over 90 years.
Here are five tips to help keep vehicle costs down.
1 BUY AS MUCH CAR AS YOU NEED—AND NO MORE
A strategic approach to vehicle selection pays dividends. “A large truck with a diesel engine doesn’t make sense for most daily commutes,” says Harris. Fuel is one of the leading costs of owning a vehicle, and larger machines generally burn more gas. Simply put: If you don’t need a large car, don’t buy one.
2 KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR TIRES
Another way to maximize fuel economy is to make sure your tires are in good shape. That means watching both their inflation and wear levels. Worndown tires mean worse traction and worse traction means higher fuel costs. AMA recommends checking tire pressure at least once a month.
3 DON’T FORGET ABOUT YOUR REGISTRATION
Make sure your registration is current – the fine for driving with an expired registration is $310. Avoid the stress by signing up for AMA’s vehicle registration auto-renew service. It remembers for you, providing you with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your registration is covered.
AMA provides automatic renewal service to its members at no cost – simply visit ama. ab.ca/automatic to sign up.
4 MAKE A HABIT OF MAINTENANCE
“You should be getting regular car washes, lubing all hinges and latches, and checking the lights every two months,” says Harris. “All of these things help retain the value of your car and curtail pricey repairs.”
5 DRIVE DEFENSIVELY
The costs of regular maintenance pale in comparison with the bill for patching up a vehicle after a collision. Not all accidents can be avoided, but a conservative approach to driving can prevent many collisions. Safe driving habits also cuts down on speeding tickets and other fines which can cost you twice—once for the ticket itself and again if your insurance becomes more expensive.