Cars

How to prepare your car for winter

We may earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase using the links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, Living on the Cheap earns from qualifying purchases.

As the crisp air of winter approaches, it's crucial to ensure that your vehicle is prepared to tackle the challenges of the colder months. Winter car maintenance is not just about preventing breakdowns; it's an essential step in safeguarding your investment while saving money in the long run. From … [Read more...] about How to prepare your car for winter

Save money on gas with hypermiling techniques

Experienced drivers have all kinds of tricks for saving gas while they drive, so they can save money by not refueling as often. These run the gamut from keeping the trunk empty to turning off the engine instead of idling. If you have mastered those and want to try something more extreme to keep you … [Read more...] about Save money on gas with hypermiling techniques

Is pay-per-mile car insurance right for you?

Depending on your driving habits, you can cut the price of your car insurance in half. Sound too good to be true? It’s not—as more insurers offer pay-per-mile car insurance, more people are dropping their traditional car insurance for this potentially cost-saving option.Here’s a look at how … [Read more...] about Is pay-per-mile car insurance right for you?

How to pick the best roadside assistance program

You can never predict whether you’re going to need roadside assistance for a flat tire, dead battery or other vehicle issue, but if you’re a member of a roadside assistance program, you’ll be covered when it happens. The difficult part is deciding which program best fits your family's … [Read more...] about How to pick the best roadside assistance program

11 ways to get the best deal on a rental car

Think finding the lowest airfare is tricky? Try getting the best deal on a rental car. These days, car rental rates change faster than television networks launch reality series.But there are ways to both save and be satisfied, without making you feel like a contestant on Survivor. Here are … [Read more...] about 11 ways to get the best deal on a rental car

Want to live without a car? Car sharing may be an option

With the prices of car ownership steadily increasing, more people are wondering if they can become a one-car family or even get rid of their personal vehicle entirely. In the past, this was only realistic in big cities with good public transportation. Nowadays, though, the "sharing economy" that … [Read more...] about Want to live without a car? Car sharing may be an option

Avoid high toll charges when driving a rental car

Can a retired construction worker visiting his daughter in New York City run up a $912 bill for car rental tolls in a week? Hertz says yes. Robert Watson, the traveler with the tab, says no way.Tolls are on the rise for rental car customers. And while Watson’s may be an extreme example that … [Read more...] about Avoid high toll charges when driving a rental car

Save on car insurance, even if it’s your first time buying

There’s a lot of wiggle room in between having enough coverage in case of an accident and not paying extra for coverage you may not need. It can be confusing to navigate the lawyer-speak in a policy, especially if you're buying insurance for the first time. But with a little research, you can save … [Read more...] about Save on car insurance, even if it’s your first time buying

How to live without a car

Whether it's to save money, reduce environmental impact, or be safe, a lot of families find themselves living with one car – or none at all. The number is likely to increase as the population ages, too. Cars are useful but costly: along with the purchase price and monthly payments, you have gas, … [Read more...] about How to live without a car

Get a car repair estimate online

Nothing can hit your budget harder than an unexpected auto repair. When you’re struggling to make it to the next paycheck, the last thing you want to hear is that you need a new timing belt at a cost of $500.And should a timing belt cost $500 or is the mechanic trying to take advantage of … [Read more...] about Get a car repair estimate online

DIY steps to get your car road-trip ready

If you're traveling by car for a holiday getaway, you want to get your vehicle ready to go. Auto maintenance can be a strain on the wallet, but there are some ways to beat the costs, even for those who rarely look under the hood. Below are three tips to help get any car ready for a road trip, … [Read more...] about DIY steps to get your car road-trip ready

Is it time to buy a car online?

We may earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase using the links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, Living on the Cheap earns from qualifying purchases.

Buying a car is often a stressful and confusing process, with salespeople pressuring for the sale while you try to juggle sticker prices and discounts and upgrades in your head. Smartphones helped alleviate some of the stress of a visit to the car lot, as you can now quickly search and compare … [Read more...] about Is it time to buy a car online?

How to decide whether to buy or lease your next car, or go car-free

I remember my first car, a 1969 Chevelle Malibu. It was blue with a black hardtop, three-speed on the column with vinyl bench seats – and a lot of problems under the hood. But I loved my “Blue Goose.” It was my first big purchase, my first “payment plan” to the Bank of Father, and my shout-out to … [Read more...] about How to decide whether to buy or lease your next car, or go car-free

Apps that can help you shop for cars

If you are in the market for a new or used car, these car shopping apps will help you find the best deal and save money. What I love about these hand-held tools is that you can use them to find a better price than a dealer is offering you even while you are inside the dealership, and use that to … [Read more...] about Apps that can help you shop for cars

What to know about buying a car now

Even during a global shut-down, sometimes you need to buy a car.After all, if you have to get from Point A to Point B, you have to get there – and this isn’t a time when a lot of people want to take public transit. Of course, you may have financial reasons for wanting to buy a car now despite … [Read more...] about What to know about buying a car now

Cars

Get Our Free Newsletter!

Find Deals and Free Events in These Cities

Footer

As Seen On