There are some car owners who can forgo the maintenance expense of owning a car by using public transportation. However, not all car owners have that option. For those individuals living in areas where public transpiration is not feasible, finding ways to save money on the day to day expenses of owning and maintaining a car is important.

Car owners with internet access and the willingness to think out of the box can cut some of the costs associated with purchasing and maintaining a car. Below are three ways in which individuals can save money on car ownership.

Purchasing a Pre-Owned Car

Buying a used car is a smart money saving alternative to purchasing a new one. When looking for a used car, consumers must perform their due diligence in getting a used car history report before signing on the dotted line. Not doing so can be the difference in wasting time and money trying to return a lemon (using the lemon law), and finding the perfect car to suit a consumer’s financial and transportation needs.

Before reaching into the pocket to pay for a used car history report, consumers should be aware that there are several ways to obtain free information on a used car. It calls for a little “out of the box” thinking but it can be done. Check out the article Free Car History Reports: How to Obtain Free Information before Buying a Used Car for practical tips on how to get the free information.

Free Oil Changes

After ensuring the used car is worth the investment, consumers have to maintain their new purchase. Performing routine maintenance such as oil changes and tune ups extend the life of the car, but the costs can add up. While the routine maintenance may put a slight dent in your pocket, it pales in comparison to neglecting the maintenance and having to pay for a major repair.

To help with the cost of the regularly scheduled oil change, consumers should access the Your Free Oil Change website to see if they qualify for a free oil change. Any service that helps to prolong the life of a car that has a zero dollar price tag is a win-win situation.

Qualify to Receive Free Gas

When it comes to the daily gas consumption, consumers can check to see if they qualify to receive free gas monthly. Car owners that drive at least 1,000 miles per month may qualify to receive free gas. The website Free Gas Help.com offers a program to drivers willing to trade a bit of vehicle real estate for gas. In other words, drivers willing to place ads on the outside of the car may qualify to receive free gas. The amount of free gas a car owner receives depends on the size and location of the advertisement. Free Gas Help offers programs ranging from $17 to $200 per month.

In today’s tough economic times, consumers have to think out of the box to make ends meet.

Fuel additives can improve fuel quality (the octane level) and/or help keep injectors and combustion chambers clean. Without the use of fuel additives, unsightly deposits may start to build up in the engine. Using fuel additives can help improve and maintain the efficiency and performance of your car’s heart-the engine.

If your car’s injectors are clogged, the buildup of these deposits can deprive an engine of its power, fuel efficiency and overall drivability. Drivers might notice these deposits forming when their vehicle starts to experience hesitation, rough idling and increased starting difficulty. Adding a specially formulated fuel additive can help resolve these problems and won’t end up costing drivers that much.

“Using a fuel additive is simple enough that you don’t have to be a car junkie to do it yourself,” said Jay Buckley, Prestone training manager and ASE-certified master mechanic. “Plus, adding a fuel additive on a regular basis for preventative maintenance is worth the investment.”

Here are Buckley’s tips on choosing and using the right fuel additives:

1. When using an additive on a regular basis during fill-ups, choose a low-concentration product, such as Prestone® Gas Treatment.
2. If you are interested in a one-time treatment every few months, consider a highly concentrated product such as Prestone® Complete Fuel System Cleaner.
3. Some fuel additives are designed to increase engine performance. Typically, these products include the word “octane” in the name, as they’re formulated to raise the octane level of gasoline.
4. Always pour the entire bottle into your gas tank and be sure you have a full tank of gas.

“Our lab engineers actually created a new line of 6-oz. fuel additives. They deliver premium performance in a smaller, more environmentally responsible and convenient package,” said Buckley.

While regular use of a fuel additive can help a vehicle run smoothly and efficiently, it should not serve as a substitute for regular vehicle maintenance. The regular use of fuel additives will help keep your combustion chambers and fuel injectors clean, allowing your engine to run at its best. Follow the guidelines in your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the proper maintenance schedule.

For more car care tips, visit Prestone.com.

That’s good news for budget-conscious drivers, many of whom are holding on to their vehicles longer and finding ways to get more out of them for their money. In fact, J.D. Power & Associates projects 6 million fewer cars will be sold this year than just two years ago, as more people opt to keep their current rides on the road. So how can you help keep your car running longer? Try these tips:

Check The Oil

Keep an eye on your vehicle’s oil, especially if it is an older model. Start by removing the oil dipstick from the engine and wiping it clean. Then replace the dipstick and remove it again. Look to see where the oil is on the dipstick. It should be between the stick’s “full” and “empty” lines. If the oil is low, slowly add more into the oil case, continuing to check the dipstick to see when the case becomes full. It’s important not to add too much oil. You can refer to your owner’s manual for types of oil to use.

Kick The Tires

The right tires can have a positive impact on the performance and handling of your car. For instance, Michelin’s Energy Saver A/S tires are designed to provide up to 109 gallons of fuel savings over their lifetime, while the company’s HydroEdge tire is designed to stop 14 feet shorter than other tires and last up to 33,000 miles longer. They can help provide a safer and less expensive ride, but also save the cost of early tire replacement down the road.

Change The Filters

Air and oil filters help protect the engine from damage caused by grime and dirt. When they are clean, the filters also help automobiles operate more efficiently, which can improve performance and gas mileage.

A good rule of thumb is to replace your air and oil filters every time you have the oil changed. You might also change the filters yourself. Just be sure to check your owner’s manual for specific filter sizes and requirements.

For more tips and information, visit Michelinman.com.