Cheaper, Better, Faster Mary Hunt - Baker Publishing Group

AutomobilesGas pumping—keepyour hands cleanKeep a box of baby wipes inthe car to clean your handsafter pumping gas.Gas savings—go with smallest carIf economy is your first priority,buy the smallest caryou can live with. Weightis the biggest enemy of fueleconomy.Gas savings—park, walk, and saveWhen driving into a parkinglot, take the first availablespace you see, and don’t beafraid to walk the extra distance.Slow stop-and-go drivingis the most gas consuming;so be willing to walk a little,and you’ll save a lot.Hubcap return—better your chancesWith a permanent markingpen, write your name andphone number on the inside ofyour car’s hubcaps. This way,if one goes flying you have achance of having it returned.Include the word “reward,”and you will greatly increasethe likelihood of a return.Even if it costs you 20 percentof the price of a replacement,you’ll be 80 percent ahead.Mechanics—opt for studentsIf your car has a ding, dent, orbent fender, check out the autobody department of a localvocational school or communitycollege. You may be ableto have your car repaired bythe students—while under thewatchful eye of the instructors.All you will be charged isthe cost of parts. There is typicallyno labor charge underthese circumstances.Oil—bargainsStockpile oil, oil filters, and airfilters when they go on sale.Unopened bottles of oil have along shelf life.Oil—filter sizeThe most effective way toprolong the life of your car isto install the largest oil filter23Mary Hunt, Cheaper, Better, FasterRevell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, © 2013. Used by permission.