As gas prices continue to spike, drivers will be looking for nearly every way possible to save a buck and improve fuel economy. One of the ways to do this is through vehicle maintenance, but purchasing a new, high-MPG vehicle is also an option.
For drivers who plan on keeping their current vehicle, maintenance can greatly improve fuel economy. Sometimes its difficult to perceive your fuel economy if your car doesn't track the statistic on the dashboard. However, take your car into the shop for some maintenance TLC and you'll likely notice that you'll have more time in between trips to the pump.
Still, some older vehicles will simply never be as fuel efficient as the new models, which have the benefit of enhanced technology. For this reason, some drivers might be looking to finance a new vehicle purchase.
"We all know that performing routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations can increase our gas mileage, but not everyone considers that the amount of a down payment or value of a trade-in reduces the amount you will need to finance," said AWARE (Americans Well-informed on Automobile Retailing Economics) spokesman Eric Hoffman. "Likewise, not all shoppers realize that they can negotiate their financing terms like they can the price of the vehicle."
Those who want to learn about the financing or lease process for a car should visit AWARE's website, which provides consumer advice on the car buying process.