Press Releases

A tune-up for your wallet: Five ways to save on car-related costs

03/07/2004

As a vehicle represents one of the largest purchases most consumers will make, Shell recommends five ways to make the most of their automotive budgets

According to the National Automobile Dealers Association, the average sticker price of a new vehicle today is more than $27,000, a 5.4 percent increase from just one year ago.  For most consumers, a vehicle represents one of the largest purchases they will make in their lifetimes.  Whether you simply drive your car to and from work or you spend hours behind the wheel traveling the nation’s highways, owning and operating a car can be an expensive proposition.

“Because cars can be one of the more expensive necessities in life, it’s important for consumers to protect their vehicle investment and control car-related costs,” said David Bunch, manager of credit cards for Shell Oil Products US.  “From performing routine car maintenance to having a plan for how you pay for car-related expenses, motorists have greater control than they may think over the costs of owning and operating their vehicles.”

To help motorists manage car-related costs and protect their investment for the long haul, Shell recommends the following five ways to make the most of their automotive budget:  

• Don’t Be Fuelish.  One of the easiest ways for motorists to make the most of their fuel budget is to ensure their vehicles are operating as efficiently as possible.  Start by checking to make sure the car’s tires are inflated to the proper level.  Properly inflated tires provide less road-resistance and can help improve fuel efficiency while driving.  In addition, avoid packing items on top of the car or hauling heavy materials in the car’s cargo area.  The wind resistance and extra weight can decrease your car’s gas mileage over the course of your trip.
• Pay With a Rewards Card.  Credit cards offer a simple way to pay for things quickly and without hassle – ideal for making a gasoline purchase.  The benefits of using the right card extend beyond convenience and can actually help you save money on your purchases.  When pulling up to the gas pump, use a credit card that offers a rebate on gasoline purchases.  For example, the Shell MasterCard® from Citi® Cards features one of the best rebate programs of its kind.  Cardholders earn Shell gasoline rebates on every purchase they make with the card.  They earn 5 percent rebates on Shell gasoline purchases and 1 percent rebates on all other purchases.  With a 5 percent rebate, cardholders would earn rebates of about 10 cents per gallon based upon a recent national average cost per gallon. 1
• Avoid “Jackrabbit” Driving Habits.  The way you drive your vehicle also can have an impact on costs.  “Jackrabbit” or abrupt starts and sudden stops can take a real toll on your vehicle and decrease its fuel efficiency.  Press down gradually and gently on the pedals, giving your brakes – and your passengers – a break.  You also can use your cruise control while on the highway to help limit the amount of accelerating and braking that you might have to do.  These changes in driving habits will help to increase your fuel efficiency and keep you rolling down the highway. 
• Stick to the Schedule.  Whether you’re headed to the workplace or to a vacation destination, the last thing you want to deal with is an unexpected breakdown while on the road.  To help prevent unwanted car trouble, it’s important to set aside time to have scheduled maintenance performed on your car as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer.  The cost and time that you may spend maintaining your vehicle on a regular basis are far less than the costs, headaches and time involved in repairing a stranded vehicle on the side of the road.  Start by taking your vehicle to an automotive service center, such as Jiffy Lube or a Shell service station with a service bay, to have it checked periodically, and be sure to keep a log of all general maintenance performed on your vehicle.  A regular oil change and an inspection of your vehicle’s belts, hoses and fluids will help prevent unexpected problems. 
• Plan Your Outings.  Before heading out the door and hopping in the car, take a few moments to plan your trip and the stops you need to make.  To keep your car’s engine warm and running efficiently, combine your errands into one outing to avoid short separate trips.  This will help you avoid unnecessary cold starts.  When possible, consider carpooling with friends or co-workers and taking turns driving.  By limiting the number of trips your car makes in heavy traffic, you’ll help minimize the wear and tear on your vehicle and save on gas.