3 Ways Drivers Waste Money on Their Vehicles

Between gas prices and auto insurance, owning and driving a car is expensive. The last thing drivers want is to waste money on unnecessary expenses. When money is tight, every dollar counts. But it happens to the best of us car owners (and lessees), whether because we make a mistake or simply get busy with other things and forget to take simple steps to avoid this pitfall.

Moving forward, keep an eye out for these pesky, top three money-suckers so you get to keep, and spend, every dollar you make.

1. Not Keeping Your Registration, Vehicle Stickers and License Plates Up to Date

To drive legally, it’s necessary to have updated vehicle stickers and plates, a process that may occur every year or two, depending on where you live. Yet it is all too easy to overlook this task. Who could blame you! The process has changed over the years, as have the reminders. And someone who has a car for the first time or simply doesn’t drive often may forget to put these reminders on their calendar.

However, failing to do so can result in pricey fines that no one wants. Whenever in doubt, contact your local Currency Exchange (CCEA). The people working there can help you figure out:

1. Whether your plates or registration are expired
2. How to update them
3. What the deadline is
4. What the fees will be
5. When to stop by the CCEA to get your updated tags or stickers

While you’re here, you will likely find other auto-related and financial tasks that need to be taken care of, and you’ll be glad they all take place under one roof.

2. Neglecting to Fill Your Car’s Tires and Other Routine Auto Maintenance

You’re likely heard this advice before, but routine auto maintenance is as necessary as they say it is. Sure, it includes paying an upfront expense – with the exception of filling your tires – but it’s a lot more expensive to experience engine failure or some other problem that will cost even more.

Regular oil changes keep your engine and the components within it running smoothly. And maintaining your tire pressure with the proper pounds per square inch (psi) will give you better mileage in the long run.

3. Forgetting to Pay Tolls and Parking Tickets ASAP

Sometimes an innocent oversight such as failing to pay a toll can cost drivers, as well.

According to the state of Illinois, “Failure to pay tolls can result in fines, fees and possible suspension of your license plate and/or your driver’s license.” And that last one will cost you in other ways! Don’t make this mistake and get those tolls paid asap.

The same goes for unpaid parking tickets. A single ticket can cost $100 or more. And the amount adds up quickly if you forget to contest or pay them. In Chicago, for example, “You have 25 days from the date of decision to pay the ticket before it doubles. Additionally, if you fail to contest a ticket, you have 25 days from the date of initial default determination to pay the ticket before it doubles.”

If you’re having trouble affording tickets, contact your local government. There may be a way to get those fines lowered or forgiven.

Currency Exchanges (CCEAs) in Illinois and Midwest

At Currency Exchanges throughout the Midwest, we understand the frustration that sometimes accompanies car ownership. That’s why we offer so many services to people who drive, as well as those who travel with Ventra. We even have title and registration services for boat owners.

Check out Community Currency Exchange (CCEA) online to find out more about the countless ways we have been serving neighborhoods for decades.