5 Ways to Save Money on Car Expenses

The coronavirus pandemic has thrown off a lot of our lives. From businesses having to halt their day-to-day operations to families and communities coming together to help those who are most at risk, this summer is certainly different from last year’s.

Millions are out of work, and for many of us, even though life is slowly returning to normal, funds are probably still pretty tight. Like utility bills, mortgage payments, and groceries, car expenses are one part of our lives that can’t be avoided. But there are a few things you can do to cut down your expenses so you don’t feel like you’re drowning in debt.

Here are five ways you can save some money on your car expenses.

Get techy

Whether you’re a baby boomer, a millennial, or a Gen Zer, the right apps can make your life a whole lot easier – and they can help you save a few bucks. Apps like GasBuddy and autoTRADER take a most of the work out of finding the best deals in your area. Gas Buddy is a great way to find the cheapest gas near you so you know whether you should gas up near home or closer to work.

If you’re in need of a new car (or truck, or RV, or boat, bike, snowmobile…), autoTRADER can show you the best prices for the best-quality picks that meet your needs. The app also lets you compare vehicles to narrow down your options. 

Do It Yourself

We don’t suggest DIYing your oil change or paint touch-up, but consider foregoing your weekly car wash and doing it yourself. Summer is the best time to use the beautiful weather to your advantage and save some money.

For the most part, you should have all the materials you need: water, a few buckets, a sponge, and a microfiber cloth for drying. You may need to pick up some car wash soap if you don’t already have some, and you’re good to go.

Contact Your Insurance Company

There are myriad ways to save money when it comes to your insurance. If you haven’t already bundled your home or life insurance with your auto insurance, doing so can save you a good chunk of money. 

If you’ve swapped your office for a corner of your kitchen table, you can even ask about lowering your payments due to less traveling. Less traveling means lower risk, so why should you keep paying the same for insurance when you’re quarantined at home?

 If your insurance is as low as it will possibly get, give your insurer a call anyway and inquire about any COVID-19­–related discounts. Many insurers want to help their customers during these trying times and are offering discounts on their insurance payments. Some companies are automatically discounting customer policies, so if you pay monthly, check your most recent bill for any changes. 

Be Consistent

A small problem can worsen over time if you leave it for the sake of saving a little money. Rust spots, for example, will continue to grow if you don’t address them immediately. If you notice damage to your vehicle, you may brush it off until things are “back to normal” and your income is freely flowing again, but who knows when that will be.

Our advice would be to come in for a free estimate, or fill out our online estimate form, so you know how much the repair will cost you, and work toward saving up for it as soon as possible. It may be cheaper than you’d anticipated, or it may be more serious. In both cases, knowing and addressing the problem is more cost-effective than letting it grow.

Spend a Little More

Okay, we know you’re already strapped for cash, and spending more money is probably not what you want to do. But for the sake of saving money, you may ask your auto repair shop to find you aftermarket parts. In many cases, though, OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts may be your best option in the long run. 

Aftermarket parts are not made by the car manufacturer and are not exactly those used in your car – they’re only similar. OEM parts, on the other hand, are made by the vehicle manufacturer to look and function exactly like your car’s original parts. Plus, they’re warrantied.

Whether or not the pandemic ends sometime in the near future, it’s nice to save some money where you can. Given the stress that COVID-19 has caused for many of us, these savings can hopefully cover, at the very least, an afternoon family outing or a romantic dinner. And with any luck, this pandemic will be over soon and life will begin to go back to normal.

Let us know in the comments if you have any other money-saving secrets when it comes to your car!

How To Build the Ultimate Zero Waste Car Kit

Reducing your waste can be challenging when you’re constantly on the go. If you’re a late-riser, maybe you stop at Tim Horton’s every morning on the way to work, and if you spend your days going from meeting to meeting, maybe fast-food is your easiest lunch option. That being said, approximately 50% of plastic waste is only used once, and despite what we like to tell ourselves, 91% of plastic isn’t recycled—it ends up in landfills and then in the ocean. It’s vital that even the busiest of us make a conscious effort to reduce our waste.

The easiest way to reduce your waste when you’re constantly on the go is to keep a zero waste kit of go-to items in your car at all times. Here are a few things you should have in your kit to get started.

Reusable cutlery

As of 2017, approximately 166 tonnes of plastic dining ware are thrown out—nearly an 8 percent jump from 2011, despite the fact that reusable utensils are one of the easiest eco-friendly switches to make.

At the moment, bamboo cutlery is leading the pack of eco-friendly utensils, but if you’d rather not spend money on new cutlery, you can also just stock your car with a set of your metal utensils from home. One fork, one knife, and one spoon are all you need, and you can wrap them up in a linen cutlery pouch to keep them from floating loosely around your car (where they’ll probably get lost).

A stainless steel container

Whether you bring your own lunch or need to pick up some last-minute takeout, a stainless steel container eliminates the need for any plastic wrap or wax paper. Many places are fine with putting your food in your own container as long as you ask them while you’re placing your order.

A reusable cup

Whatever you tend to drink most often should be the reusable cup you keep in your car. If you’re a coffee lover, KeepCup makes attractive, durable coffee mugs, but if you like cold drinks, a tumbler is another good alternative to those plastic Starbucks frappuccino cups.

A small mason jar

For all your compost, of course! If your lunch consists of compostable remnants, instead of tossing them in the garbage, stuff them in a small mason jar to empty into the green bin (or your garden) when you get home! Alternatively, you can toss your compost into your stainless steel container, just don’t forget to wash it out so it’s ready to use the following day. You don’t even need to buy one—just wash out an empty jam jar and voilà!, you have a compost jar!

A reusable straw

Whether you choose to go with stainless steel, bamboo, or at the very least, a funky plastic one, as long as it’s meant to be reused and not tossed with your empty single-use cup, it’s a win! You’d be surprised how often you actually use straws in a week, and it’s not until you become conscious about carrying a reusable straw and suddenly forget it at home one day that you notice. Save yourself the oh, crap! moment and keep it in your car kit!

A canvas bag

The easiest way to keep your zero waste car kit together is in a bag. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy or expensive, though I find if it’s something that fits your style, you’re more likely to remember to bring it with you when you step out of the car. Plus, a canvas bag doubles as a grocery bag if you forget to bring others with you!

The road to reducing your waste is long and eye-opening, but making a conscious effort to take small steps starts with your everyday mindless activities—like going out for coffee and meals on your lunch break. Keep a zero waste kit in your car and you’ll eliminate a significant amount of waste from your life with just one quick switch!

5 Scenic Drives in the GTA You Need to Take This Fall

Fall is arguably one of Canada's most beautiful seasons. The changing colours in the leaves make for some stunning landscapes across Ontario, and people travel great distances to see them. What better time to take advantage of and appreciate our country's beauty than with your family over the Thanksgiving long weekend?

Here are 5 scenic drives in the GTA you need to take this weekend.

Dundas Peak

Hamilton, ON is known for its abundance of waterfalls and conservation areas, and while most people prefer to visit in the summer when the temperatures are a little higher, don't underestimate how beautiful it is in the fall. Dundas Peak is the perfect lookout point to see all the changing leaves, and if you're still feeling adventurous after the hike up, you have plenty of waterfalls to choose from--the most well-known being Webster and Tews Falls.

Forks of the Credit Road

If you're looking to a day-trip with multiple stops and a variety of scenery, take a trip up to the Niagara Escarpment. Along the way, you can first stop at the Baldands in Caledon--the closest to Mars you'll probably get in this life time.  If you're in the mood for a hike (perhaps you ate too much turkey on Thanksgiving), you can either walk along the Bruce Trail while you're here (although you probably shouldn't attempt to do the full 890 km stretch after having eaten so much!), or hop back in the car and head up to Forks of the Credit Road, where you can follow the Tramble Trail. 

Wherever your drive takes you, Forks of the Credit Road is just as picturesque as your destination(s) will be.

Rattlesnake Point

For the adventurous, Rattlesnake Point offers so much more than a good view (for the best one, head to Buffalo Crag lookout point). The conservation park hosts rock climbing events and yoga in the park, and camping is available year-round.

The $7 entry fee (adults; $5.25 for kids) will give you access to all Halton parks for the day.  

Scarborough Bluffs

Tall cliffs, rocky beaches, and plush, Whether you choose to hike or drive it, the Scarborough Bluffs are a Toronto point of pride. It's the closest thing to really being in nature for Torontonians, and it offers the best views of Lake Ontario.

If it's good enough for the tons of engagement shoots that are taken here, it's good enough for you and your family to spend a day admiring the fall colours.

Dorset Lookout Tower

Although it's a few hours from the city, Dorset lookout tower is truly worth a visit. At 465 feet tall, the top of the tower offers a 360-degree view of the Lake of Bays in Haliburton. The trail allows vehicles, so you can drive right up to the lookout point (until 5:30pm). 

If you plan to spend the day, you can also check out Haliburton Highlands Brewery and Boshkung Brewery, or visit the Haliburton Forest for some more family-friendly wilderness activities.

4 Tips for Driving in Fog

Those of us in Toronto and the GTA woke up this morning to a thick layer of fog. After torrential downpours and snowstorms, fog is our least favourite condition to drive in, but according to DriversEd, it may actually be the most dangerous. Depending on its thickness, fog can severely impact road visibility, causing cars to drift across lanes or not see cars stopped ahead. Keep these next quick tips in mind when you're driving to and from work on foggy days like today. Use Fog Lights

Some cars have lights specifically built to help you see in fog. It may sound obvious to use to fog lights to drive in fog, but many drivers don't even know about this option. If you have them, use them. If you don't, follow the next tip.

Use Low-Beams

If your car doesn't have fog lights, DO NOT use your high-beams, which can actually worsen your visibility. High beams will reflect off the fog, causing the light to reflect into your eyes and the fog to become more visible instead of the road. Again, it may seem obvious, but Instead, put on your low beams which will allow you to see the road, but the less intense light won't highlight the fog and nearly blind you.

Use the Line on the Right Side of the Road as a Guide

It's way easier to spot the bright yellow lines in the middle of the road in poor weather than it is to spot the white lines to your right. One of the first things you learn when you start driving, however, is that your driving follows your eyes. In other words, wherever you look, your car will start to drift that way. It's much safer to drift to the shoulder of the road than it is to drift into the centre of the road towards oncoming traffic.

 Slow Down and Be Aware of Your Surroundings

We know. At the end of the day you want to get home as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, the most important thing to keep in mind when you're driving on a foggy day, is to slow down and be aware of your surroundings. Often, we zone out when we drive because it becomes second nature to us. We stop being aware of how fast we're going and of the other cars around us (a huge factor in most collisions). On foggy days, it's especially important to be aware. As we mentioned in the previous tip, the centre line may be easier to see in the fog, but you always drift where you're looking. And so do oncoming drivers. Keep an eye on the cars around you in case you notice one of them starting to drift toward you, so that you can react accordingly.

Fog is the least ideal climate to drive in (in our opinion), but if you keep these four tips in mind, you'll get home slowly but surely (and safely).

May 19, 2017 - Your Perfect Road Trip Playlist

The Victoria Day long weekend marks the start of warmer weather and road trip season. Whether you're a parent, a student, or a young professional,  you've probably started planning your summer trips, both within and out of Canada. Sure, visiting a new country is fun, and it would be nice if we all had unlimited funds and could take weeks or months at a time off of work to travel, but unfortunately we're weighed down by mortgages and car insurance and ridiculously high phone bills. Still, weekends (and especially long weekends) are for road trips! If you're getting bored of hearing the same Top 40 songs on the radio, we've put together the perfect 4-hour playlist with a mix of classics and more modern songs to make your next road trip feel as close to a real vacation as possible. With the windows down and the wind in your hair, you can at least pretend you're driving through the Amalfi Coast.

Careers in the Automotive Industry

https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/job-profiles/automotive-engineer

http://www.automobilemag.com/news/so-you-want-to-break-into-the-automotive-industry/

Mar 23, 2017 - Celebrities Who Look Like Their Cars

We've all heard that if you spend enough time with your pet or significant other, you start to look like them. But we never hear about people who look like their cars. The average person spends over four years of their life driving and 38 hours a year stuck in traffic, so perhaps it's possible for a person to end up looking like their car. Or maybe there's a weird science where we subconsciously pick cars that reflect who we are. Either way, these next 5 celebrities and their cars could almost pass for twins (if it wasn't for the whole animate-inanimate thing.) Paris Hilton & her Bentley Continental

Car enthusiasts might cringe at the fact that Paris Hilton had her Bentley Continental painted bubblegum pink with matching rims, seats, and a steering wheel, but can you deny the pair's similarities? While cars like BMW, Lamborghini, and Ferrari are seen as cars for people who want to flaunt their "new money", Bentley is an "old money" car for people who have so much money they don't need to flaunt how much they have.

David Beckham & his Porsche Turbo

Since he was signed to Manchester United at 17, David Beckham has become one of the most valued and well-known soccer players in the world. Yes, we're using David and his Turbo as an example partly because of its name (the car is fast... David Beckham runs fast... get it?), but also because after a 20-year career, he's still considered one of the best. Since the Porsche 911's creation in 1963, it's been upgraded and reimagined infinite times, and its Turbo counterpart remains one of the best sports cars out there. Okay, this example isn't so much about Beckham looking like his car as it is the overall resemblances between the two.

James Bond & his Aston Martin(s)

Understated, timeless, and incomparable. The Aston Martin is significantly lesser known than other high-end cars (like the Lamborghini, Ferrari...), making it the perfect match for an elusive, badass CIA agent like James Bond. We say Aston Martins plural because no one Aston Martin in the James Bond series is less perfect than the others. Pictured above, Daniel Craig looks identical to his DB5 in (suit) colour and in suaveness. This is our idea of a dynamic duo.

Nicki Minaj & her Lamborghini Aventador

We know. Another pink car. It's an abomination. But again, Nicki Minaj's matte bright pink $400,000 Lamborghini Aventador is the perfect complement to her over-the-top, caricature-like personality. Unlike Paris' Bentley, the Aventador is a lot more flamboyant, with its dramatic angles and scissor-doors, much like Minaj's personality.

Jay-Z and his Maybach Exelero

Jay-Z is one of the most successful rappers (the 3rd richest, and with a net worth of $550million), and he's very open about his expensive taste in jewellery and cars. His Maybach Exelero is proof of that at $8million and one of the most expensive celebrity cars. The sleek black finish with chrome detailing matches Jay's sleek black suit and extravagant bling to a tee.

Mar 7, 2017 - What Vehicle is Best on Gas?

Feb 15, 2017 - 4 Belated Valentine's Day Gifts That Won't Make it Look Like You Forgot Valentine's Day

Is it just us or is 2017 flying by? Valentine's Day has already come and gone, and while many of you probably celebrated with your significant other this past weekend, it's completely understandable that you may have forgotten the holiday altogether (what, with it being on a Tuesday and all). On the plus side: if Valentine's Day DID slip your mind last weekend, you can just blame it on the inconvenient mid-week date it fell on this year. We're big fans of buying loved ones experiences, not more stuff. It's so much more personal to share a crazy experience with someone you care about than to give them something they, in all honesty, will probably never use. We've made a list of great last-minute gift-experiences that will make your s/o believe your plan was to celebrate after the fact this entire time!

CN Tower Edge Walk 

It's like a trust-fall for adrenaline junkies and the best gift for the adventurous couple. What better way to bond with your significant other than by hanging 1,168ft above the ground together. Really though, numerous proposals and even weddings have happened on the Edge Walk. There must be something about the adrenaline rush you get when you're hanging over the edge of the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere with nothing but a thick string keeping you from falling to your death that makes you think how romantic.

Niagara-on-the-Lake 

If you're looking for a scenic, relaxing Valentine's weekend, consider heading to Niagara-on-the-Lake; with the heavy snowfall we had last week, you might even get lucky enough to find yourselves in the midst of a winter wonderland. Stay in a charming, vintage-inspired hotel like the Prince Charles of Wales, and spend the weekend relaxing and reconnecting. Check out events like Days of Wine & Chocolate, sign up for the Winter Wonderland Food Tour, or, you know, do what most people do when they visit Niagara-on-the-Lake: drink wine.

Sign up for a Cooking Class

The Chef Upstairs offers both group and private cooking classes in Toronto. For the more social couple, why not sign up for one of their fixed-menu group classes. If you're more keen on staying in (as so many of us are in the winter months), you can sign up for a private dining experience in your own home. The Chef Upstairs offers interactive cooking classes for those who like to be a part of the experience, or if you don't trust your cooking abilities, the chef will prepare a meal for you and your S/O, and all you have to do is sit back, relax, and have a glass of wine.

Bruce Peninsula

It was the must-see day trip destination for Torontonians and the GTA this past summer for its crystal blue water and dramatic cliffs. You probably won't get a tan while you're there in February, but the Bruce Peninsula is no less stunning in the winter. If you and your S/O are big on traveling but also can't just pack up and head to Paris or London for a Valentine's getaway, consider making the ~4 hour drive up to Tobermory for a couple days. Cottage rentals are available, or if you love nature as much as you love each other, just sleep outside.

Jan 20, 2017 - Throwback to the 6 Most Futuristic Concept Cars

We're all a little intrigued by the future. It's fun to speculate where technology will be in ten or twenty years, because really, anything is possible. The new year especially, is a time to reflect on the last year's personal and worldly changes, as well as to surmise the coming year's. The automotive industry is no different. Every year, manufacturers present their newest concept cars. Some are totally feasible and end up being selected as the next year's newest models. Others are completely outrageous and unpractical, and never end up being produced. These ones are our favourites; they're over-the-top, innovative, and creative.

In anticipation for what we hope to be a great new year, we're looking back on a few of the most futuristic concept cars that were (and still are) way ahead of their time.

Mazda Furai Concept

The Mazda Furai concept from 2008 looks like a souped up Batmobile. The Furai was designed to look like a race car meant for the road, and haven't we all, at some point, pretended we were driving a race car down an empty highway? (*Disclaimer: We do not encourage speeding.*) The TopGear website even refers to the Furai as, "the defining concept car of its era". Unfortunately, it never made it to mass production, but the design was so ahead of its time that perhaps once all the kinks are ironed out, the Furai can make a brand new entrance that doesn't end up in flames.

2005 Ford-Shelby GR-1 Concept

Maybe it's just the chrome finish, but the 2005 Ford-Shelby GR-1 looks like the Terminator-cum-spaceship, to us. If only the exhausts threw flamethrowers. The GR-1 was almost feasible to manufacture, aside from a few tweaks to meet safety regulations and an unappealingly low sales projection. But like the Furai, this car was enough ahead of its time that it could still make a comeback in the future.

eXtremes by Marianna Merenmies 

The three-seater crossover designed for the "eXtreme" Russian climate would fit right in with James Bond's snow-chase scene in Spectre. Lightweight and aerodynamic, its upward-opening doors make it the perfect getaway car for a Secret Service Agent. Made with a carbon fibre frame, the eXtreme protects against heat, cold, and noise. Just throw in some bullet-proof windows and it's almost as if it were developed for Russian spies.

The Lamborghini Ferruccio by Mark Hostler.

The Lamborghini Ferruccio concept looks like it's about to transform into Optimus Prime's worst enemy. The aggressive design and narrowed headlights that resemble glaring eyes look like it's ready to attack anyone who gets in its way. Every part of the Ferruccio was inspired by the brand's lineage: it's named after Ferruccio Lamborghini, the company's founder, and inspired by the Countach and Miura designs.

McLaren JetSet by Marianna Merenmies

The JetSet concept is a sleek and undoubtedly attractive to its intended premium clientele. The car's thin rear reduces its weight and increases its travel efficiency, making it easier to navigate through the high-traffic city streets. Generally, a sharp design evokes a more futuristic feel, but the JetSet is curvy in all the right places, and the unexpected fins are what elevate a generic sports car to an innovative one.

Taihoo Car Concept 2046 By Hao Huang.

The Taihoo looks like a hover board. Is there anything more futuristic than a hover board? We don't think so.