Category Archives: Auto

A large portion of Midwesterners aspire to own electric vehicles someday, despite the fact that car prices have been off the charts lately. The logic makes sense. Having to purchase half or none of the gas you used to need should save you money in the long run, at least on refueling costs – especially if you just got rid of a pricey gas guzzler.

However, before you hit the road to test your theory, be sure your plates, registration and other routine auto tasks are taken care of so you don’t get ticketed.

Next, review some notable refueling differences so you’ll know what to expect.

How Much Money You Save Overall

Generally, EV owners pay a fraction of what others spend per mile to drive their cars. If you want a more accurate figure, you’ll need to do a little math. How much those savings will offset the higher price you paid for your new car or truck depends on a few things.

1. How much more did you spend than you would have on another gas vehicle?
2. Can you access any government incentives to sweeten the deal for an EV?
3. What is the lasting power of your battery?
4. How much will you have to pay to maintain the vehicle? Hybrids tend to have more complex inner workings than EVs.
5. What is the price of a gallon of gasoline – and what if it changes going forward?

Electricity Costs Vary More Than Gas Costs

Remember: electricity isn’t free, either. While gas prices remain fairly steady, there are more variances when it comes to EV power, and the cost is one of them. Even though a battery usually lasts much longer than a full tank of fuel, it’s still worth figuring out what kind of charging costs to expect. Factors that can impact your rates:

• Whether you are charging at home, which is generally cheaper
• The cost of electricity in your state. Apparently, Iowa is one of the cheapest states.
• How much the station charges – there are many options
• Time of day – lower nighttime demand often results in lower electricity charging rates

Hybrid Cars Offer More Refueling Flexibility

If you drive a hybrid, you can still save substantially at the pump. A hybrid driver can get away with spending a third on gas of what they did before. Again, you will want to examine your driving habits. If you drive mostly in cities and suburbs, you may end up using more battery power, spending less on gas, since these vehicles are designed to run on battery power at lower speeds. However, hours of highway and remote driving at a time might mean your car will switch over to gas whether you want it to or not.

Find Out Where to Refuel Based on Your Travel Habits

Until recently, new EV drivers were sometimes surprised to discover there weren’t many EV charging stations where they were headed. The federal government as well as private companies have invested in installing enough stations so that EV drivers can more easily move around the country without getting stranded when their battery runs out.

But here’s the catch: some states have way fewer electric vehicles, or stations, or both. Illinois has more ports than Wisconsin, for instance, but it also has more than twice the population and many more EV drivers. If you’re in a rural area, you will likely have to travel farther to find a place to refuel. Generally, cities have the most charging options.

You May Have to Wait … a While

Did we mention the wait time? Don’t let your battery run out if you can help it. It can take up to several hours to recharge the whole battery, which is why more homeowners are investing in their own chargers. Another option – charge while you shop! Costco, Target and Walmart are among the big box stores known for their free EV charging (up to a point).

Expect a Different Looking Refueling/Charging Station

Finally, refueling a hybrid or EV versus a regular car is not always as straightforward as those new to the game might think. Relatively new EV owners can get tripped up even after weeks or months of driving. There are power levels to select. Plugs may look weird. If any of this confuses you, don’t be shy about asking for help.

CFSC Auto Services in Illinois & Wisconsin

If you’re in Illinois or Wisconsin, neighborhood CFSC Auto Services want to help you stay on track no matter what you drive. Stop by to get your stickers, plates and other auto needs taken care of in a jiff.

Find your nearest CFSC Auto Services location so you know where to go!

Car ownership is a beautiful thing – unless you are struggling with the expenses of having one. Whether you’re not sure you can continue to afford your car, or you’re simply looking to save a few dollars on car ownership, there is probably a way to make that happen.

Avoid Fines Due to Expired Illinois Licence and Tags

The first way to avoid overpaying is to stay legal, as in make sure your plates and license do not expire to avoid fees due to expired tags or an expired city sticker. It may seem like a no brainer, but Illinois drivers unnecessarily spend thousands of dollars on fines each year due to expired tags. It’s been more and more common since the state stopped sending out those reminders to save money.

Driving with an expired driver’s license can be even more costly. If your car gets towed, you may be on the hook for hundreds of dollars in tickets and tow fees on top of that pricey ticket you’re going to find on the windshield. Better to simply stay on top of your auto insurance and everything else you need to drive legally and safely.

Drive a Smaller Car

Drivers of Kias and Honda Fits spend hundreds of dollars less a year on gas than those with SUVs. If you’re thinking of trading in your car for a new (or used) one, make the miles per gallon of your new car the highest priority.

Consider a Hybrid Vehicle

Many Americans have ditched their gas guzzlers for hybrid vehicles. Some do it for environmental reasons, but you can expect to get twenty to thirty-five percent better gas mileage than driving your regular car, according to GreenAmerica.org. Those dollars not spent on gas will add up fast!

Lower Your Car Insurance

Perhaps you could be spending less on car insurance. You don’t want to cut out any essentials, but a call to your insurer might reveal an unexpected shortcut to lower bills. Raising your deductible and bundling with home insurance are two ways that drivers make this happen.

Refinance Your Auto Loan

Are your loan terms as favorable as they could be? If your car is in good condition, you should be able to refinance your loan. Call banks and other lending institutions to get a few quotes and compare them with your existing one. If you can get one with a lower interest rate, you might have less trouble making those monthly loan payments.

Drive Fewer Miles – or at Different Times of the Day

Have you ever discovered a new shortcut by accident? We all get into our driving routines, so much so that there might be a better route right under your nose. Look up alternate routes to work, including how long they take at different times of the day. Taking a different road a half hour earlier or later could translate to less time sitting in rush hour traffic.

Filing Your Tires & Other Ways to Maximize Your Gas Efficiency

A lot of little habits contribute to the relative efficiency of our driving. We may not notice it at the pump immediately, or we might notice a difference over time and not know why we’re gradually paying more or less.

Things such as filling your tires to the recommended tire pressure are correlated with better gas mileage. Taking care of that routine maintenance you’ve been putting off is another one. Car repairs will always end up costing more. Even slow-coasting – going a bit slower so you’re not forced to hit the brakes unnecessarily – has been shown to maximize one’s gas efficiency.

Use Your Car to Make More Money

Car ownership may be expensive, but cars also give us the power to make money. If you can’t make your car payments but really want to hold onto your vehicle, it may be time to consider a side hustle or other way to make more dough. A better-paying job is another possibility, now that you have the wheels to get there.

Visit CFSC Auto Services in Illinois & Wisconsin for Helpful Auto Services

Visit your nearest CFSC Auto Services next time you need to update your stickers, replace a stolen plate, or register a new vehicle. We’ve got a lot more in the way of financial and auto-related services, as well. Just ask!

Skip the DMV lines and visit CFSC Auto Services today!

Heading out on the semi-frozen road? When temperatures dip below freezing, there are more risks than simply running out of gas. Definitely fill up the tank and take care of routine maintenance. You don’t want to be stranded roadside in the bitter cold. But first, check your vehicle and replenish it with items that may prove helpful, if not essential, in case of an unexpected event – particularly if you find yourself without heat while you and your passengers wait for assistance.

Your owner’s manual and a warm beverage is a good place to start on chilly days. For longer drivers in less familiar locations, consider what else you might need if everything doesn’t go to plan.

Staying Safe and Warm on the Road in the Midwest

When was the last time you peeked inside your roadside emergency kit? If it’s been a year or more, find out what it contains so you know you are prepared and can add or update anything based on your current circumstances. There are several necessities that won’t fit in a kit but you’ll still want to bring. A cell phone charger to keep your phone juiced up. Pet food if you’re bringing a furry friend. Diapers if needed. And in case cell service is dropped or GPS malfunctions, a paper map is not a bad idea.

What else should you keep in your car?

• Sleeping bags or warm blankets for everyone
• Extra water
• Aspirin or ibuprofen
• Bandages
• Flashlight – check the batteries
• Tire chains, depending on your vehicle (for snowy, hilly regions)
• Towels

The most important items should enable everyone in the vehicle to stay warm and hydrated, as well as allow you to get in touch with help if you need it. But there are other items to consider, depending on where you are headed. For example, sturdy shoes if you are going off-road. Extra gloves for harsh conditions. Snacks and possibly medications for those relying on them. Think about the most vulnerable person in the car and be sure their needs will be met in case of engine trouble on the road.

Are You Prepared for a Flat Tire?

Changing a tire in snowy and icy conditions is even more challenging than in temperate weather. Be sure you have roadside assistance through AAA, your insurance provider or another service. Most folks would probably prefer to await professional assistance, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare for just such a scenario. Have you checked the quality of your spare tire lately? Fewer new cars come with spare tires nowadays. Whether a spare or a tire kit is normally secured in back, drivers should be familiar with these items in case of a flat or punctured tire.

Do You Have All the Documents You Need to Drive in Illinois?

Finally, no matter how short the drive, be sure all of the necessary documentation is proper and up to date.

1. Proof of Auto Registration

Drivers typically keep a document showing their proof of registration in their glove compartment. This document has vital information such as your name, the registration number of your vehicle, and the make and model. However, in the digital era, more drivers are keeping a digital copy in their phone, as well. If you are stopped by a law enforcement official, you may need to prove your vehicle is registered to show you are legally allowed to operate it on public roads.

2. Your Driver’s license

A lapsed drivers license may not seem like a big deal, but if you are stopped by a police officer you could be facing a fine or worse. Not to mention, you won’t be allowed back in your vehicle until you update your license, a task that requires making time in your busy schedule. It will be easier, and also cheaper, to go through the steps to update it before it lapses.

3. Insurance Card

Keep your most current auto insurance card either in the glove compartment or in your wallet when you drive. The state of Illinois requires a minimum of coverage of certain types of liability insurance. This covers you financially in case you are involved in an accident that results in someone’s death or in damage to property.

However, it may not ensure you are entirely covered, and you may want to be insured for higher amounts. Visit the Illinois Secretary of State’s office online for the most current updates to the law, and contact your insurance provider if you are unsure whether you are adequately covered by your plan.

Visit CFSC Auto Services for Your Auto Needs in Illinois & Wisconsin

At CFSC Auto Services, our team can get your stickers, replace lost or stolen plates, transfer ownership, and assist with vehicle registration when you buy a new car. While you’re here, you can also take advantage of a range of useful financial services we provide.

Visit the CFSC Auto Services near you so you will be ready for winter driving in the new year!

Nearly every household in Illinois and Wisconsin has access to a car or light truck. But that doesn’t make every adult a car owner. About a quarter of U.S. drivers lease instead of buy, a figure that has gone up a few points over the last year alone.

As for whether to lease or own, the choice is entirely up to you. Making the right decision requires exploring the long-term costs – and potential financial risks – to determine what it would mean for your wallet, as well as your personal driving needs.

Auto Leasing is Growing – But Less Popular in the Midwest

Some people prefer taking on less of a permanent commitment when it comes to their vehicle. After all, car ownership is a big responsibility. A new vehicle will set you back on average $48,000, according to MoneyGeek, and who has that kind of cash lying around? Still, leasing is slightly less common here in the Midwest, maybe due to our long winters and rough terrain – or just our appetite for long, scenic drives.

When Is Car Ownership Necessary?

The main distinction between owning and leasing a car is that once you buy one, it is entirely yours. This gives you a certain kind of freedom that you might not otherwise have:

1. What auto insurance to get
2. Where to take it
3. How many miles to put on the odometer
4. Whether to sell it, and to whom
5. How to soup it up

Leasing only gives you temporary ownership, and with some strings attached in terms of destinations and distances. While ownership is not usually necessary, it is usually the preferred option for people with a long-term vision of having a vehicle that they can afford.

Leasing Agreements Have Terms You May Not Like

If you are considering leasing a vehicle, take a close look at the terms and conditions in your lease agreement. Someone else will be calling shots such as who will be responsible for repairs and maintenance. What kind of wear and tear clause does it contain? When the lease is up, the dealer could charge you for the cost of upgrading the brake pads or replacing the tires if that’s what your agreement dictates.

Have someone you trust comb through the contract with you to ensure you understand every detail before signing anything. That will give you time to ask questions and more leeway for negotiating better terms if anything appears unfair or simply unfavorable to you.

Cost Considerations Before Buying a Car

Car shoppers tend to look first and foremost at the monthly payments they will need to make to access a set of wheels. Instead of going with whatever is cheaper, take a longer-term look at the costs and financial responsibility you will have in the coming months or years. Considerations that might inform your decision:

1. The full cost of the vehicle, including auto registration fees and taxes. Car payments today can average well over $700/month – less for used and leased vehicles.
2. The amortization factor. How much of your initial monthly payments will go toward the interest on your loan? Find out if any additional payments you make can go toward the principal on the loan instead. Since interest is typically based on the principal, doing so could lower the dollar amount you pay over time.
3. Are any terms subject to change? You will want to discern whether they could become less favorable in the future.
4. What will the cost of insurance be – and how much would it go up?

Do your research so that whatever decision you make is an informed one!

Leasing as a Short-Term Solution

There are a few reasons you or your family might prefer the temporary status of a leased car. If your spouse’s job requires driving for just a few months at a time in a different state, leasing might be a much more pragmatic solution. Other factors that might make leasing appealing:

• Vehicles tend to be newer and therefore more reliable.
• Lower monthly payments could make driving a more expensive car possible.
• Maintenance on newer cars might be less overall.
• There won’t be pressure to sell it.

Let CFSC Auto Services in Illinois & Wisconsin Handle Your Car Needs

Whatever you drive, be sure to have CFSC help you register it properly so you can get your new plates! There will be other routine auto-related tasks, and our CFSC Auto Services in Illinois and Wisconsin are happy to help! We can even replace a lost or stolen license plate or sticker if you need one.

Visit your nearby CFSC Auto Services for more information on our financial and auto services!