4 Ways Costco Saves Car Owners Big Money

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Although there's certainly no rule requiring Costco members to have a car, without one, shopping at the warehouse club giant's stores can be a challenge. It's one thing to walk into your neighborhood supermarket and carry out a single box of cereal or carton of eggs. It's another thing to buy groceries and other household essentials in bulk and haul everything away in your arms.

But as much as a car is often an essential part of making the most of Costco, you should also know that as a vehicle owner, Costco offers you some unique opportunities to save money .

Here are some of the perks you should know about.

1. Savings on gas

Costco's gas is competitively priced, so much so that many members find it to be the cheapest in town. But it's not just that Costco's gas is affordable. It's also high in quality.

Costco gas holds the TOP TIER designation, which means it's designed to optimize engine performance. So not only might you save money by virtue of paying a lower price per gallon, but you might also save by getting better fuel efficiency and preserving your engine (something TOP TIER gas is designed to do).

2. Free lifetime maintenance on tires

Costco's auto center is a great place to buy tires when yours need to be replaced. The prices are fantastic, and if you purchase tires at Costco, you effectively get free maintenance for their lifespan.

All Costco tire purchases include a five-year road hazard guarantee, which means Costco won't charge you to patch holes or repair flats. Plus, your tire purchase comes with free rotations, balancing, and inflation checks as you need them.

3. Free air for your tires

The above free maintenance items apply to people who purchase tires at Costco. But any driver can fill their tires with air at no cost at their local Costco store.

You'll generally find pumps in the parking lot, sometimes adjacent to the store's tire center. That's a better deal than having to pay for air at a local gas station -- even if it only costs a small amount.

4. Potential deals on auto insurance

Costco members who switch their auto insurance coverage to CONNECT might save money on their premiums and overall car ownership costs. In addition to an exclusive discount, Costco members may enjoy benefits that include roadside assistance and the ability to choose their own licensed repair facility in the event of damage.

CONNECT also boasts a hassle-free claims process, which is important during a stressful time. And some members may be eligible for a safe driving discount.

Costco reports that more than 500,000 of its members have switched their auto insurance coverage to CONNECT. And among those who reported saving money on their coverage, the average amount saved was almost $600.

Drivers have a lot to gain by purchasing a Costco membership. If you own a vehicle and aren't already a member, it pays to run the numbers to see how much savings you can enjoy by joining.

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