Owning a car is a huge expense right now -- these 3 tools can help you save

Rising costs are turning car ownership into an ongoing expense, and CNBC Select highlights three practical tools to soften the burden. Gas prices have surged, with the national average for regular gas at $4.39 per gallon on May 29, according to AAA, a 38.9% rise from a year earlier. Higher interest rates and elevated new-car prices have pushed auto-loan payments higher, with 19% of loans now over $1,000 per month, per Experian Automotive. Auto insurance costs have climbed 18% in the last year, per The Zebra, expanding the total cost of ownership alongside maintenance. Extended warranties can cover transmission, engine, and climate repairs, depending on the plan chosen.

Warranty plans typically start around $40 per month, about $480 annually, which is lower than last year's average $838 in repairs, per Cox Automotive. Autopom provides 24/7 roadside assistance and trip interruption protection, and it allows you to choose your repair shop. CarShield has no vehicle age limit and approves models with up to 300,000 miles. Refinancing a car loan can reduce monthly payments; on average, borrowers save $142, totaling about $1,346 over the loan term, per a LendingTree study from November 2025. For the lowest rates, PenFed Credit Union markets 36-month new-car loans starting around 4.19% and emphasizes a simple membership process.