Since we had our little one, my whole perspective on the family car has changed. It is no longer just a way to get to work; it is the thing that hauls the stroller and keeps the kid safe. We are trying to stick to a stricter budget now, and the regular upkeep on our SUV is one area where I feel like we are overspending. I have been looking into ways to be smarter about it, specifically focusing on reducing automotive maintenance costs without sacrificing safety, of course. Things like sticking to the manufacturer's maintenance schedule instead of the dealerships suggested upsells, and finding a trustworthy independent shop instead of the dealer, seem to be the way to go. It is tough balancing the need for reliability with the need to save money for diapers and daycare. Anyone else find themselves becoming a budget expert on car care after having kids?