Whitney Vandiver

Writer | Car ownership, car maintenance

Whitney Vandiver writes for NerdWallet about ways car owners can save money on ownership and maintenance. She previously wrote in the oil and gas industry, where she was published in national journals and international magazines. Whitney became a writer out of enjoyment and finds stories that highlight or help the LGBTQ+ community the most rewarding to craft. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading and walking with her Irish wolfhound. She is based in Houston.

Education: B.A. in English from University of Central Oklahoma, M.A. in linguistics from Purdue University, Ph.D. in linguistics from Purdue University

Whitney's picks

How Trans and Nonbinary People Can Change Names on Credit Reports

by Bev O'Shea, Lauren Schwahn

9 Best Socially Responsible Banks

by Spencer Tierney

Estate Planning 101 for LGBTQ+ Couples

Whitney has also nerded out in...

Other publications

Yahoo News, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com

The latest from Whitney

Best Credit Card Readers for Small Businesses

Based on style, hardware costs and transaction fees, these top readers may be right for your business and budget.

Used Car Prices Are Dropping: What That Means for Car Buyers

Used-car prices took a big drop in December, but buying a car now can still be prohibitive for some buyers.

Navy Federal Credit Union Auto Purchase and Refinance Loans: 2023 Review

Navy Federal Credit Union offers auto loans for new and used vehicle purchases and refinancing. It offers additional discounts to military personnel.

How to Recession-Proof Your Car

Here are tips to help you save money on your car if you're worried about a recession.

Should I Sell My Car for Extra Cash?

If you're facing financial hardship, you might want to sell your car for extra cash. But is selling always a good idea?

11 Easy Ways to Save Money on Gas

Here are tips for how to save money at the pump, while driving, and with maintenance when fuel prices soar.

What Types of Tires Should I Buy?

Tires offer a variety of features and performance ranges. Here's a guide to choosing the right tire for your car and budget.

How Much Do Brake Pads Cost?

Replacing a set of brake pads tends to run $115-$270, but the type of brake pads and your location affect the price.

How Much Are Tires?

You can pay from $50 to over $1,000 for a single new tire, depending on type and quality.

When Car Maintenance Turns Expensive

Maintenance can be an expensive part of car ownership. Here are five tips for when it costs more than you expect.

How to Handle a Bad Mechanic

If you think a mechanic did a bad job or made a mistake, here's how you can request they fix it or give a refund.

Why Is It So Difficult to Sell a Car Privately?

Selling your car privately may bring in more money, but it can be more difficult than selling it to a dealer.

How Much Do Electric Car Batteries Cost?

Replacing an electric car battery will cost between $4,000-$20,000, but there are some cheaper options.

How Much Do Hybrid Car Batteries Cost?

A hybrid battery costs between $1,000-$8,000 to replace, but there are cheaper options available.

How Much Does Wheel Alignment Cost?

You should plan to pay at least $100 and potentially over $300, depending on the make and model of your vehicle.