Myth #1: Change your oil every 3,000 miles.
I know a lot of people who follow this myth to the T. Some even change their motor oil before they reach the 3,000-mile mark. The truth is that you HAVE TO change your motor oil on a regular basis. This can make or break your engine. However, 3,000 miles is not the mark anymore. This is especially true for newer models. Indeed, experts say that you can easily go twice that distance before having to change your oil. The safest bet is 5,000 miles.

Myth #2: Warm up your engine before you go.
Again, a lot of people tend to do this. Perhaps it is because of habit, but it really is not necessary anymore. Fuel-injection systems have done away with the need to let the engine idle for a bit before taking off. Don’t waste your time and money doing this.

Myth #3: The higher the octane rating, the better your car will perform.
Not true. Cars are made with a certain octane rating in mind. Just because this kind of gasoline has a higher octane rating doesn’t mean that your car will be better running on it. Check what kind of gasoline your car is designed for and stick with that. There is no need to spend extra when there really is no benefit.

Buying a car is not a one time expense – everybody knows that. In fact, it could very well cost you a lot of money years down the road. In these times of financial instability, you need all the help that you can to save money. Here are my top 3 tips to help you do just that!

Buy diesel
Before you get all riled up, hear me out. I know that there are people who do not like diesel. Some hate it for environmental reasons, and I respect that. In this day and age, we need to do all we can to save the environment. But the thinking that diesel is bad for the environment is so outdated. Technology has made progress in this respect, and there are countless “clean diesel” engines available in the market today. Even better, with diesel, you get better mileage at lower costs.

Drive a stick
Do you know how to drive a stick shift? If you do, then you’re better off than a huge number of Americans today. Automatic cars are all the rave but the fact is that these cars consume more fuel. They also cost more as well. So learn how to drive a manual.

Buy hybrid
Even better than diesel, hybrid cars will save you more money down the road. The initial cost may be a bit higher than “normal” cars but the long term savings are worth it. Another thing, I foresee cheaper hybrids in the near future as this seems to be the trend. So really, there will soon be no excuse for not buying hybrid.