Car Myths That Cost You Money Every Year

One of my favorite websites cracked.com had an article about car myths that cost you money.  It's a good article and it solidifies some things I've believed for quite some time.  I've added a couple of my own too.

First here's what they had to say.

1. Changing oil every 3,000 miles. Check your owners manual.  I cannot remember the last time I saw every 3,000 miles recomended.  Nowadays it's at least 5,000 miles.

2.  Warm up your engine before you drive. Not always necessary.  It takes a long time for your car to warm up when idling, and with modern computers in cars, it adjusts on its own.  Just don't take off like a bat out of hell going 100 miles per hour.

3.  Fuel additives are good. They're not bad, it's just you don't really need them.  Plus with ethanol in almost all gas now, you don't really have to worry about it freezing.

4.  Engine tune-ups. Don't need them anymore.  Your car's computer makes things a whole lot better than it used to be.

5.  Winterizing your car. Don't need to do that either, just check your fluid levels, and tire pressure.

6.  High octane gas is better. Nope.  Most cars are designed to run on good ol '87.

That's there list, here's a few additions.

1.  Transmission flushes. This is my opinion, but transmission flushes are pointless.  If you are going to take the time to worry about your transmission, drop the pan and change the filter.  It will get everything out that way.

2.  Name brand oil. Ok, if my grandpa heard this, or the rest of my family, they would kill me.  The point is with the cost of oil nowadays, if you're going to buy oil and change it regularily, just get the cheap stuff.  I've done research online with different testings.  They all have to be qualified.

3.  Add On Fuel Economy Accessories. They don't do any good, and they aren't worth the money.  Best tip for getting the best gas mileage?  Drive smooth, keep your car running good,  have good pressure in the tires, and empty all the crap out of your trunk!