Saving money is all the buzz this season, so we thought it would be interesting to find out how people waste money. One of the most common ways we found, believe it or not, is on vehicles and vehicle maintenance. Whether people are following outdated advice or being taken in by the myriad of television advertisements, people seem to be more than happy to throw unnecessary money at their cars.

Here are the top ten money-wasting habits of car owners:

1. Premium gasoline: believe it or not, and we suggest ‘believe it’, your car will run just fine on lower octane fuel. In fact, open up your owner’s manual and see what the manufacturer recommends. Nine times out of ten, you’ll see 87 octane.

2. Frequent oil changes: while the vehicle’s our parents drove may have needed oil changes every 3,000 miles, this is simply no longer the case. Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles is adequate. If you rarely drive, your oil should be changed every six months.

3. Skipping recommendations: if the factory recommends changing a belt or two every so often, do so. The recommendation is there for a reason. Preventative maintenance may seem hard to justify when nothing is wrong with your car, but you’ll save money in the long run.

4. Relying on the dealer: your dealer wants to make money. Compare their recommendations with those of the manufacturer and heed the manufacturer where there are any inconsistencies.

5. Using the dealer for repairs: skip the dealership and head to an independently owned garage when your car is in need of major repairs. You’ll get the work done cheaper and not sacrifice on quality.

6. Failing to perform DIY maintenance: windshield wiper blades and air filters are just two of the things that are quite easily changed on your own. Not only will you save money on parts, but you will save money on labor as well.

7. Changing antifreeze every winter: your antifreeze needs to be changed about every two years. Run your air conditioner for five or ten minutes every few weeks in the winter to keep the parts of your cooling system well lubricated.

8. Modifications: sure, tinted windows look cool, but do you really need them? Not only are things like tinted windows an unnecessary expense, but you may end up paying higher insurance premiums by adding modifications to your car.

9. Paying too much for car insurance: one of the biggest mistakes that people make is to buy an insurance policy and never look at it again. When it comes time to renew your premium, be sure to get online and retrieve quotes from several providers. You may be able to save several hundred dollars a year.

10. Mileage boosters and additives: as gas prices rise, so does the availability of oil and gas additives. There is no additive on the market that has been scientifically proven to boost your cars performance. Save your money!

Your car is expensive enough. From monthly loan payments to filling the gas tank, a good chunk of your budget is dedicated to your vehicle. Don’t spend more on your car than you need to!

Author Stephen Anderson is an insurance consultant who strongly suggests that you check out this Auto Insurance Blog for the newest advice in the industry. 21st Century Car Insurance is just one example of the providers available for comparison, to make certain you get the very best deal available.