Blog

Sumo Sushi Established over a decade ago, this restaurant is a perpetual favorite among locals. Located at 1344 N. Zaragoza Rd., it has a laid-back atmosphere where you won't have to raise your voice to carry on conversations with others at your table. Also, the staff are very friendly and polite, and you can trust them to give good suggestions if you're not sure which menu option to try. The Dragon Roll and Crunchy Roll are just two examples of popular menu items here. more Kee's Teriyaki and Sushi Judging by the name alone, you'll know what you're in for by visiting this restaurant. In addition to offering sushi favorites like salmon rolls and spicy tuna rolls, the menu features several tasty options made without seafood that are good choices for vegetarians. After browsing the menu, you might opt for the Hawaiian Roll, which includes ingredients such as pineapple and mango, or go with the French Kiss Roll, which has fried shrimp, cream cheese, and cucumber, among other appealing additions. Kee's is located at 11660 Montwood Dr., and it has been praised for its casual atmosphere. Locals also love that the sushi is prepared quickly but carefully. However, it's a small restaurant, so it's a good idea to come early if you're planning to eat here on a typically popular night. Kagnam Style You'll find this popular restaurant at 1550 Hawkins Blvd. In addition to yummy sushi, it offers tempting Korean dishes such as Korean short ribs and bulgagi, a very well-known dish that features marinated beef. The ramen and udon noodles get high praise, so if you're looking for something to complement your sushi, there are plenty of possibilities. As far as sushi, expect perfectly sized portions and good presentation. If you're stuck wondering what kind of sushi to order, menu options with place names might offer good ideas. Popular items include the Philadelphia and Virginia rolls, and there's also a sushi roll with a Southwestern theme. Kagnam Style is a fun place to go for group gatherings, because it has private karaoke rooms. Tokyo House Grill and Sushi Buffet Make your way to 1160 Airway Blvd., and get ready to pile your plate full at the Tokyo House Grill and Sushi Buffet. This restaurant is a smart choice if you've only recently started eating sushi and want to experiment with lots of different types to figure out which ones you like best. The salmon sashimi is popular here, as is the mochi out on the buffet for dessert. With so many freshly made choices, you can rest assured this restaurant is a great value for money. This is just a sampling of some of El Paso's most worthwhile sushi places. Be sure to try all or some of them soon! Image via Pixabay.com

It's a Smart Buy Understandably, when people are in the market for new cars, they want assurance that the makes and models they buy will keep their value as long as possible. The Acura RDX, a compact luxury crossover, is one of many vehicles within this brand family that clearly retain value over the years. For example, the 2017 Acura RDX has a 52 percent ALG Residual Value after 36 months and a 38 percent ALG Residual value after 60 months.  That just goes to show that if you take good care of your Acura RDX and get it professionally serviced at recommended intervals, it'll pay off as an excellent buy. more You'll Enjoy a Powerful Vehicle A car with lots of horsepower is usually one that's fun to drive. Also, horsepower helps vehicles conquer steep hills and other tough terrain, plus it makes cars better able to accelerate quickly when taking off from a stop light. When researching Acuras, you'll discover they're equipped with capable engines. For example, the Acura TLX sedan gets up to 206 horsepower and offers 182 foot-pounds of torque. Acuras Get Great Gas Mileage Since prices at the pump have steadily increased over the past several years, many people searching for new cars seek out vehicles that sip gas rather than guzzle it. The Acura ILX is a well-engineered choice if excellent fuel economy is one of your priorities. It has a combined EPA rating of 29 mpg, which means you can feel free to drive without constantly keeping an eye out for the nearest gas station. Whether you love to take long road trips or just don't want to fill up your new car as often, the 2017 Acura ILX could help you spend less on gas while driving more. You Can Get Your Acura With a Superb Sound System Music can make even the longest journeys more fun. If your next car is an Acura, you could purchase it with an ELS Studio premium sound system. Designed by a Grammy Award-winning sound engineer, it offers 10 speakers and a handy touch-screen interface. Driver Assistance Features Come Standard on the 2017 Acura RLX Automotive technology has rapidly improved in recent years, and now many cars feature available driver-assistance features that work in the background to actively help drivers stay more aware on the road and prevent collisions. However, it's often necessary to pay extra for such technology. That's not the case if you choose the 2017 Acura RLX. That car has standard built-in safety technology that's collectively referred to as AcuraWatch. It depends on multi-view cameras, ultrasonic waves, and more to keep you safer on the road. Now that you've learned several reasons to focus on the Acura brand when researching your next car, hopefully it's obvious why this brand beats competitors in meaningful ways. Take the next step towards ownership and visit your nearest dealership. Image via Acura.com

Now that the holidays are almost here, it's the perfect time to plan how you'll celebrate. Fortunately, El Paso offers plenty of options. Keep reading to learn about some of them. Head to Rudolph Plaza for the Up and Running Jingle Bell Run Lace up your tennis shoes, grab your favorite water bottle, and take part in the Up and Running Jingle Bell Run on Dec. 17. This is a 5-kilometer event that begins at Rudolph Plaza, and if you're not up for running the route, you can join in as a walker. This event has been held for the past nine years as a charity event that benefits the girls' track team at El Paso High School. Once you reach the finish line, warm up with hot cocoa and tamales. Runners are encouraged to wear Santa hats, and if you're in the mood to go all out, you can dress up as Santa or one of his elves and put yourself in the running to win a $50 gift card. There is a $30 entry fee for the run, but the cost is only $25 if you sign up before Dec. 16. Now that you've learned about a few of El Paso's upcoming holiday events, hopefully you'll feel compelled to get out and enjoy them instead of staying cooped up indoors. Plan to attend some of these celebrations, and bring some friends too. more Meet at Eastwood High School for a Holiday Walk If you're feeling a little lethargic due to disruptions in your routine coupled with rich holiday treats, get energized by taking part in the Deby Lewis Eastwood to Eastridge Holiday Lights Memorial Walk, which happens on Dec. 18. This is an inaugural event, and as you might have guessed, this fundraising walk starts at Eastwood High School and goes through the Eastridge neighborhood to Trooper Stadium. To mark the season, the stadium will feature beautiful luminaries. Also, the 5 p.m. start time is perfect for watching the luminaries light up the night in a dazzling way. Once you reach the stadium, sip hot chocolate and listen to the festive sounds of the Eastwood band and choir as they perform holiday carols. All proceeds from this event go towards scholarships for graduates of Eastwood High School. Go to the Plaza Theatre for a Beloved Ballet Performance The holiday season just isn't complete without watching talented ballet dancers perform "The Nutcracker," and now you can do so in person rather than watching a recording of the famous story playing out on stage. On Dec. 23 and 24,  40 members of the Moscow Ballet will delight you and your family. Performances on the 23rd take place at 3 and 7 p.m., and the performance on Dec. 24 happens at noon, which means there's plenty of time left to take care of other holiday obligations. Tickets start at $30 through Ticketmaster, and group discounts are available. If you're in the mood to splurge, it's also possible to buy VIP packages. Image via Pixabay.com

The El Paso Zoo There are more than 200 species featured at the El Paso Zoo, including endangered animals such as the Aruba Rattlesnake. Marvel at beautiful creatures from all around the globe ranging from giraffes to tigers. Also, the 35-acre zoo has plenty of family-friendly activities. Besides feasting on tasty offerings from food vendors and shopping for cool souvenirs, kids can explore the Foster Tree House Playground, which combines five tree houses to create a fully immersive and engaging experience for active youngsters. more The Houston Zoo Thousands of guests have reviewed this attraction online and given it very favorable overall ratings. While spending a day at the Houston Zoo, you can visit the gorilla exhibit, which allows these huge creatures to roam freely in a natural-looking environment. Exhibits that include big cats are also perpetual favorites. If you're ready to get even closer to wild animals, don't miss your chance to take part in a giraffe feeding. The Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch Located in San Antonio, the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch is a 400-acre attraction where guests can drive through the grounds to look at hundreds of animals and enjoy a safari-like experience. Open every day, this unconventional facility provides a thoroughly memorable outing. If you're lucky, the animals may come right up to your car. The Exotic Resort Zoo Make your way to the Exotic Resort Zoo to have a fun experience that's appropriate for all ages. Stretching across more than 130 acres and located only 4 miles north of Johnson City, this attraction is unique among others on this list because it doubles as a place to stay. Take a safari led by a professional, knowledgable guide, and get glimpses of interesting things to see. The Exotic Resort Zoo was established over two decades ago and has acquired an impressive collection hundreds of extremely exotic and, in some cases, endangered animals for you to enjoy. If you want to continue to spend time with the animals after taking your tour, just book one of the safari cabins. There are five possibilities, and no matter which one you book, it'll come with amenities such as private decks and balconies, access to a game room and outdoor swimming pool, plus a giant communal fire pit that's a favorite place for families to spend time on chilly nights. Every cabin rental comes with a safari tour, so if you're looking for a cool way to celebrate a birthday or treat someone you love to an amazing weekend away, the Exotic Resort Zoo is a fantastic option. Hopefully it's now clear that Texas has plenty of enticing zoos to enjoy. Whether you want to stay near El Paso or go to a zoo while you're in another part of the state, there are many notable wild animal attractions to consider. Image via Pixabay.com

Acura TLX This sedan might not look like a cold weather warrior, but it has a lot of features packed into a small frame, making it a great choice for driving in the snow. If you opt for the base model, the car has a four-cylinder 2.4-liter engine that works with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The higher trim levels have a more capable 3.5-liter V6 engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The TLX comes standard with front-wheel drive, but all trim levels are available with the all-wheel drive system, which Acura calls Super Handling All-Wheel Drive. It's especially good for winter driving because it has a precise torque-vectoring control that makes it easier to handle around turns. more Acura MDX The SUV underwent a major redesign in 2014, so the latest models still showcase the new and improved body style. It's sleek and comfortable, with available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive that does very well in poor road conditions. According to the automotive manufacturer, this feature enhances performance handling on dry roads while giving drivers an advantage on icy, wet, or snowy roads. When directing the engine power continuously, the car has better traction and weight distribution to keep all four tires in contact with the road. It's a better option than a standard all-wheel or four-wheel drive system because of the handling around corners and turns, both of which are difficult to do safely in the wintertime. The MDX has plenty of other features as well, including a premium interior and seating for up to seven. Wintertime driving also calls for better safety features, and every model includes AcuraWatch, a safety technology suite that includes collision warning with mitigation, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and lane keep assist. Acura RDX This compact SUV is smaller and more fuel-efficient than the MDX but still handles well in the snow. Under the hood, you find a refined V6 engine that has as much or more power than turbocharged versions found in many similar vehicles in this class. When the all-wheel drive system kicks in due to loss of traction on slick roads, it immediately transfers power back to the rear wheels, keeping them from sliding as much as they would in a front-wheel or rear-wheel drive. Driving in the winter doesn't have to cause fear and panic. While you should always drive slowly and cautiously in inclement weather, having a car that can better handle wet, icy, and snowy roads can ease a lot of your stress and keep you and your family safe. Image via Acura.com

Exterior Style The outside of the 2017 TLX is appealing, with sharp curves and a wide, angular body style that adds more space to the interior. On the base trim level, the car comes with LED headlights and taillights, heated exterior side mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a sunroof, while the middle trim adds automatic windshield wipers. The top option has exterior features like LED fog lights and automatically dimming side mirrors. more Top-of-the-Line Tech When you're shopping for a new car, one of the major areas you'll probably be assessing is the technology available in the vehicle. People are more connected than ever, so they want this to extend into their cars. Texting and talking on the phone while driving is illegal in many states and becoming illegal in more, so hands-free and voice controlled systems are a must-have for many shoppers. Every 2017 TLX comes standard with Bluetooth connectivity for both phone and audio, so you can talk on the phone hands-free and stream your favorite playlists without any cords. The base model also comes with a seven-speaker sound system with satellite radio and app integration with your smartphone, along with a 7-inch touch screen display that sits beneath an 8-inch infotainment display. Choose the Technology package to add voice controls, an upgraded sound system with HD radio, and navigation. Interior Comfort When you think about a luxury sedan, the first thing you may think of is a comfortable and quiet cabin. The TLX delivers on this expectation, with standard features like simulated leather upholstery, keyless entry and ignition, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, power front seats with lumbar support, and an auto-dimming rearview. The mid-level package, Technology, adds full-leather upholstery, while the Advance package includes an eight-way adjustable passenger seat and ventilated front seats. All models are spacious with comfortable seats and generous amounts of leg room. Safety First There are also a number of innovative safety features available on the 2017 TLX. Every model includes a rearview camera with multiple angles, airbags throughout the cabin, and antilock brakes. Optional equipment is also available, such as front and rear parking sensors, forward collision alert with automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, electronic pre-tensioning seat belts in the front, and lane departure warning with intervention. Fantastic Performance The base engine is a 2.4-liter four cylinder that puts out 182 pound-feet of torque and 206 horsepower, which is pretty standard for a vehicle in this class. But the standout is the available V6 3.5-liter engine, rating at 267 pound-feet of torque and 290 horsepower. With the bigger engine, you can accelerate faster and take advantage of having more power. Take the 2017 TLX out for a test drive when it arrives at your nearest dealership to see how well this car stacks up against other midsize luxury sedans. Image via Acura.com

Where to Eat For some people, vacation is all about sampling new fare and enjoying the tastes of different parts of the country. El Paso is known for delicious Mexican food, but there are plenty of other places to eat as well. If you're in the mood for something spicy, visit Los Bandidos de Carlos & Mickey's, where you can sample all the classic Mexican entrees served with strong frozen margaritas that pair well with the food. Café Central is another favorite among locals, with an extensive menu of signature cocktails, tasty starters like beef tenderloin carpaccio and yellowtail sashimi, and a variety of salads, sandwiches, and other dishes. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a slice of mango colada pie, a molten chocolate cake served warm, or chocolate-dipped strawberries paired with a variety of dessert wine options. more Where to Stay There are a number of hotels throughout the El Paso area, so where you stay depends on your budget and preferences. If you're traveling with a large group and need more space, the Residence Inn El Paso offers one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites and serves free hot breakfast every day. If you have certain attractions in mind that you must see during your stay, you can look for hotels that are close to those spots to reduce travel time. How to Get Around El Paso has a public transportation option for both locals and visitors called Sun Metro. The system includes buses and a streetcar that run throughout much of the city on a regular schedule. You can also rent a car since many of the hotels in El Paso offer free or low-cost parking on site. Car rentals are available at the airport as well as at several locations throughout the city. Both Uber and Lyft operate in El Paso, or you can use the local taxi services for transportation. What to See The murals of El Segundo Barrio are a sight to see, featuring colorful artwork that depicts the political and cultural history of this neighborhood within El Paso. These murals showcase the lives and cultures of immigrants, migrant workers, and families who live and work in the area. If you are up for an adventure, pay a visit to Hueco Tanks State Park for a hike on one of the many trails or an exciting day of mountain climbing. You can also take a tour to view the Native American pictographs but call ahead to make a reservation. Admission to the park is $7 for adults, and children ages 12 and under get in free. Whether you're taking a romantic couple's trip or spending time with your family in El Paso, you can make the most of it by knowing what to expect and what things you absolutely must see and do. Image via Pixabay.com

Get it Pressure Washed Salt and road dirt build up on the undercarriage of the car when you drive on snowy, icy roads during the winter months. This is nearly impossible to see but can break loose as you're driving and move around to other parts of the car. If this occurs, it can cause significant damage to your vehicle. When there is a break between snow storms, head to a car wash for a pressure wash service. Make sure to add the undercarriage wash to get rid of salt and grime, since this area is hard to reach. Washing your car regularly is another easy way to protect the paint, especially throughout the colder months of the year. more Apply a Protective Layer When the temperatures drop, many people put on gloves to protect their hands from the harsh conditions. Your vehicle needs similar protection from the elements, and a coat of wax is the perfect option. There are a number of choices on the market, from wax products that have a glossy, shiny finish to those that offer a matte look, spray-on to wipe-on, and everything in between. Find the product that works best for you and that you'll actually use since it won't do you much good sitting in your garage all winter. A coat of wax helps to protect the paint from sleet, rain, snow, salt, and other grime on the roads. Reconsider Your Ice Scraper Getting ice off your car is a safety concern that must happen before you drive, but hard plastic scrapers can cause damage to painted areas if your hand slips. Instead of one of these, opt for a soft-bristled or foam brush to gently wipe away snow and ice. In order to melt the ice, turn on the defrost system in the car to get the temperature up since this will make it easier to sweep away the frosty parts instead of scraping vigorously. Take Protection a Step Further If a coating of wax isn't doing enough to protect your paint job, you may want to invest in auto paint protection film that covers the exterior of your vehicle. Often referred to as a clear bra, this film goes on transparent and protects the paint from chips, dings, dents, and other damage. The most common areas to apply it are around the headlights and front bumper since these tend to take a lot of abuse when tires kick up rocks and other debris from the road. Keep your car's paint looking nice and new by following these simple tips, no matter what season is coming. Image via Pixabay.com

Café Mayapan Serving some of the most authentic Mexican dishes around, Café Mayapan on Texas Avenue offers something to please every palate. Both a restaurant and a nonprofit that provides on-the-job training in South-Central El Paso, Café Mayapan utilizes fresh ingredients and traditional cooking methods to create signature dishes suited to every budget. While everyone on the menu is divine, we recommend the mini tostadas, tortilla soup, handmade quesadillas, enchiladas, flautas, and pork stew. more Carnitas Queretaro When you're in the mood for succulent meat like you'd find in Juárez, head to Carnitas Queretaro. With three locations in El Paso, you likely don't have far to drive to enjoy this eatery's family-inspired recipes. You can't go wrong with the entomatadas, the chiles rellenos, or the enchiladas, all of which are customer favorites, but every item on the menu is a delight for the senses. Carnitas Queretaro even serves breakfast with Mexican flare, giving you the chance to savor dishes like huevos rancheros, breakfast burritos, and molletes. El Taco Tote Real Mexican Grill Originally established in Ciudad Juárez, El Taco Tote Real Mexican Grill is best known for its signature tacos. You can't beat the handmade, melt-in-your-mouth tortillas or the amazing salsas. Choose from a variety of meats for your taco, including fish, arrachera, grilled chicken, bistek, or shrimp. You can even go vegetarian with mushrooms. It may sound like a simple concept, but that's exactly why El Taco Tote does it right. Casa Jurado Casa Jurado has been a longtime staple in our city for good reason. Its extensive menu offers a variety of dishes and flavors to please just about anyone, including flautas, chiles rellenos, and salpicón. In fact, many regulars have been coming here for decades, cementing Casa Jurado's reputation as one of the most authentic and delicious restaurants in town. If you enjoy a lively, fun atmosphere and superb entrees, stop by one of Casa Jurado's two locations today. L&J Cafe A unique hole-in-the-wall eatery on historic Concordia Cemetery's west side, L&J Cafe may not look like much from the outside, but this little restaurant packs a flavorful punch. Originally known as "Tony's Place," this local landmark dates back to 1927 and is frequently voted El Paso's best Mexican restaurant. Now a fourth-generation restaurant renamed L&J Cafe, the place continues to serve up delicious food, great brews, and friendly service. The restaurant has been such a huge part of El Paso's culinary scene that customers demanded that L&J Cafe bottle and sell their delicious salsa. Put this restaurant at the top of your list if you love authentic Mexican flavors You never have to go far to enjoy an authentic Mexican dish in El Paso. No matter what you're craving, these amazing restaurants aim to please with their incredible flavors and hometown feel. Image via Pixabay.com

2016 Acura ILX In the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's small car category, the 2016 Acura ILX drove away with a Top Safety Pick+, which is the highest mention a car can receive in terms of safety. When equipped with the optional front crash prevention system, you can't beat this model's inherent accident protection. It's also nice that this is one luxury vehicle well within most driver's budgets. Standard safety equipment on the 2016 ILX include antilock brakes, traction and stability control, multiple airbags, and a rearview camera. You can also opt for the frontal collision mitigation with automatic braking, lane keeping assist, a lane departure warning system, and road-departure mitigation. In performance tests, the ILX stopped from 60 miles per hour in just 118 feet, which is a shorter distance than most cars in this segment. more 2016 Acura RLX If you're looking for a large luxury vehicle, look no further than the 2016 RLX. Not only did the IIHS name the RLX a Top Safety Pick+, but the National Highway Traffic Administration gave it five stars across the board, which is the highest amount a vehicle can earn. The RLX received new optional safety features for the 2016 model year, including rear cross-traffic alert, road departure mitigation, and an impressive 360-degree camera system that makes it easier for drivers to keep tabs on their surroundings. Additional package features include a forward collision mitigation system with automatic braking and blind spot monitoring. For drivers wanting a big luxury sedan with all the high-tech features and some of the best safety ratings around, look no further than the 2016 RLX. 2016 Acura MDX The 2016 MDX crossover SUV offers a nice compromise between the hefty RLX and the compact ILX. Equipped with front crash prevention, the 2016 MDX received Top Safety Pick+,*  the IIHS * award, making it one of the safest three-row luxury crossovers on the market. This model comes standard with traction and stability control, antilock disc brakes, a driver knee airbag, active head restraints, and a rearview camera, among a long list of other features. All-wheel-drive models even feature a trailer towing stabilizing function. Upper trim levels also offer automatic braking for frontal crash mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, a lane-departure warning system, road departure mitigation, and lane keeping assist. In government crash tests, the 2016 MDX earned a perfect score for total side-impact and frontal impact safety. Safety is a major factor to consider when shopping around for a new vehicle. Whether you're in the market for a small car, a three-row crossover, or a larger sedan, Acura offers some of the safest vehicles around. Stop by FOX Acura of El Paso today to take one for a test drive. Top Overall Safety Rating From The NHTSA Acura advances its leadership in safety among luxury brands as the 2016 ILX earns a NHTSA 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s New Car Assessment Program. One aspect of Acura’s safety leadership is the AcuraWatch™ suite of safety technologies. It helps improve drivers’ situational awareness and, in certain circumstances, intervenes to help avoid or mitigate a collision. The ILX joins the MDX, RDX, RLX and TLX, each of which has a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the NHTSA making Acura the only luxury brand awarded NHTSA 5-Star Overall Vehicle Ratings across all its model lines. TOP SAFETY PICK+ Rating From IIHS The 2016 ILX joins the Acura RLX, MDX and RDX to earn a 2015 TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) when equipped with AcuraWatch. TSP+ is the highest safety rating designated by IIHS. All Acura models earned a top score of SUPERIOR in its front crash prevention test thanks to the available AcuraWatch™ suite of advanced safety and driver assistive technologies. Image via Acura.com

Develop Better Driving Habits Rapid acceleration, speeding, and other forms of aggressive driving are not only a nuisance to other drivers, but they're also costing you big. Stopping gradually and slowly accelerating from a stop can help cut fuel consumption by as much as 30 percent. When driving on the highway, turn on cruise control, as this handy feature will boost your vehicle's gas mileage by a noticeable amount. As long as you take it easy and develop good driving habits, you're already coming out ahead. more Download a Mobile App Smartphone apps like GasBuddy and AAA Triptik are designed to help you locate the cheapest gas stations in your area, which makes them invaluable tools to have since prices are constantly fluctuating. You can even save gas by using your mobile phone to check traffic conditions. Waze or even the Maps app for iPhone, for instance, gives you a helpful traffic report so that you can plan your route accordingly, avoiding all that gas-wasting idling. Reduce the Weight Hauling unnecessary cargo, especially on the roof of your vehicle, can really cut into your gas mileage. Luggage racks, cargo containers, and other exterior add-ons create more wind resistance, making your vehicle less aerodynamic. Any extra weight in the trunk or cargo space can also be detrimental to your fuel economy. Unless you're setting out on a road trip and require all that extra gear, leave it at home. Turn Off the Air Conditioning Cranking up the air conditioning is a necessity in the summer months, but it really puts a dent in your gas budget. Try wearing lighter clothing and rolling the windows down. If you're commuting in the early morning during the coolest part of the day, you may not even miss the A/C. You'll also want to park your car in a shaded area to help keep it cool. At the very least, try using your A/C less to help save on gas expenses. Time Your Fill-Ups Gas prices tend to rise on Thursdays just before weekend travel, so try to fill up your tank just prior to that on Wednesday or Thursday morning, since 10 a.m. is generally when most gas stations set their prices for the day. Whatever you do, don't buy gas from Friday to Sunday, or even during the holidays, as prices always seem to rise during these periods. Sign Up for a Gas Rewards Card Many grocery stores offer gas rewards cards that allow you to accumulate points with every purchase, which you can put toward gas. If you can the entire family to share the same card, you can even build up points faster. Sticking to your gas budget is easy when you shop and drive smarter. Try out a few of these suggestions and see just how much you can save. Image via Pixabay.com

Manual Transmissions Offer Better Gas Mileage This myth persists because it once was true back when automatic transmission were new, but this is no longer the case. Advances in technology, particularly with options like continuously variable transmission (CVT), offer a broader range of gear ratios, which is where manuals once had the edge. Today, automatic vehicles offer the same (or even better) fuel economy than their manual counterparts. Which one you end up buying all depends on your personal preference. more Cranking Up the Air Conditioning is Better Than Cracking the Windows This myth is so commonly held that Mythbusters tackled it on the popular Discovery show. There is some basis in the myth, however, because rolling down the windows causes more wind resistance, making your vehicle less aerodynamic. Still, Mythbusters and other experts have found that cranking up the A/C actually leads to a slight decrease in a vehicle's fuel economy, even though using the air conditioner is generally recommended to help keep drivers alert. You Should Change Your Oil Every 3,000 Miles The rule that you should get an oil change every 3,000 miles exists because, like most myths, it was once truth. Older cars did require more frequent oil changes, but this simply isn't the case anymore. Many modern cars can actually go as far as 10,000 miles without needing new oil. We don't recommend pushing your car to the limits, however, since engine oil gets grimy over time and will stop lubricating your engine altogether. You're better off checking your owner's manual for your specific model's recommendations and sticking to that recommended schedule. Premium Fuel Makes Your Car Run Better It seems like a no-brainer. More expensive fuel should make your run-of-the-mill SUV run like a high-performance coupe, right? Actually, no. Premium gas isn't any cleaner or purer than regular – it's just less combustible, which is necessary for cars with more powerful engines. Using a higher octane gas for your non-premium car offers no benefit whatsoever, so unless you enjoy wasting money at the pump, stick with regular. Let Your Car Warm Up Before Your Drive In the winter months, it's tempting to let your car idle to allow both the engine and cabin to warm up. Not only does this bad habit waste gas, but it's also bad for your car. Unnecessary idling in cold weather causes your engine's moving parts to wear down faster, resulting in the need for more frequent repairs. With so many car-related myths out there, it is difficult to separate fact from fiction. Keep these common car myths in the mind so you can make smarter choices when it comes to car care. Image via Pixabay.com