If you want to achieve longevity from your car purchase it pays to remember that car maintenance is an essential aspect of ownership. You have to play your part in keeping your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently. However, that’s not always that easy when you have taken information on board about maintenance that turns out to be not as accurate as you first thought.
When you are searching Nevada car dealerships, for instance, you might want to look for a car that has a service history. That will allow you to continue with regular maintenance when you are the owner.
However, with so much free and well-meaning advice circulating, it’s easy to fall for common myths that can do more harm than good. Many DIY car owners start out with good intentions but tend to follow outdated or incorrect information, which can soon lead to unnecessary expenses or even damage to your vehicle.
With that in mind, to help you separate fact from fiction, let’s debunk some of the most common car maintenance myths.
Don’t fall for the oil change fallacy
Probably one of the biggest myths you are likely to hear is that you must change your oil every 3,000 miles. While this may have some element of truth when it comes to much older vehicles, modern engines and synthetic oils almost certainly have extended oil change intervals.
As a general guide, most cars today can go anywhere between 5,000 and 10,000 miles before needing an oil change. The best advice would be to always refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended interval.
Paying premium for fuel could be a false economy
Another common misconception is that premium fuel automatically improves the level of performance in all cars. Too many drivers falsely believe that using higher-octane fuel will make their vehicle run better or increase fuel efficiency.
The truth of the matter is that premium fuel is usually only necessary for cars specifically designed for it, such as high-performance or turbocharged engines. The bottom line is that using it in a regular engine provides no significant benefit. In fact, all it is probably doing is increasing your fuel costs.
Don’t waste your time warming up your car
The belief that warming up your car for several minutes in cold weather is a necessary action is advice that is severely outdated. While older carbureted engines certainly required this practice, modern fuel-injected vehicles only need about 30 seconds before they’re ready to drive.
Excessive idling not only wastes fuel but it contributes to unnecessary wear on engine components at the same time.
Accepting the wrong tire inflation information
You might well be one of the many people who assume that tire pressure recommendations on the tire’s sidewall are the optimal levels. In reality, the correct tire pressure is what’s listed in the vehicle’s owner manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door.
Overinflating or underinflating tires is never a good move. It can negatively impact handling, worsen your fuel economy, and adversely affect tire lifespan.
Changing all tires at once isn’t always the right thing to do
There is a certain percentage of drivers who believe replacing all four tires at the same time is mandatory. While this practice is generally recommended for all-wheel-drive vehicles to ensure even wear, it is not standard advice that works with other types of vehicle.
Front-wheel and rear-wheel-drive cars can often get away with replacing two tires at a time, as long as they match the existing ones in size and tread pattern.
Don’t ruin your paintwork when washing your car
Another widespread myth is that washing your car with dish soap is an acceptable and safe alternative if you don’t have any specific car soap to hand. This is not a good idea. Dish soap is designed to remove grease and can strip away the protective wax layer from your car’s paint.
Always use a car-specific soap that cleans without harming the finish.
Don’t misread the brake fluid warning sign
If you are a bit of a DIY mechanic you might think that topping off brake fluid is a routine maintenance task. In reality, if you are having to replenish the fluid level frequently it could be telling you that there might be a problem. Low brake fluid often indicates worn brake pads or a leak. Instead of simply refilling, it would be a smart move to have a professional inspect the braking system for potential issues.
Give your battery a chance
It’s commonly believed that a battery will recharge fully after a short drive if it has died. While a running engine does help to recharge the battery, deeply discharged batteries will almost certainly need a dedicated charger to restore it to full capacity.
Be mindful that frequent short trips may not allow the alternator enough time to recharge it properly.This could lead to an unexpected breakdown when the battery fails.
Go easy on the coolant
Another popular myth is that engine coolant should be changed annually. The reality is that modern coolant formulas can last much longer, with some capable of lasting up to 100,000 miles. Changing it too frequently is unnecessary and wasteful. However, neglecting it entirely can lead to overheating and engine damage.
Know When to use a professional mechanic
Finally, it’s a costly and potentially dangerous misconception to hold the belief that all DIY repairs will save you money. While changing an air filter or wiper blades are straightforward tasks, complex repairs like brake jobs or timing belt replacements require specialized knowledge and tools.
In reality, a poorly executed repair can lead to costly damage or even create a safety hazard.
By understanding these common car maintenance myths you will be better placed to make informed decisions about your vehicle’s care.
A simple but effective tactic would be to always follow manufacturer’s recommendations and definitely avoid outdated and even incorrect advice. Whether you decide to handle certain maintenance tasks yourself or leave it to a professional, knowing the truth behind these common myths will be a good way to help keep your vehicle in top condition.