There are a lot of tips surrounding vehicle maintenance, but not all of them are accurate. In this post, we’re going to take a look at 10 common car maintenance myths and debunk them.
Myth 1: You should use premium gas for better vehicle performance.
Not all gas is created equal and not all gas will be good for your car. High performance and luxury vehicles are designed to run on premium fuel, but most other cars run on regular gas with an octane rating of 87. Using premium gas when you don’t need to can be a waste of money and, in some cases, it can even cause a carbon buildup in your engine. If you’re not sure what type of gas your car needs, check your vehicle owner’s manual.
Myth 2: Your car’s battery will last for 5 years.
According to a survey conducted by AAA, 42% of people believe that car batteries last for 5 years. While it’s true that some batteries can last that long, most car batteries have a lifespan of between 3 to 5 years. This means the 5-year mark is not guaranteed. Your driving habits and the climate in which you live will both have big impacts on how long your battery lasts. It’s a good idea to have it tested around the 3-year mark and definitely have it tested if you hit the 5-year mark.
Myth 3: You should top off your engine oil on a regular basis.
While it’s not a bad idea to check your engine oil levels on a regular basis, you may not actually need to top it off between oil changes. Overfilling your engine oil can cause just as many problems as not having enough engine oil. Instead of topping it off on a regular basis, consider taking your vehicle for service if you notice a consistent loss of engine oil. Your car shouldn’t be losing that much oil and there may be a problem if it is.
Myth 4: You should warm up your car before driving in cold weather.
There was a time when cars needed to idle a little before heading out in the winter. That time has passed, however, and most vehicles nowadays don’t need that. Idling for a few minutes can sometimes make your engine take longer to warm up. It can also be a waste of gas. Instead of idling, drive gently for the first 15 minutes or so and this will warm up your car.
Myth 5: Your tire pressure should match the number on the tire.
This myth is tricky because it seems like it would be logical to follow the PSI listed on the tire. The problem with following this number, however, is that not every vehicle will work well with a tire’s maximum PSI. Instead of inflating your tires based on the tire’s numbers, look at your owner’s manual or on the driver’s side door jamb to see the recommended PSI for your vehicle.
Myth 6: You can clean your engine air filters so they last longer.
Engine air filters help to protect your engine from dirt, dust, bugs, and other debris. They can become clogged over time. While you might be tempted to simply clean and re-use the air filter, that’s not always a good idea. Most air filters are designed to be used once and are therefore made from materials that don’t stand up to cleanings. By re-using a single-use filter, you risk debris entering your engine and causing damage. Engine air filters aren’t too expensive, and they can protect you from more costly repairs. Instead of cleaning them, replace them according to the interval suggested in your vehicle owner’s manual.
Myth 7: You should wash your car with dish soap.
While dish soap may seem a like a cheap alternative to car wash soaps, it’s actually not great for use on cars. You may be wondering why, since dish soap is so effective against grease, oil, and other caked-on substances. Dish soap can actually damage your car’s paint and finish leaving your car susceptible to rust. Instead of using dish soap, it’s much better to use a car wash soap. They’re designed to clean your car without harming your paint, and they may even help to maintain your car’s wax.
Myth 8: To keep your warranty valid, you can only go to the dealership for maintenance.
Contrary to what some vehicle owners believe, you do not have to bring your car to the dealership for maintenance. Your warranty will still be valid if you have a different mechanic perform maintenance or repairs. Dealerships can be guilty of overcharging and there are plenty of mechanics (like the ones at Restored Auto, LLC) who can perform the same work at a competitive rate. To maintain the warranty, make sure you have documentation of any work done on your car.
Myth 9: You need to replace all of your tires at the same time.
This myth is different from the others in that it is sometimes a fact. Tread wear on your tires can vary. Weather, road conditions, and driving habits can all influence the amount of wear and tear your tires experience. There are also different considerations for vehicles with 2-wheel drive (2WD) than there are for those with 4-wheel drive (4WD). There may be times when you only need to replace one or two tires, and there may be times when replacing all 4 is more beneficial. No matter the situation, having your tires rotated and balanced at regular intervals can help to increase your tires’ lifespans.
Myth 10: You can skip routine maintenance if your car is running smoothly.
If you haven’t noticed any weird sounds or smells and haven’t been surprised by any dashboard lights, you may be tempted to skip routine car maintenance. This is not recommended. Routine maintenance, like oil changes, fluid checks, tire rotation, and break checks, all help to keep your car running. Regular maintenance can also help you spot a problem early on and solve it before a more major problem develops. While it may be tempting to skip routine maintenance, it can actually save you money in the long run and it can help to keep you safe.
Call Restored Auto, LLC for your vehicle maintenance.
From testing your battery to changing your oil to balancing your tires, Restored Auto, LLC can help with your vehicle maintenance. We can help with routine checks, replacing parts, and diagnosing problem areas. Give us a call today to schedule your vehicle maintenance.