Thursday, September 28, 2023

Car Maintenance Myths: 7 Lies That You Think Are True

Top 7 Car Maintenance Myths That You Should Avoid

Myth 1: Changing oil every 3,000 miles is mandatory

The truth is, an engine can last up to 5,000 to 7,500 miles before needing an oil change. This myth could stem from the lack of knowledge about additive packages in engine oil, superior engine design in modern cars, and high-quality synthetic oil, which promote stability and allow the oil to last longer.

car maintenance myths
Changing the car oil. (Credit: Skica911/PixaBay)

Myth 2: Warming up is necessary before driving in cold weather

You may have heard the old wives tale that warming up your car’s engine before driving helps to prevent it from freezing in cold weather. This is simply not true. The engine of modern cars warms up faster when you start driving instead of keeping it idle.

Myth 3: Servicing anywhere other than the dealership voids the warranty

Most people believe that servicing the vehicle at an independent repair shop invalidates the manufacturer’s warranty. But you will be fine as long as you keep the receipts and follow the recommendations in the owner’s manual.

Illustrated car maintenance checklist

Myth 4: All tires need replacement at the same time

Car experts recommend only replacing all four tires at the same time if they are worn down. It’s not necessary to replace all four when just one is punctured or needs a little tread repair. Rotating them at every other oil change is enough to make them last longer.

Myth 5: Flush transmission fluid every 50,000 miles

In modern cars, you may not even need to change the transmission fluid for once. In most cases, it easily lasts for at least 100,000 miles. You should always check the owner’s manual to be sure about the changing intervals.

Myth 6: Rolling windows down saves more fuel than blasting the AC

The fuel consumption rate will be quite similar whether you are blasting the AC or rolling down the windows. Open windows create wind resistance that makes the engine work harder, which leads to more fuel consumption.

Myth 7: Wash a car with dish/laundry soap for better cleaning

It may save some money but dish/laundry is too strong and can strip the car of its wax, making it more prone to rust. Instead, you should use a car-wash liquid or a car shampoo.

Conclusion

If you’re car-savvy, then you might know that car maintenance myths can be a little confusing. After all, it’s hard to know what is true and what isn’t when you have car experts telling you different things. After reading the myths, you will now feel more confident about vehicle maintenance.

Bizna Offer

Connect With Us

320,805FansLike
14,127FollowersFollow
8,380FollowersFollow
1,750SubscribersSubscribe
Bizna Rate Card

Latest Stories

Related Stories