Every car owner has likely heard different myths about car maintenance, car repair, and keeping your car healthy. When you hear stories from friends and family, it’s always important to look up the information they tell you to make sure it’s accurate. Here are some of the most common myths that people hear about car maintenance:
1)You Do Not Need Oil Changes
Many people have ideas about whether or not they need an oil change and how often it should be done if they do need one. According to AAA, oil changes should be done every 5,000 miles or every six months, whichever comes first (though if you use synthetic oil, the recommended oil change is less frequent). This can vary depending on your car type and age. Refer to your owner’s manual and service recommendations for this.
2)Repair Shops Will Try to Upsell You
Repair shops obviously want to sell you what you need for your car, but it is seldom true that they will try to upsell you. Mechanics are there to inspect and fix your car for you. They have not been driving in it, and therefore, they do not know how each part of your car really runs. They may ask you about wipers and tires, but if you know the parts work fine, you can simply decline. They usually are not trying to upsell you, but simply ensure that you are satisfied with your maintenance experience.
3)You Need to Buy 4 New Tires at a Time
If you realize your tire has a leak that cannot be repaired, you can purchase two tires at a time instead of four. Purchasing two tires at a time can help you save money and fix repairs as needed.
4)Warranties Need to be Done at the Dealership
Many cars come with a limited warranty. To keep your warranty active, you need to have maintenance performed on your car regularly. This maintenance, however, does not need to be done at the dealership. As long as you are performing regularly scheduled repairs and can document them, your warranty should remain valid.
5) Premium Gas is Better
One of the major myths about cars is that premium gas is always better for your car than regular gas. Tis myth is common among new drivers, but it’s one that quickly needs to be debunked. Premium and regular gas are different and should not be interchanged. Typically, larger cars use premium gas while traditional cars will always use regular. Read your owner’s manual to determine which type of gas is best for your car.
These myths are false and while many people may have viewed them as true, there is no actual evidence to support the claims. The truth is that car and dealership recommendations exist for a reason. When following the specific recommendations for your car’s make and model, you can increase the life span of your car and keep it running great for years to come.