Car maintenance myths can lead to unnecessary bills or even damage your vehicle if you follow bad advice. From outdated practices to misunderstandings about how modern vehicles work, these misconceptions can cost you time and money. You might have heard it from a friend or from a mechanic, but it’s important to know which maintenance myths aren’t true. Let’s explore some of the most common myths so you can maintain your car confidently and correctly.
Premium Fuel Is Always Better
Many drivers assume that premium fuel gives you better performance or better engine protection, but that’s not always true. High-octane fuel is specifically designed for engines that require it, such as those with high compression ratios or turbochargers.
For vehicles designed to run on regular gasoline, premium fuel doesn’t really do anything different. Using premium fuel unnecessarily could just be wasting money, so always check your owner’s manual to find out the right fuel for your car, and stick with it.
Oil Needs Changing Every 3,000 Miles
Decades ago, it was essential to change your oil frequently if you wanted to keep an engine running smoothly, but modern engines and oils have made this into a myth. Many cars now use synthetic or high-performance oils that last far longer than traditional oil, with some vehicles even going as far as 7,500 to 10,000 miles before needing an oil change.
Following outdated advice leads to unnecessary expenses and wasted oil. Just listen to what your car manual says rather than following this myth..
You Should Warm Up Your Car for Several Minutes
It’s quite common to see people letting their car engines warm up before they drive, but modern engines don’t need this treatment anymore. Vehicles with fuel injection systems are designed to function normally almost immediately after you start them.
Idling your engine for a long time when you’re not even driving it wastes fuel and will just create extra wear on internal components. Driving gently for the first few minutes is a much more effective method if you want to warm up your car.
Air Filters Need Changing Every Time You Change Oil
While clean air filters are really important for engine performance, replacing them with every oil change is usually unnecessary. The lifespan of your air filter will actually depend on how you drive your car, so sometimes you won’t need to change it when you’re changing your oil. If you drive on dusty roads a lot, you may need to replace it more often.
Brake Fluid Never Needs Replacing
Many people completely overlook brake fluid, assuming it lasts forever. In reality, brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture over time. This can mean your brakes start working less and could damage the entire braking system. Most manufacturers recommend replacing brake fluid every two to three years but make sure you check your handbook because the exact figure changes with every vehicle.
Using Water Instead of Coolant Is Fine
Topping up your radiator with water in an emergency might be okay for the short term, but using it as a long-term substitute for coolant can damage your engine badly. Coolant not only prevents overheating but also protects your engine against corrosion and freezing temperatures, so it’s really important if you want to keep your car running smoothly and safely.
Always use the proper mix of coolant and water recommended for your vehicle to ensure optimal performance and longevity; otherwise, you might find yourself with some big repair bills.
Tire Pressure Doesn’t Matter Much
Overlooking tire pressure can have some really bad consequences for your car’s performance and safety. Driving with underinflated tires makes your fuel efficiency worse and causes uneven tire wear. Overinflated tires can make handling more difficult and increase the risk of a blowout when you’re at high speeds.
Don’t believe the myth that your tire pressures don’t matter that much. They’re an easy way to improve your car’s performance and extend the life of your tires.
All Repairs Must Be Done at the Dealership
While dealerships are often a great place to handle complex repairs, assuming they’re the only option can cost you more than necessary. Normal mechanics and authorized repair shops will often provide the same level of expertise at a much lower price. For routine maintenance, such as oil changes or brake pad replacements, certified mechanics outside the dealership can do the job just as effectively and for much less money.
You Must Use the Manufacturer’s Brand of Parts
Aftermarket parts have come a long way in terms of quality and reliability. While some people believe only manufacturer-branded parts should be used, many aftermarket options are just as good. As long as the parts meet or exceed the original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) specifications, they won’t hurt your car.
Check Engine Lights Are Always Serious
When the check engine light appears on your dashboard, it can be stressful, but it doesn’t always signal a major issue. Sometimes it just comes on for small issues, like a loose gas cap. However, ignoring it completely can allow small issues to develop into costly repairs.
Using an OBD-II scanner or visiting a mechanic to diagnose the problem is the best way to determine the cause. Even if it might not be serious, always address the issue as quickly as you can.
You Need to Replace All Four Tires at Once
Unless you drive an all-wheel-drive vehicle, replacing all of your tires at the same time is a waste of money. Front-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive cars can usually have tires replaced in pairs. Front-wheel cars will need the front two replaced more often than the rear tires because all the power from the engine is being pushed through them. The same goes for your rear tires if your car is rear-wheel-drive.
Battery Replacement Only Matters When It Dies
Over time, car batteries lose their ability to hold a charge, even if they seem to be working fine. Most batteries last three to five years, but extreme weather conditions can shorten their lifespan by a lot. Get your battery tested regularly if you want to ensure you can replace it before it becomes a problem. A healthy battery will stop you from unexpected breakdowns, and it will keep your heaters warm when it’s cold.
Washing Your Car Is Just About Looks
Skipping car washes might seem harmless, but dirt and grime can lead to paint damage over time. Regular washing will keep your car looking great and protect its finish from corrosive elements. This is especially important in winter months when road salt can eat away at the undercarriage of your vehicle. You can even start waxing your car if you want an extra layer of protection.
Power Steering Fluid Never Needs Attention
Not paying attention to your power steering fluid can lead to some dangerous steering problems. Over time, the fluid can break down or become contaminated, reducing its how well it works. Checking it during your routine maintenance and replacing it when you need to will ensure smooth steering and will extend the life of the system. Failing to address this can cause avoidable wear on vital components.