Car-Maintenance Myths

Your car is your ticket to work every day, as well as vacations and other excursions. Having a car is a big responsibility. You know that there are many routine maintenance items that must be done in order to keep it in running condition. However, down through the years, there have been many myths created about car maintenance, and they have become proverbial laws. Here are seven myths about vehicle maintenance that you need to know that are unnecessary. 

Myth 1: Oil Must Be Changed Every 3,500 Miles

While this may have been the case in older cars of yesteryear, the new cars of today can go up to 7,500 miles before an oil change. If you use synthetic oils, which come at a premium, the mileage will increase even more. Mechanics will tell you this so that they can have repeat business. However, you car will be just fine with an oil change that is prolonged a bit. 

Myth 2: The Coolant Needs to be Flushed When You Change The Oil

This is absolutely not true. You only need to flush your coolant system about every 36,000 miles. For most people, that is every year or so. Flushing every time you change the oil is unnecessary. What you must do is check all the fluid levels in the car when you change the oil. This includes the brake fluid, windshield wiper fluid, and coolant. If one is low, then you simply need to top it off. 

Myth 3: Tires Must Be Inflated To The Pressure Listed on the Sidewalls

False! The recommended inflated tire pressure is kept on a sticker that is usually on the driver’s door panel. This will tell you what size tires you need, the paint color, and other pertinent details. Most tires should be inflated to around 32-35 psi is the standard. However, some people inflate to 40 to get rid of any bulging or sags. 

Myth 4: Premium Gas is Always The Best Option

87 Octane is regular gas. Most cars will run without issue on this level of octane. Sports cars and cars that have a hotter running engine will fare better from the 93 octane stuff. It is an expensive mistake to put premium gas in a regular car. 

Myth 5: Cars Need To Be Warmed Up Before Driving

The best way to get a car’s engine warm is by driving it. While it may be uncomfortable for the passenger on a cold day, the engine will warm up quicker and take off the icy chill in the cabin. 

Myth 6: Dish Detergent Is The Best Way To Wash A Car

No! Dish-washing detergent will actually strip the wax from the car’s surface. You need to spring for the car-wash liquid in the automotive department. It will preserve the wax, and the car will shine. 

Myth 7: Jumping a Battery and Driving on It Brings It To A Full Charge

It is a nice theory, but it is not even close. The battery will need to be driven for hours before it can get a full charge. This is especially true during the winter months. Having a load test done at a gas station will show you if the battery can keep a charge. It may need to be put on a charger to get back up to the capacity that it was before.