There are many car maintenance myths that people believe to be true, but actually aren’t. These myths often lead to car owners spending more money on car care than they need to.
These myths are only myths. As cars have become more sophisticated and complicated, there is a plethora of misinformation about how you should take care of your vehicle. Some of these misconceptions make it seem like you’re doing something wrong, but you are not actually.
Contents
- Top 7 Car Maintenance Myths That You Should Avoid
- Myth 1: Changing oil every 3,000 miles is mandatory
- Myth 2: Warming up is necessary before driving in cold weather
- Myth 3: Servicing anywhere other than the dealership voids the warranty
- Myth 4: All tires need replacement at the same time
- Myth 5: Flush transmission fluid every 50,000 miles
- Myth 6: Rolling windows down saves more fuel than blasting the AC
- Myth 7: Wash a car with dish/laundry soap for better cleaning
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Top 7 Car Maintenance Myths That You Should Avoid
Let’s focus on 7 common myths about car maintenance that are popular but not true.
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.
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.
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.
FAQs
What if I have a really old car? Do these new rules still apply?
That’s a great question. For a classic car, especially one from the 1980s or earlier, some of the old rules still apply. Those cars were built with different technology (like carburetors) and were designed for older conventional oils. For a true classic, following a 3,000-mile oil change schedule and letting it warm up for a minute is often the best course of action. These modern myths primarily apply to cars from the mid-1990s and newer.
3,000 miles is a myth. But should I ever change my oil sooner than the manual says?
Yes, you should if you drive under “severe” conditions. Most owners manuals have a separate, shorter schedule for this. “Severe” driving isn’t just racing; it’s what most of us do every day:
– Lots of short trips (under 10 minutes)
– Stop-and-go city traffic
– Driving in very hot, dusty, or cold weather
– Towing a trailer
If that sounds like your daily commute, then changing the oil a bit sooner than the “normal” schedule recommends is cheap insurance.
The dealer told me I have to get my first few services done with them to keep my warranty. Is that true?
No, that is not true. In the United States (and many other places), it is illegal for a dealer to require you to use their service department to keep your warranty valid. You can go to any qualified, independent mechanic for routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations. The only rule is that you must keep detailed records and receipts to prove the work was done on schedule.
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.
