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Getting free advice from others on certain matters is common in our day-to-day activities. Sometimes these advices are quite helpful and sometimes not much. The notable feature of these suggestions is that willingly or unwillingly we are compelled to consider them. This is because we are always concerned about some unusual happening to us on ignoring that specific advice. Well, there are many examples of such advice which are mainly based on existing myths, in this blog we will talk about myths related to car servicing. 

 

 

If you own a car, then surely you have received suggestions from people around you, regarding its maintenance and servicing. This advice is beneficial to us, but at the same time we should not forget that with the changing times, car technology has undergone vast changes. The cars manufactured today are highly advanced than their predecessors. The myths prevailing today are mainly related to cars that were manufactured almost one and a half decades back. In this blog, we’ll debunk six popular car maintenance myths to help you save money, time, and unnecessary worry — and keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come.

 

Myth #1: Change Your Oil Every 3,000 Miles: This is probably one of the most famous (and persistent) car maintenance myths we have known. Changing the oil of your car every 3,000 miles was standard practice decades ago, modern vehicles don’t require such frequent oil changes. In fact, most newer cars recommend oil changes anywhere between 5,000 and 7,500 miles. If your vehicle uses full synthetic oil, then you can drive your vehicle without any concern of changing its oil, even up to 15,000 miles.  Synthetic oils have advanced additives that reduce friction and wear, extending their life. However, your driving conditions and style also matter, if you have to drive daily on stop-and-go city driving, then you require more frequent oil changes, while most highway miles allow for longer intervals. Always check your car’s manual and keep a consistent schedule.

 

Myth #2: You Need to “Winterize” or “Summerize” Your Car: It is a common practice initiated by many car technicians, inspiring car owners to update their vehicles as soon as the season changes. This is just a promotional activity to increase their income. Regular year-round maintenance is more important, consider checking coolant and windshield washer fluids, tyre pressure and tread, and battery health.

 

Myth #3: Premium Gas Means Better Performance: Unless your owner’s manual specifically recommends premium gas, you’re probably wasting money by buying it. Premium fuel has a higher octane rating, which prevents engine knocking in high-performance or luxury vehicles designed to use it. For most cars, regular gasoline performs just as well in terms of power, fuel efficiency, and emissions. So don’t assume premium gas will boost your ride if it’s not required.

 

Myth #4: Warm Up Your Engine Before Driving: The habit of warming the idle engine for a few minutes before driving is outdated. Modern engines warm up quickly while driving, and letting your car idle wastes fuel and can cause carbon buildup, which damages your engine over time. The best practice is to start your car, let it run for about 30 seconds to a minute without revving, and then drive gently until the temperature gauge shows your engine is warmed up.

 

Myth #5: Always Replace Tires in Pairs or All Four: Tyre shops often force you to replace all four tires or at least two. Doing this can be quite expensive If you have two-wheel drive and your tires still have good tread (around 70% remaining), it’s perfectly safe to replace just one tire when needed. For all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicles, check your owner’s manual, since mismatched tire tread depths can harm your drivetrain. Always replace tyres with the same make and type, and never mix summer, winter, or all-season tyres for safety.

 

Myth #6: Inflate Tires to the PSI on the Tire Sidewall: The PSI number printed on your tyre’s sidewall is the maximum pressure the tyre can safely handle — not the recommended operating pressure. Inflating tyres to that maximum can lead to overinflation, causing blowouts or poor handling. Instead, use the tyre pressure recommended by your vehicle manufacturer, usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s door jamb or in your owner’s manual. Keep a reliable tyre pressure gauge handy and check pressures regularly.

 

Final Thoughts: Don’t take car maintenance advice from everyone you meet, even if it comes from trusted friends or mechanics. These common myths have been debunked to help you maintain your vehicle better and extend its lifespan. The best step? Read your vehicle’s manual thoroughly. Knowing what’s truly necessary for your specific car will help you avoid unnecessary expenses and keep your car in great shape for years to come.