10 Car Maintenance Myths that are Actually False - Mr Micanico

10 Car Maintenance Myths that are Actually False

Every car owner has heard about the best ways to keep his or her vehicle in good working order. Many maintenance tips for fuel efficiency, engine power, and overall vehicle lifetime flow down the exhaust pipe, whether they come from friends, family, or the automobile manufacturer. Some suggestions indicate ways to save money or improve performance. However, not everything told to automobile owners is always accurate. Continue reading to learn about 5 automobile maintenance misconceptions that aren't true:

1. Your oil should be changed every 3,000 miles

This was formerly the case, and many oil producers and lube shops still promote it today. Oil changes are now required every 5,000 to 7,500 miles for most automobiles produced in the previous decade or so, depending on the manufacturer. Longer intervals between oil changes are now possible because to improved chemical composition and widespread usage of synthetic oils, as well as enhanced engine design. Follow the instructions in your owner's handbook when it comes to oil changes. Otherwise, you're squandering your money.

2. Premium fuel is better for your vehicle and improves its performance

Regular gasoline will suffice unless your car has a high-compression, high-performance engine that runs hotter than most others. The lower-cost 86 octane fuel must still fulfill quality requirements, but it will not harm your car's engine. Higher octane gas contains cleansers and protectants to keep turbocharged engines in better shape — think sports cars — and is less susceptible to engine knocking.

Cars that demand more costly, premium fuels are typically more expensive to buy. Regular petrol should enough for a car of medium cost. Check your car's owner's handbook to see what the manufacturer recommends.

3. Using independent repair companies to service your vehicle will void your warranty

Regardless matter where you maintain your automobile, your warranty is good until it expires. Dealerships often make it seem like you have no choice but to go to them, but this is prohibited. Any warranty maintenance may be done at any vehicle repair shop; just keep your receipts as proof of what was done and how much it cost. Any maintenance performed in accordance with the owner's handbook and on a regular basis should not affect your warranty.

4. Before traveling in the cold, warm up your car's engine

Engine parts definitely need to warm up before they can function properly, however contemporary engines warm up much faster while you're driving. Additionally, movement is required for your wheel bearings and transmission to fully warm up. In cooler weather, starting your automobile before driving has little value other than to warm you up inside the vehicle. Through use, you'll get the finest fuel efficiency and performance. Idling your car in your driveway wastes money and fuel since it is driving nowhere.

5. All four tires should be replaced at the same time

Individual tires can be replaced as needed as long as they're the same brand, model, and size as your other tires. You may change them out whenever you like. To get the most out of them, make sure they're rotated every other oil change.

In addition, if you puncture a tire, you don't absolutely need to replace it. A mechanic can typically patch the hole if the puncture has damaged the sidewall or is more than a quarter-inch in diameter. The patch keeps moisture out of the steel belts and restores airtightness to your tire.

6. Use dish or laundry soap to wash your vehicle

While it may appear to be a cost-effective method to save money, using dish soap or laundry detergent to wash your car destroys the wax finish. Pay a bit more for car-wash liquid instead of contributing to paint peeling and rust stains. It's made to avoid removing the protective wax.

 

7.  After a brief period of driving after a jump start, a battery will recharge

It takes hours of driving to fully charge a battery that has been jumpstarted, especially in cooler weather. Heated seats, the radio, and the lights all draw a lot of power from the alternator, leaving little for battery recharge.

It's recommended to drive about for many hours to fully recharge your car's battery. If necessary, you may even have it load checked at a gas station. Even short, minute-long journeys may result in a dead battery the next time you try to start your vehicle.

8. Every 50,000 miles, the transmission fluid should be cleaned

Most newer vehicles utilize a "extended life" transmission fluid, which is frequently advised every 50,000 miles. It's designed to last up to 100,000 miles or the life of the vehicle. This varies per vehicle, so always follow your vehicle's manufacturer's transmission flush interval guidelines.

9. Instead of using the air conditioner, roll downs the windows to save money on gas

In reality, rolling down the windows or blasting the air conditioning makes little difference in terms of fuel economy. True, turning on the air conditioner burns more fuel, but rolling down the windows improves wind resistance. To compensate for the car's disturbed aerodynamic design, it will need to consume somewhat more fuel.

Both air conditioning and rolled-down windows have a little influence on fuel economy; none has a significant advantage over the other.

10. You may save money on gas by refueling in the morning

Because gasoline expands with heat, it's a frequent misconception that pouring warmer fuel into your tank would result in less fuel. Fuel pumped first thing in the morning should be cooler, allowing you to put more in your tank for less money.

Gas, contrary to popular belief, is normally kept underground. Because it remains shielded from substantial temperature fluctuations, the time of day you refill has no bearing on the amount of fuel you get.