When it comes to taking care of your car, there’s a lot of advice floating around – some good, some not so good. Some people swear by certain tips that, honestly, don’t really help or could even make things worse. The world of car maintenance can be confusing, especially if you’re just learning about it or trying to figure out how to keep your ride running smoothly.
So, let’s take a look at some of the most common car maintenance myths that automotive repair experts have busted, to help you avoid mistakes and keep your car in top shape.
1. Myth: You Should Always Wait Until Your Car’s Oil Is Completely Black Before Changing It
Busted: Oil turns black because it’s doing its job. When you change your car’s oil, the oil picks up dirt, debris, and metal particles from the engine. That black color means it’s working hard to keep your engine clean. Waiting until the oil is black or “dirty” isn’t necessary. Most cars today require an oil change every 3,000 to 7,500 miles, depending on the make and model, or once a year if you’re not driving a lot. So, if your oil still looks relatively clean, don’t wait until it’s pitch-black—stick to the recommended schedule.
Why it matters: Regular oil changes help prevent engine wear and tear. Ignoring oil changes for too long can lead to engine problems, which will be much more expensive to fix later.
2. Myth: You Should Warm Up Your Car for Several Minutes Before Driving It
Busted: This myth comes from the old days when cars had carburetors. They needed a little time to warm up before you could drive them properly. But today’s cars use fuel injection systems, which are way more efficient. In fact, letting your car warm up too long can waste gas and even cause unnecessary pollution.
Why it matters: Modern engines warm up as you drive. Starting your car and driving gently for the first few minutes is much better than letting it idle for five or more minutes. It saves you time, money, and reduces emissions!
3. Myth: Premium Gas Makes Your Car Run Better
Busted: Many people believe that premium gasoline (higher octane) will make their car run better, give it more power, or improve fuel efficiency. But in reality, most cars are designed to run on regular unleaded gas. Unless your car specifically requires premium gas (which is usually mentioned in the owner’s manual), using a higher-octane fuel won’t improve performance or efficiency. In fact, it’s just a waste of money.
Why it matters: If your car doesn’t require premium gas, using it will only cost you more at the pump without any real benefits. Stick to the type of fuel recommended by your manufacturer.
4. Myth: You Should Replace Your Air Filter Every 6,000 Miles
Busted: Replacing the air filter every 6,000 miles is a rule of thumb, but it’s not set in stone. In reality, how often you need to replace your air filter depends on the environment you drive in. If you often drive in dusty or polluted areas, you might need to replace it sooner. But if you drive in cleaner areas or mostly on highways, it might last much longer—up to 15,000 miles or more.
Why it matters: Your air filter helps keep your engine running smoothly by ensuring clean air gets into the engine. If it gets too dirty, it can affect your car’s fuel efficiency and performance. However, changing it too often can also be a waste of money if it’s still in good shape.
5. Myth: You Don’t Need to Check Your Tire Pressure If Your Tires Look Fine
Busted: Just because your tires look inflated doesn’t mean they are at the right pressure. Tire pressure naturally drops over time, and even a small decrease can affect your car’s handling and fuel efficiency. If your tire pressure is too low, it can cause tires to wear out faster and even lead to dangerous blowouts.
Why it matters: Tire pressure affects everything from your car’s safety to how much gas you use. Check your tire pressure once a month or whenever you notice a decrease in your fuel economy or handling. It’s easy to do and can prevent bigger, costly problems down the road.
6. Myth: You Shouldn’t Drive Your Car When the Check Engine Light Is On
Busted: While a flashing check engine light is a serious warning that should be addressed immediately, a solid check engine light doesn’t necessarily mean your car is about to break down. It could indicate something minor, like a loose gas cap or a problem with the emissions system. However, ignoring the light for too long can lead to bigger issues.
Why it matters: It’s important not to panic when the check engine light comes on, but you should still get it checked out. It could be a small problem, but if left untreated, it could turn into something more expensive to fix.
7. Myth: You Can Fix Small Dents with a Hair Dryer and Compressed Air
Busted: You’ve probably seen viral videos claiming that you can fix small dents by heating them up with a hair dryer and then spraying compressed air on them to make them pop back into shape. While it might work in some cases (on very minor, plastic dents), it’s not a reliable method for most dents. Automotive repair experts say this can actually make things worse, especially if your car’s paint is damaged in the process.
Why it matters: If your car gets a dent, it’s better to leave the repair to the professionals. Using unproven DIY methods could cost you more money in the long run if they damage your car further.
8. Myth: Using Your Car’s Air Conditioning Wears It Out Quickly
Busted: Many people believe that using the air conditioning in your car will cause it to wear out faster. The truth is, your air conditioning system is designed to be used. In fact, letting your AC sit unused for long periods can cause seals and parts to dry out and fail. If you use your AC regularly, it actually helps maintain the system’s functionality.
Why it matters: Your AC system is designed to work even when it’s used frequently. If you only turn it on when you really need it, you might be making the system work harder and shortening its lifespan.
9. Myth: Washing Your Car Too Much Will Damage the Paint
Busted: While washing your car with harsh chemicals or rough sponges can scratch the paint, washing it regularly is actually important for maintaining the exterior. Dirt, grime, bird droppings, and other contaminants can damage the paint over time if they’re left on the surface. Just make sure you’re using the right products, like car wash soap and soft sponges, and avoid washing in direct sunlight.
Why it matters: Regular washes keep your car looking good and protect the paint. It’s better to wash your car frequently than let dirt build up and cause more harm to the paint job.
10. Myth: Rotating Your Tires Is Just a Money Grab by Mechanics
Busted: Tire rotation isn’t just a scam. It’s an essential part of car maintenance that helps prevent uneven tire wear. Since the front and rear tires wear at different rates due to the car’s weight distribution and driving conditions, rotating the tires ensures that they wear evenly, which extends their lifespan and improves safety.
Why it matters: Without proper tire rotation, you might have to replace your tires earlier than necessary. It also ensures that your car handles well and performs optimally.
Ready to Give Your Vehicle the Care It Deserves?
At HeVtech Mechanic & Tire Services, we understand the importance of keeping your car, truck, or RV in top condition. As a community-focused business, we’re dedicated to providing quality, honest, and professional service to every neighbor, friend, and traveler who walks through our doors in Picture Butte, Alberta.
Whether it’s routine maintenance, tire services, or more complex repairs, we’ve got you covered. Plus, as an AMVIC-certified and CVIP-approved shop, you can trust that your vehicle is in expert hands.
Don’t wait for a small issue to become a big problem. Visit HeVtech today. Contact us now to schedule your next service or inspection. We’re here for you and your vehicle—every mile of the way.
