Have you fallen for some common car maintenance myths?
You’re not alone. After all, you probably got some of these from your father, your mechanic or your dealership. They sound believable, and you want to keep your car in good shape, so you follow these rules. But you don’t have to!
Stop believing these six car-maintenance myths — they’re not accurate!
Myth #1: You HAVE to Get an Oil Change Every 3,000 Miles
Getting an oil change every 3,000 miles (or every three months) causes car maintenance bills to add up fast, especially if you drive long distances every day. If you read your owner’s manual, you’re likely to find a conflicting report. Most vehicles only require oil changes every 5,000 miles. Some can go even longer.
As long as you’re using the appropriate oil, don’t stress about changing your car’s oil every 12 weeks. You’re throwing out a perfectly good product!
Myth #2: Your Dealership Has to Perform Maintenance for Warranty Coverage
It doesn’t matter if the original dealership doesn’t do your car’s scheduled maintenance. All that matters is that it gets done. You can take it to any certified mechanic, just make sure you document what maintenance tasks they performed. Follow the checklist provided in your car’s owner’s manual and record all mechanic visits, and you’ll maintain warranty coverage.
Myth #3: Flat Tires Must Always Be Replaced
Just because your car’s tires were punctured doesn’t mean they’re no longer any good. If the damage happened in a repairable area, such as the treads, you can get the tire patched and it’ll continue to serve you well for many more miles.
Myth #4: It Doesn’t Matter What Type of Fuel You Use
Sadly, using the cheapest fuel isn’t always a good idea for vehicle owners. If your car is meant to run on a higher-grade petroleum and you don’t use it, you can expect wear and tear to happen faster. The opposite is also true. Putting top-shelf fuel in an engine that’s not designed for it won’t yield good results either.
Myth #5: All Filters Should Be Changed Frequently
No, you don’t need your air filter changed every time you get an oil change. Follow your owner’s manual instructions. You can even try to clean the filter on your own instead of replacing it. Save yourself money!
Myth #6: Coolant Should Be Flushed Twice Per Year
It’s a good idea to prepare your vehicle for changing seasons, but it’s not necessary to flush your cooling system bi-annually. You probably don’t need to flush your coolant even once per year. Consult your owner’s manual for details, but most modern cars no longer lose coolant, so this is an outdated suggestion.
At Western Auto Wrecking, we know the ins and outs of your car. Besides debunking expensive car-maintenance myths, we’re also here to help you make more economical car repairs by providing high-quality, cost-effective used auto parts. Call us today to see if we have what you need!