Common Auto Repair Myths Debunked
Misinformation surrounding car repair abounds, from old wives’ tales to dubious tips on the internet; it can be challenging to weed through all of this noise and find accurate answers.
Belief in car repair myths can lead to expensive mistakes and unnecessary repairs for vehicle owners. In this article we will debunk some of the most prevalent myths regarding car maintenance so that you are equipped to make informed decisions regarding its care.
1. Cheaper gas can harm your engine
As a car owner, it’s obvious that proper car maintenance is essential to maintaining its performance and lifespan. But with so much information circulating regarding car care and repair advice available online, it can be challenging to differentiate which tips are genuine from those which might just be outright falsehoods.
One of the more pervasive myths surrounding fuel quality is that low quality gas can do irreparable harm to your engine. While saving money is always welcome, using lower quality gasoline on an ongoing basis could do more harm than good because its lack of additives protect against wear and tear in your engine. To make sure you are getting premium quality fuel for your vehicle use top tier gas instead – often labeled clearly at most stations – which ensures top performance engine deposits were 19 times less likely with cheaper gasoline engines running on cheaper gas engines running on cheaper gas were 19x more likely to develop engine deposits when running on premium grade gas engines running on Top Tier gas alone! A study revealed this fact!
2. You should replace your engine oil every 3,000 miles
Engine oil is unquestionably one of the most essential car components. It acts to lubricate and cool down your engine while protecting it against wear and tear – so regular oil changes should be performed for optimal engine health.
But the myth that you should change your oil every 3,000 miles is completely inaccurate. This advice comes from an earlier era, when engines and oils were less refined; back then if oil were left in the crankcase for too long it would begin to break down and create sludge build-up in the crankcase.
Nowadays, modern engines and refined oil are more reliable. Most vehicle manufacturers recommend changing your oil every 7,500 miles or more – in most cases this should be enough time to keep your car running smoothly! For best results, always refer to your owner’s manual for specific maintenance suggestions for your model car.
3. You can void your warranty by bringing your car in for repairs
Many dealerships may try to convince you that non-dealership repair service voids your warranty; this is false; car manufacturers still honor warranties as long as you provide receipts proving compliance with their standards for repairs done outside their shops.
Some activities, such as modifications, tampering with or resetting of the odometer and off-roading can void your warranty as they do not fall under regular vehicle usage. When replacing parts, be sure to purchase OEM-specific parts for your make and model vehicle.
Auto repair myths and misconceptions abound, leading to costly errors and unwanted costs. Separating fact from fiction when maintaining your vehicle is key for long-term driving satisfaction – follow your carmaker’s recommended maintenance schedule, keep all receipts for services rendered, and you will have all of the knowledge necessary for driving it for years!
4. You should always get your oil changed at the dealership
There’s plenty of advice out there regarding car maintenance and repair, but not all of it is accurate – some could even cause harm to both vehicle health and wallets.
Many drivers assume the dealership is the only place for an oil change, but this is simply not true. Independent garages can perform oil changes equally well. Furthermore, many dealerships provide coupons or discounts on these services so it may not be as costly.
Another misunderstanding often perpetuated is that premium fuel should always be used. While premium fuel might help your vehicle perform better, using it is not required unless your manufacturer recommends it; regular fuel usually suffices and saves money over time. With the proper knowledge about vehicle maintenance needs, you can make informed decisions.