They seem like simple and logical pieces of advice, however, they could cause you extra time and money in the long run

Any person that has a car practically wants his/her car to run for a long distance without having any problem or difficulties. Thus, taking care of your car is very important.

Car maintenance is vital in keeping your car in good condition so that it can run longer. This is not that expensive especially if you follow the maintenance plan of your car preventing further costs.

Car maintenance is vital in keeping your car in good condition so that it can run longer

However, you can still spend more even following the necessary maintenance of your car. With this, let us learn about the car maintenance myths you should know about. These myths may help you not to spend more on your car’s maintenance.

Some of the car’s maintenance myths are being followed by some drivers. They seem like simple and logical pieces of advice, however, they could cause you extra time and money in the long run. Philcarnews.com will let us have a glimpse of some of the most common car maintenance myths and facts about it.

Myth #1: Car tires should be inflated according to the pressure printed on its sidewalls

Fact: The pressure indicated on the tires’ sidewalls is the maximum pressure. It is not the required pressure when inflating your car tires.

What to do instead: Always check the vehicle’s manual for the recommended pressure for the inflation of car tires. This pressure is commonly printed on the inside of the fuel filler door.

It can also be found on the doorjamb of the driver. The pressure given by the vehicle’s manufacturer is the best pressure for your tire. If you used the maximum pressure to inflate the tire, it may result in early replacement as it can cause uneven wear.

Check the pressure of your tires regularly to keep it in its good shape. Do this check while your tires are cold. It can be done during the early morning. If not possible, ensure to rest the car away from the sun for a minimum of three hours before checking it.

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Check the pressure of your tires regularly to keep it in its good shape

Myth #2: Premium or high-quality fuel is better than the regular kind of fuel

Fact: Most of the vehicles are made to run fine using a regular grade of fuel or gasoline. Using a higher quality of fuel will be a waste of money only. According to a chief mechanic, a higher octane of fuel will not make your car perform better. It will only be less prone to engine pinging or knocking. 

What to do: Again, check your vehicle’s manual and look for the recommended octane grade of the fuel to be used. If you want the higher quality of fuel, it is up to you but remember that the recommended fuel is the practical choice.

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Most of the vehicles are made to run fine using a regular grade of fuel or gasoline

Myth #3: Do not replace your car tires unless the tread depth is on its minimum value

Fact: You need to replace a tire if the tread depth already comes down to the minimum value of about 2/32 inch. However, if you wait for your tire to become like this, you are putting your life at danger or risk.

You never know what will happen if you are driving while having worn tires. The tire’s ability to resist hydroplaning, snow traction and wet grip in this state are very limited. Thus, an accident may happen if you will wait for the minimum tread wear of your tire before replacing it.

You never know what will happen if you are driving while having worn tires

What to do: Like any other material, it is better to replace it before getting fully worn out. You want to prevent further costs unless you don’t have any budget for a replacement yet. Thus, it is best to keep a budget for car maintenance and repair.

If your tires tread depth is near to its limit, look for a tire that best suits your budget price. It is also advisable to replace all your tires at the same time for the best grip and optimum handling. You can also follow the schedule written on the manual of your car.

Myth #4: Warm up the car’s engine for a few minutes before driving

Fact: This could be a bit of good advice, but modern car engines tend to warm up quickly when it is being driven.

What to do: Get inside the car, start the engine, then start driving. Do not wait for several minutes because the maximum efficiency will be reached as soon as the engine is warmed up.

In this state, the engine provides the best performance and fuel economy. However, take note not to rev the car’s engine too high on the first miles while you are still warming up.

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Modern car engines tend to warm up quickly when it is being driven

Myth #5: Your car dealer should perform the maintenance of your car to retain the factory warranty

Fact: The maintenance can be made at any mechanic or repair shop that you want. Follow the recommended schedule written on the car’s manual for the maintenance of your car.

What to do:  Go to your trusted auto shop when doing the maintenance of your car. In case you don’t have one, consult your friends or co-workers. You can also do the maintenance yourself if you know about it.

Make sure also to have the proper tools needed. When having it in a repair shop, keep the receipts and records. This may help you in an event of warranty dispute. If you need to perform a recall work, this is the time you need to take the car to your dealer.

The maintenance can be made at any mechanic or repair shop that you want

Myth #6: Doing special services to your car is needed to freshen it

Reality: There is no need for any services to your car when the season is changing.

What to do: Once again, refer to the vehicle’s manufacturer manual for the maintenance needed by your car. No need for seasonal services if you follow the scheduled maintenance.

Moreover, modern cars now have coolant that lasts longer. To replace it, check it in the manual of your car. There is no need for coolant recharge except when there is a problem. It may also need more to fix the problem with coolant.

There is no need for any services to your car when the season is changing

Myth #7: An oil change is needed every 3000 miles

Reality: Most of the oil companies and shops love the idea of this myth because it is in their favor. However, this is not necessary. A normal vehicle can drive to 7500 miles or above before a need for an oil change.

What to do: Always check the recommended schedule for an oil change in the car’s manual. Modern vehicles have a system that alerts driver s wheA glimpse of common car maintenance mythsn an oil change is needed. The oil change can be affected by the driving condition. It can extend up to 10000 miles.

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