Ever had an uncle told you, “Hey, young lad! You need to change your engine oil every 3,000 KMs”? Well, we’ve all been there! So,this week,we’re going to debunk 10 of the most laughable myths about oil change that you need to stop following ASAP.
To all the car owners, we believe that you must be getting all kinds of tips and pieces of advice on how crucial it is to do the following:
“ Transmission fluid should get flushed every 80,000 km!”
“ Warm up your car in winter before you drive it!”
“ If a tire gets punctured, replace all four at once.”
Um….. stop right there and listen up, because we are going to tell you that not all of them are accurate, and some can even lead to costly mistakes.
In this blog, we’re going to talk about the ten biggest Auto Repair Services myths & misconceptions… and help you make informed decisions about your car’s health and performance.
So, let’s get started with myth-busting.
Myth #1 – Get Your Oil Change Every 3,000 Miles
Remember when you were so used to getting this advice on changing your oil after every 3,000 miles or three months? Guess What!
The advice was wrong back then and it’s STILL wrong today!
With advancement in technology , oil change frequency has been greatly increased based on vehicle’s makes and models. Various Factors have contributed to change the old aged tradition; such as the driving conditions, type of oil used, and the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Nowadays, alot of modern car’s oil change frequency have been extended from 5,000 to 7,500 miles. However it is best to consult your car’s owner manual or ask your trusted mechanic to determine the exact timeline of oil change.
Myth #2 – Premium Gasoline Improves Performance for All Cars
Not all cars are the same, and not all of them require “Premium Gasoline.”
Using premium gasoline in a car designed for regular unleaded fuel will not enhance performance or fuel efficiency. Premium gasoline is specifically formulated for high-performance engines with higher compression ratios. For most standard vehicles, regular unleaded gasoline meets all the requirements.
Myth #3 – Engine Flushes Are Always Necessary
Engine flushes are often marketed as a way to clean out engine sludge and improve performance. However, modern engines and high-quality oils generally don’t require frequent engine flushes. In some cases, an engine flush can even dislodge debris and cause more harm than good. Consult with a trusted mechanic before deciding if an engine flush is necessary for your car.
Myth #4 – Manual transmissions are efficient than automatic
This is another myth that you must have heard over and over again.
“Why should we buy an automatic car when a manual is more fuel efficient?!
Let us tell you for the sake of clarity; 95% of our roadways are filled with automatic cars, yet people believe that manual are better than automatic transmissions and are fuel efficient.
This used to be true in the past but this criteria no longer works, because advanced technologies such as continuously variable transmissions (CVT) and dual-clutch transmissions (DCT), have changed the perception all-over. In fact in some cases, it is observed that automatic transmissions had even outperformed manual transmissions in terms of fuel efficiency.
Myth #5 – You Can Do Any Auto Repair Service On Your Own
If auto repair services were that easier, everyone would have been doing that!
The truth is, a lot goes into auto repair before even the mechanic repairs it. Yes, we agree to the extent that there are some maintenance tasks that you can do yourself but not all auto repairs are DIY- Friendly. With the advancement in technology, modern cars demand a lot more than just repairing a car with a basic toolbox. Most auto repair workshops have ASE Certified technicians with specialized knowledge, and they know your vehicle inside out.
Therefore, before you damage your car, it’s better to take it to an auto repair center so they can let you know the exact issues and also resolve them on time.
Myth #6 –Replace all four tires at the same time
“Ohh! You got a flat tire? Replace all four at once!”
You must have heard the above statement a lot, whereas it has nothing to do with reality. Generally, tire replacement has a lot to do with factors such as the condition of the existing tires, tread wear, wheel alignment, wheel balancing and how much a TIRE IS DAMAGED!
Many people might not be aware, but it is important to maintain consistent tread depth and overall performance of all four tires; thus, if you get a tire punctured and the rest of the three are doing fine, then there is no need for replacement.
Myth #7 – Higher Octane Gas Improves Performance
“High Octane Gas Brings You Performance, Right?”
You might get surprised to hear, Not necessarily!
It is best to refer to the car’s owner manual to confirm which premium fuel you’re supposed to use. In most of the cases regular octane is recommended however, if you own a sports car or a luxury car then you might require mid-grade or premium gasoline.
Myth #8 –Skip Oil Changes Without Consequences
Oil changes are vital for your engine’s health, and skipping them can lead to severe damage. Engine oil lubricates and protects critical engine components, and neglecting oil changes can cause premature wear and reduced engine performance. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended oil change intervals to maintain your engine’s longevity.
Myth #9 – Warm Up Your Car Up Before You Drive It
So, here’s a winter myth that can destroy your car’s efficiency in the longer run. It’s true in the past when engine parts needed to get warmed up before moving, but in modern vehicles, the engine performs well when you’re on the road.
Also, components like wheel bearings and transmission only warm up once the car starts moving. In fact, leaving your car in winter to warm up does more damage than good, as it can wear out the piston rings and cylinder liners.
Myth #10 – Regular Maintenance Is a Waste of Money
We hate to break it to you all, but routine maintenance is not a waste of money. It’s like telling someone you should only go to the doctor once you are diagnosed with Cancer! Sure, you should, but what about those routine checkups you missed that led you to the last stage?
The same is the case with your car’s health condition. Ignoring routine checkups will lead you to costly repairs and replacements in the end. Routine maintenance and regular visits to the mechanic help you identify any potential problem so you get to repair it before a fatality or significant damage!
