To keep your vehicle in top-notch condition, you have to carry out routine maintenance practices regularly. This means that you need to distinguish between car maintenance facts and myths. The myths may mislead you to repair your car when it doesn’t need any maintenance practices. That’s why it is imperative for you to understand what is optional and what is mandatory regarding vehicle maintenance. This is because the knowledge could help you save a significant amount of cash. Here are a couple of car maintenance myths versus the facts.
Myth 1: If another individual drives your vehicle and an accident occurs, his or her auto insurance will cover the damages.
You need to watch out for this myth in case an accident occurs and another person was driving your car at the time. According to a majority of states, the car insurance policy that is covering your vehicle is regarded as the primary insurance.
What does this imply? If you drive an Audi, for instance, it means that the auto insurance company providing your audi car insurance has to pay for all the damages that result from any accident, even when another person was driving your car. What’s more, you should be sure to understand the rules and regulations regarding auto insurance in your state because they vary from one state to the other
Myth 2: Premium gas will improve your vehicle’s performance.
Another myth is that using premium gas will improve your vehicle’s performance as compared to regular-grade fuel. The truth is, a majority of vehicles have been built to run efficiently on regular-grade fuel. Filling up your gas tank with premium gas will only end up costing you more money, but it won’t improve your car’s performance.
Premium gas is meant for higher compression engines, which means that it can only be beneficial to a car that needs it. Such cars include those that are fitted with turbo-charged engines. It is also imperative for you to use the fuel-grade that is stipulated in your car’s owner manual.
Myth 3: You should allow your engine to warm up for a couple of minutes before driving.
One of the most common car maintenance misconceptions is that you should let your car’s engine to warm up for some minutes before you drive it. That too is actually a myth. The truth is that modern engines tend to warm up faster when they’re being driven as compared to when you leave them to warm up by themselves.
You are advised, therefore, to get in your car, start it, and drive immediately. Doing so allows your engine to reach its full efficiency and deliver excellent performance. However, you are advised against revving the engine too much within the first couple of miles. Instead, allow it to warm up gradually.
Myth 4: You should inflate your tires to the pressure embellished on the tires’ sidewalls.
This is the first misconception concerning car repairs. The fact is that the pressure embossed on the tire is the maximum pressure, but it’s not always the best pressure. Instead, you are advised to consider the pressure that is recommended by the automobile manufacturer. You can find this pressure printed inside the fuel-filler door of your car or on the driver’s doorjamb.
The pressure indicated by the manufacturer is the one that will provide you with a comfortable and balanced ride. Ensuring that you have the right pressure also contributes to your vehicle’s fuel economy. To enhance your safety and the performance of your car, make sure to check your tire pressure monthly.
Myth 5: You need to change your engine oil after driving 3,000 miles.
Another popular misconception is that you have to change your car’s engine oil after every 3,000 miles. This myth is mainly propagated by quick-lube shops and oil companies to convince car owners to purchase engine oil regularly.
The truth is that a majority of cars that are driven under normal/ordinary conditions can run up to 7,500 miles and above before requiring oil changes. As such, you are advised to stick to the oil-change schedule that is stated in your car owner’s manual. This will help you save on oil changes without compromising your vehicle’s performance.
Myth 6: Oil additives extend your engine’s life and help it run smoothly.
Some people claim that you have to use oil additives to help your engine run better, and also increase its life span. However, that’s a misconception. If you change your oil as well as the engine filters according to the recommended schedule, you won’t need any additives. Regular oil and filter change are enough to make your engine run smoothly.
