Many facts are floating around about ways to maintain your car. Many of them will increase your car’s longevity, but some are just time-wasting myths. In fact, if you do undertake the wrong maintenance measures, this could damage your car and lead to costly mistakes, so you need to be vigilant about how you’re looking after your car. So, how do you sort out the facts from the fiction? Well, that’s where we come in!
Myth #1 - Premium Gas Improves Performance in Every Car
Premium gas is a higher octane fuel, designed to prevent engine pinging or knocking, which happens when the air-fuel mixture detonates prematurely in the engine. However, the notion that it will improve the performance of every car is untrue, as it will not automatically enhance performance in cars that don’t need it.
Most cars are designed to run perfectly fine on regular fuel and if this is the case with your car, paying for premium gas won’t make any noticeable difference to your car’s efficiency. So you’re likely to be paying more for fuel that won’t do anything for you. That said, some cars do require premium fuel. These are sports cars, luxury cars, high-performance sedans, SUVs, and trucks. These cars are engineered to maximize the potential of higher octane fuel.
When it comes to choosing the right fuel for your car, you should always check your car’s owner manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. In addition, consider your driving conditions. If you are towing heavy loads, driving in mountainous areas or using high-performance settings, which might cause your car to experience knocking, then it may be an idea to consider using premium fuel. However, if you are just doing regular driving, the extra cost of using premium fuel is not necessary.
Myth #2 - You Must Change Your Oil Every 3,000 Miles
The idea that you should change your car’s oil every 3,000 miles is outdated for most modern vehicles, as modern technology means that most cars can go much longer between oil changes. This is because improved engine designs mean that modern engines are more durable and can withstand more stress and higher temperatures, so they don’t require oil changes as quickly. Moreover, oil technology has also evolved with many synthetic oils having longer lifespans, meaning they require less frequent oil changes compared to older, conventional oils. Moreover, many modern engines have monitoring systems that can track the car’s oil performance, alerting drivers when the oil needs to be changed.
Most car manufacturers today recommend oil changes between 5,000 and 10,000 miles, but this all depends on driving conditions and the type of oil being used. It’s advised to always follow manufacturer recommendations as they will guide you as to when and how to change your car’s oil, which will likely save you money in comparison to outdated advice.
When determining your car’s correct oil change interval, your first step should be to check your car’s owner manual, which will provide specific guidelines for oil change intervals based on your car’s engine design. Moreover, if your car has an oil life monitoring system, you should pay attention to it as your car has this for a reason.
It’s important to prioritize this over the 3,000-mile rule. In addition, you should consider your driving conditions as your driving habits may impact the frequency of your oil changes. You may also decide to opt for a high-quality synthetic oil, as this will likely reduce the time required between oil changes.
Myth #3 - Warming Up Your Car in Cold Weather is Necessary
This myth exists because of older car technology when cars had less efficient fuel injection systems. In those days, cars had carburetors and the engine needed to be warmed up to ensure proper combustion and fuel atomization. If the engine was too cold, it may have run poorly and damaged parts like the exhaust system. Older cars also used thicker oils, which couldn’t circulate well in cold weather. They would thin out as the car warmed up, allowing the oil to flow better and lubricate the engine.
Modern engines, however, differ from older models. Cars now have fuel injection systems that automatically adjust the fuel mix for the car’s engine, whatever the weather. This allows the engine to start smoothly without having to be warmed up. Modern engines are also more durable, warming up quicker and handling the cold better, too. In addition, oil technology has also advanced, with synthetic oils now being commonplace. These synthetic oils are designed to perform in all weathers and can flow easily, even in cold weather, ensuring the engine is lubricated from the start and preventing damage.
In cold weather, you can prepare your engine correctly by following the steps below:
- Be gentle: When you idle your car, you waste fuel. You will warm up your car by driving at a moderate speed when you begin, as this will give your engine time to gradually reach its optimal temperature while you’re on the move.
- Oil: While idling for long periods is unnecessary, giving the engine just a minute or two will allow the oil to circulate and coat the engine in extremely cold conditions.
- Battery and antifreeze: Very cold weather can impact your car battery’s effectiveness. Check your antifreeze levels to avoid damage and ensure your battery is in good condition.
- Tires: It’s advisable to drive using winter or all-season tires during colder weather. These tires have better traction for snowy or icy weather.
Myth #4 - Washing Your Car Too Often Can Damage the Paint
Regular washing is essential for your car and you should steer clear of this myth. Your car is constantly exposed to the elements and washing it regularly helps prevent contaminant build-up, which can act like abrasives on your car’s paint. If left on the surface for too long, it can cause scratches. Cleaning your car regularly also protects against corrosion from road salts, dirt and other elements that can eat away at your car’s paint and lead to rust formation. Washing removes these substances and reduces the risk of harm. Moreover, a clean car looks better and preserves its appearance.
That said, when you do wash your car, you should follow proper car washing techniques to avoid damage. Always use high-quality cloths and sponges that are gentle on your car’s surface. It’s also recommended to use products that are specifically designed for car washing and other cleaners may damage your car’s paint. You should also follow these steps:
- Two-bucket method: Prepare two buckets, one with soapy water and another with clean water. After washing one section of the car, rinse your sponge in clean water before dipping it back in the soapy water. This avoids dirt getting into the cleaning solution and reduces the risk of scratches.
- Top to bottom: The bottom section of the car tends to be dirtier, so washing top to bottom will avoid dragging dirt to cleaner sections of the car.
- Be gentle: Scrubbing too hard can damage your car’s paint, especially if any dirt is embedded in your sponge. It’s best to clean gently and let the cleaning products do the work.
- Dry thoroughly: You must dry your car thoroughly after washing, as leftover water spots can leave mineral deposits on the paint.
- Wax and sealant: Applying a wax or sealant after washing will help to protect your car’s paint. It creates a barrier from UV damage, water spots and contaminants.
When it comes to washing your car, it’s best to do this regularly between every two to four weeks, to keep your car clean. You should clean your wheels separately as they are exposed to the most dirt and grime and you don’t want these contaminants to find their way onto your car’s paint. It’s recommended to use a dedicated wheel cleaner to avoid damage.
Myth #5 - You Only Need to Check Your Tire Pressure When It Looks Low
Purely relying on visual inspection is inaccurate. Flat tires are indeed easy to spot, but low tire pressure may not be, as this occurs gradually and a tire can be underinflated without any signs of sagging or bulging. Tires lose air naturally over time through the small pores in the tire rubber. The rate of deflation can be increased by changes in temperature, especially during cold weather.
This is why regular tire pressure checks are so important, not only for your tires’ longevity, but also their performance. Underinflated tires can be a safety risk as soft tires are prone to heat buildup, which can lead to blowouts. Moreover, uneven tires often have a shorter lifespan as soft tires tend to wear down more quickly. Softer tires are also more susceptible to being damaged from debris and potholes on the road.
Proper inflation improves fuel efficiency because when tires are under-inflated, the rolling resistance increases, forcing the car’s engine to work harder to move the car. This leads to your car consuming more fuel. Over time, every drop in 1 PSI (pounds per square inch) can decrease a car’s fuel efficiency by about 0.3%, which adds up over time.
Moreover, tires at the correct air pressure are more effective at braking, which is essential in emergencies.
Not all car maintenance “tips” will benefit your car. If you’re not sure about something, it’s best to speak to an expert in case you end up damaging your car. When in doubt, consult your car owner’s manual and speak to trusted mechanics for accurate advice.