4 Car Maintenance Myths to Stop Believing

There are many myths circulating about car maintenance. Some of them will cost you more money than you need to spend, while others may even damage your engine and necessitate repairs. Keep reading to discover four vehicle maintenance myths you should stop believing today!

Myth 1: You Need to Change Your Oil Every 3,000 Miles

The first car maintenance myth to stop believing is that you need to change your oil every 3,000 miles. This may be good advice if you have an old car and you regularly drive under harsh conditions. However, most cars made within the last decade or so can typically go longer in between oil changes. With the use of synthetic oils and enhanced engine design, most cars can last 5,000 to 7,500 miles between oil changes.

Myth 2: Premium Fuel is Better for Your Car and Will Increase Performance

People often think that the more expensive something is, the better. However, unless your car has a high-compression engine that runs hotter than others, there is no benefit to using a higher-octane gasoline than advised by your owner's manual. In fact, most vehicles manufactured before 2019 do not recommend or require premium fuel. Also, many engines manufactured after 2007 were designed to operate more efficiently while running on regular-grade fuel.

Myth 3: You Should Warm Up Your Car’s Engine Before Driving in the Cold

Many people believe they need to allow their car time to warm up before driving during colder weather. However, modern engines actually warm up faster while you are driving. Allowing your car to idle for more than a couple minutes will only decrease your fuel mileage and cost you money.

Myth 4: Vehicle Maintenance at Independent Repair Shops Will Void Your Warranty

Many people overpay for their vehicle maintenance at their local dealership out of fear that they will void their warranty otherwise. The fact of the matter is, it is illegal for a dealership to deny your warranty coverage simply because you had routine maintenance or repairs performed by an independent repair shop. At Custom Complete Automotive, we are proud to offer our customers honest car maintenance services and advice to keep your car in excellent condition for as long as possible. For more car maintenance tips, or to learn more about our auto repair services, contact us today!