Some car-care myths and the reality
So, all your car-care myths will be answered in the following blog. Yahoo! Autos actually is the one answering your questions, but I’ll break it down for you with the basics questions and answers.
1. Myth: Engine oil should be changed every 3000 miles. Reality: Supposedly under normal driving conditions, you should be able to go 7500 miles between oil changes. The extreme driving, such as constant stop-and-go driving (though most people do this I feel like), frequent trailer-towing, dusty conditions, or mountainous terrains, should have the oil changed every 3000 miles. I drive in severe driving conditions I guess since I am always in stop-and-go driving, so I guess I need my oil changed every 3000 miles, but for the rest of you, you are spending too much money on oil changes. Just wait.
2. Myth: Inflate tires to the pressure shown on the tire’s sidewall. Reality: The pressure shown on the side of the tire is the maximum pressure that the tire can safely hold, not the recommended pressure, which will provide you with the best balance of braking, handling, gas mileage, and comfort. The tire pressure that you want is usually on the doorjamb sticker, glove box, or fuel filler door. You should check your tire pressure monthly when the car has been parked for a few hours or the tires are cold.
3. Myth: If the brake fluid is low, topping it off will fix the problem. Reality: If the brake fluid level drops to or below the Low mark, you have a problem. Either the brake pads are worn out or the fluid is leaking. Either way, you need to get it serviced right away. When you rotate your tires every 6000 to 7000 miles, you should have your brakes checked as well.
4. Myth: If regular-grade fuel is good, then premium must be better. Reality: If your car is made to take regular fuel, stick with regular. All premium does is costs you more money. It will not improve your car’s performance.
5. Myth: Flush your coolant at every oil change. Reality: Don’t do it. It is recommended that you do it every 5 years or 60,000 miles.
6. Myth: Let your engine warm up for several minutes before driving. Reality: I just talked about this the other day, you don’t need to do this. Maybe older cars, but you don’t need to do this with modern day cars.
7. Myth: If you want your warranty to be valid, you need to have the maintenance performed at the dealership. Reality: Not true. You can have the regular maintenance done at an auto repair shop. Just make sure you keep receipts in case you need it.
So, there’s some helpful information I think. I learned something. Hope you did too!