Car maintenance is a topic surrounded by a myriad of advice, some of which is accurate, while others are simply myths. Believing in car maintenance myths can lead to unnecessary expenses, neglect of essential tasks, and even potential damage to your vehicle. In this guide, we’ll debunk common car maintenance myths, providing you with accurate information to help you make informed decisions about caring for your vehicle.

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

Fact: The 3,000-mile oil change interval is an outdated recommendation. Many modern vehicles can go much longer between oil changes. Refer to your car’s owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended oil change intervals. Advances in oil and engine technology have extended these intervals for many vehicles.

Myth 2: Premium Gasoline Improves Performance in All Cars:

Fact: Premium gasoline is designed for certain high-performance or luxury vehicles that require higher octane levels. However, for most regular cars, using premium fuel provides no additional benefits and is a waste of money. Check your car’s manual to determine the recommended octane level.

Myth 3: You Need to Warm Up Your Car Before Driving in Cold Weather:

Fact: Modern engines are designed to warm up more efficiently while driving. Idling your car for an extended period in cold weather not only wastes fuel but also increases engine wear. It’s better to drive gently during the first few minutes to allow the engine to warm up gradually.

Myth 4: You Should Inflate Tires to the Pressure on the Sidewall:

Fact: The recommended tire pressure is specified by the vehicle manufacturer and can be found in the owner’s manual or on a sticker usually located on the driver’s side door jamb. The pressure on the sidewall is the maximum pressure the tire can handle, not the optimal pressure for your vehicle.

Myth 5: Engine Oil Should Always Be “Topped Off” Between Changes:

Fact: It’s unnecessary and can even be harmful to add oil between regular oil changes if the oil level is within the recommended range. Overfilling the oil can lead to engine damage. Monitor your oil level and add oil only if it’s below the recommended level.

Myth 6: Engine Flushes Are Necessary for Regular Maintenance:

Fact: Engine flushes, which involve forcefully cleaning the engine with chemicals, are generally unnecessary for routine maintenance. High-quality motor oil and regular oil changes are usually sufficient to keep your engine clean and functioning properly.

Myth 7: You Should Replace All Four Tires at the Same Time:

Fact: While it’s ideal to replace all four tires simultaneously, it’s not always necessary. If only one or two tires are significantly worn or damaged, you can replace them without changing the others. However, ensure that the new tires are of the same size and have a similar tread pattern to maintain balanced handling.

Myth 8: A Red Battery Light Means the Battery Is Failing:

Fact: The red battery light on your dashboard typically indicates a charging system issue, not necessarily a failing battery. It could be a problem with the alternator, drive belt, or other components. Have the charging system inspected promptly to identify and address the issue.