Many myths have arisen about car care and auto repair. Here are seven car-care myths and the facts behind them. In some cases, the car advice your father gave you no longer applies to the modern era.
When it comes to auto repair and caring for your vehicle,
misconceptions abound. These misconceptions can lead you to spend more cash than you need to. Here are seven of the most common car-care myths and the facts behind them.
Myth 1: Premium gas is better than regular.
Fact: Most vehicles will run well on regular gasoline. Using premium in your vehicle won't hurt, but it will not improve performance. If your vehicle is designed for regular grade( 87 octane ) gasoline, don't use premium.
Myth 2: You should replace the coolant every few months.
Fact: Radiator coolant doesn't need to be changed very often. Most owner's manuals recommend replacing the radiator coolant every 60,000 miles or five years. However, if the level in the coolant tank is very low, take your car to the shop immediately.
Myth 3: Laundry and dish washing detergents make a good car wash.
Fact: Detergent can strip off your vehicle's wax finish. You can avoid this problem by using a car-wash shampoo, which is designed to clean without stripping wax. You can purchase a bottle of car wash shampoo for about $8.
Myth 4: Not going to the dealer for regular maintenance will void your warranty.
Fact: Regular maintenance can be performed at any shop. Just make sure you keep your receipts in case warranty disputes arise. You can save cash by taking your vehicle to a local auto repair shop rather than the dealer.
Myth 5: If the brake fluid is low, you should top it off.
Fact: If your brake fluid level is low, don't top it off. Take your car to an auto repair shop and head off a serious issue with your brakes by getting them inspected. Low brake fluid usually means that your brake pads are worn down and need to be replaced.
Myth 6: You should warm up the car in the morning.
Fact: Some folks believe that their vehicles will last longer if they let them idle until the engine reaches normal operating temperature. The best way to warm up the engine is to drive. Idling the vehicle for a few minutes in the morning just wastes gas.
Myth 7: Your car doesn't need a tune-up.
Vehicles need a tune-up every 30,000 miles or every two years. During this tune-up, your vehicle will receive new parts that will keep it out of the auto repair shop for a while. Maintaining a regular tune-up schedule can prevent a host of problems.
