10 car maintenance misconceptions that cost you time and money
Car maintenance is essential to keep your vehicle running smoothly. However, many misconceptions can lead to unnecessary costs and even damage to your car.
Below are 10 common misconceptions that many car owners make when caring for and maintaining their cars.
1. Change oil every 5,000km
In the past, the phrase “change your oil every 5,000 miles” was considered the standard recommendation. However, over the years, modern cars and synthetic oils have improved significantly to meet engine and emissions regulations. Most cars today can go 8,000–12,000 miles between oil changes, with some even going 10,000 miles without any problems.
Yet most people still use the 5,000km mark for changing their engine oil, perhaps because they adhere to the principle of “better safe than sorry”. The result is millions of dollars wasted on oil changes, along with millions of liters of excess oil that can pollute the environment.
2. Premium fuel improves vehicle performance
Many drivers believe that using higher octane fuel will improve engine performance or the longevity of their vehicle. However, unless your vehicle is a high-performance model that specifically requires premium fuel, using regular unleaded gasoline is perfectly fine for most cars.
3. Warming up the car is a must before driving.
Previously, on engines using old technology, starting the car was difficult because in a split second, the oil could not lubricate the engine. Meanwhile, modern engines have improved technology, the oil pump will quickly circulate oil throughout the engine within 20-30 seconds without idling for 1-2 minutes.
Therefore, idling for a long time not only wastes fuel but also increases emissions. Unless operating in cold winter conditions, you should only let the car idle for 1 minute, then you can start driving gently, this helps the engine warm up much faster than idling for 15-20 minutes.
4. Tire pressure must match the specifications on the tire.
This is a very common misconception about car maintenance. The pressure listed on the sidewall of your tire is the maximum pressure the tire can handle, not the recommended pressure for your vehicle.
In fact, the correct tire pressure can usually be found on a sticker inside the driver's door or in the owner's manual.
5. The car battery will be fully charged after the battery is connected.
Jump-starting a car battery can help the car start again, but it will take several hours of driving to fully charge a dead battery. Therefore, many car owners just jump-start a dead battery and let the car idle for a few minutes before turning off the engine, which can lead to the car stalling and not being able to restart.
Therefore, to avoid this, car owners should consider buying a portable battery booster to restore the battery or may also need to buy a new battery if the battery is often drained quickly.
6. A louder exhaust means more power
A loud exhaust noise can indicate a problem with the exhaust system, such as a leak in the muffler, a puncture in the exhaust connection, etc. Therefore, this does not necessarily have anything to do with increased engine power. In fact, a properly functioning exhaust system is essential for optimal engine performance and efficiency.
7. Washing the car directly under the sun
Washing your car in direct sunlight can cause water spots as it dries quickly. It is best to wash your car in the shade or during cooler times of the day for a better, streak-free finish.
8. Only check the oil level when changing the oil.
Regularly checking your oil level is an important part of car maintenance. It is important to ensure there are no oil leaks and that your car's engine always has enough oil to run smoothly.
Low oil levels can cause serious engine damage, so regular checks can prevent costly repairs.
9. All coolants are the same.
Each vehicle requires its own type of coolant, and using the wrong type can lead to engine damage. Always use the type of coolant recommended in your vehicle's owner's manual.
10. Rotate tires after every oil change
Tire rotation is not an option, even if you drive carefully. Tires wear unevenly due to factors such as braking and turning, so rotating your tires every 10,000–12,000 km helps even out the wear and prolong the life of your tires.
This means that tire rotations will usually be slower than your vehicle’s oil change cycle. If you are used to changing your oil every 5,000km, then you will rotate your tires every 2 oil changes.
