Mechanics Reveal the 6 Car Maintenance Myths That Waste the Most Money
Some car maintenance “rules” aren’t really rules at all. In reality, many of them are outdated or just outright myths, and they end up costing drivers year after year. While these recommendations may have been accurate decades ago, modern vehicles, oils and technology have changed the way cars need to be maintained.
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According to car experts, here are some of the most common car maintenance myths that could be wasting your money.
Myth: You Need To Change Your Oil Every 3,000 Miles or by a Certain Date
“If you go to a quick oil change place, they’re still going to tell you to get your oil changed every 3,000 miles,” said Melanie Musson, auto industry expert with AutoInsurance.com. “But if you go to a dealership, they’ll tell you to let your car tell you when it needs an oil change, which is every 5,000 miles.”
Chris Pyle, an auto expert with JustAnswer, also isn’t a fan of believing engine oil expires from time.
“When you get an oil change, the label will suggest a mileage and date to service the oil at,” he explained. “I suggest changing the oil based on miles instead.”
Myth: Premium Fuel Is Better for Every Car
Premium, high-octane fuel isn’t a requirement. Premium gas helps maintain performance and fuel economy, but according to Kelley Blue Book, most cars, trucks and SUVs are fine running on regular gasoline.
“You are just spending a lot more on gas when the gains in power and fuel economy are nowhere near the extra cost,” Pyle explained.
Myth: You Should Change Your Air Filter Based on Mileage
A general recommendation is to replace engine air filters every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, but it really depends on where you drive. For example, driving regularly in a city may require you to change your air filter more frequently than if you lived in the countryside.
“Some drivers do not travel in dusty conditions. So, their air filter does not clog as fast,” said Pyle. “The filter should be inspected to see if it needs to be replaced.”
Myth: Servicing Your Car Outside the Dealership Voids Your Warranty
You can get your car serviced anywhere you wish and still maintain the manufacturer’s warranty. “Requiring work to be done at the dealership is actually illegal,” Musson wrote.
But according to Consumer Reports, damage from a faulty repair might not be covered under warranty. Verify that the shop servicing your car is reputable and keep the receipts. Musson added, “Just make sure you keep records to prove that you have kept your car maintained as you should."
Myth: Not All Fluids Need To Be Changed
Your car’s engine oil and windshield wiper fluid aren't the only fluids that need to be topped off or replaced.
According to Alan Gelfand, owner at German Car Depot in Hollywood, Florida, transmission fluid is typically referred to as lifetime fluid, but the wording has led to damage and associated repair bills.
“What most people do not know is that lifetime fluid is set to the warranty term of the vehicle, typically 50,000 to 100,000 miles,” Gelfand said. “If you plan on keeping your vehicle beyond 100,000 miles, you should pay close attention to the recommended transmission fluid service for your SUV, truck or daily driver in stop-and-go traffic.”
It’s also relatively inexpensive to have the transmission fluid serviced, Gelfand added, and far less expensive than a repair, which could cost between $2,500 and $3,500.
The brake fluid also needs to be changed.
“Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts and absorbs water. By doing this, it keeps the inside of your brake lines from corroding... but it can reach a point at which it loses its ability to absorb more water and, therefore, stop performing one of its most important functions,” said Mike Smith, regional vice president at FullSpeed Automotive. “Also, as it absorbs water, the boiling point of the fluid lowers, which reduces the efficiency of your hydraulic system when hot.”
Myth: Warm Up Your Engine Before Driving
You don’t need to warm up your car before driving to work on a cold winter morning.
“Modern fuel-injected engines don't need more than 30–60 seconds. Long idling actually washes oil off cylinder walls and wastes gas. The best warmup is gentle driving,” Smith said. “The simple fact is that allowing your vehicle to idle more than 60 seconds or so is only wasting gas and time.”
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