According to a survey conducted on 2,000 car owners, many younger drivers are either not very confident or completely clueless when it comes to performing car-related tasks. Case in point: at least 60% of the drivers surveyed can’t fix a flat tire.
Unfortunately, it’s through the general lack of knowledge that many misconceptions are born and spread. Every car owner has probably heard several general car maintenance best practices that falsely claim to save money or increase performance.
This article will share some of the popular car maintenance misconceptions that are entirely false.
1. Premium Gas Works Better
Premium gas does work better in terms of octane levels, but that doesn’t mean it’ll give your car an edge on the road. Using high-octane premium gas will not result in any significant improvements to your car’s performance.
Having a higher-octane number simply means your fuel will experience far fewer pre-ignition problems. That’s why premium gas is designed for hotter high-compression engines. This means that if your car’s engine is designed for 87-octane fuel (regular), using premium won’t give you better mileage or better performance.
If your car is not required to use premium, you can save more money by sticking to regular gas. Additionally, some high-end vehicles require premium fuel, so it’s best to check on the owner’s manual to know what kind of fuel you should get.
2. You Should Change Your Oil Every 3,000 Miles
This car maintenance myth has been handed down for generations and is often found posted on your local quick-lube shops. While there’s nothing wrong with frequently changing oils, it’s expensive and not necessary.
Most modern vehicles and lubricants require around 5,000 to 7,000 miles before needing to be changed. Cars using synthetic oil can go as far as 15,000 miles before you are encouraged to replenish it. Always refer to your car’s manual to know when and how you should change engine oil.
3. There’s More Gas For Your Money In The Morning
According to the myth, you should fuel up early in the morning when the air is cool because the gasoline will be denser, so you’ll be able to get more than usual. Unfortunately, the temperature of the gas doesn’t change much.
Additionally, gas is usually stored underground, which makes it completely insulated from any significant temperature changes. Regardless of the time of day or temperature, you’ll still get the same amount of fuel you paid for.
4. Inflate Your Tires To The Pressure Embossed On Its Sidewalls
If you look closely at the sidewalls of your car tires, there should be a pressure (psi) embossed on them. For some people, this is the pressure they use when inflating their car tires. That’s incorrect.
The value found on the tire’s sidewall indicates the maximum amount of pressure the tire can handle and not the recommended pressure. Overinflating your car tires can wear them out faster and can easily get damaged by debris on the road because of too much stiffness.
Always refer to the recommended pressure shown on your car’s manual and a sticker inside the driver’s door.
When it comes to your car, you must know the correct way of maintaining them. Being a responsible driver means you’re able to distinguish between fact and fiction. Make sure to keep these misconceptions in mind so you can make smarter decisions when it comes to car maintenance.
Auto Works of Brandon offers factual and comprehensive vehicle inspection services that can help you determine your vehicle’s current condition.
If you want your car inspected, contact us today to set an appointment and have our experts check the condition of your vehicle.
