Myth: Premium Gasoline Improves Performance Many believe that using premium gasoline will enhance their car’s performance and fuel efficiency. However, most cars are designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline. Unless your vehicle specifically requires premium fuel, you won’t see benefits from spending extra on higher-octane gas. Always check your owner’s manual for the recommended fuel type.

Myth: You Must Change Your Oil Every 3,000 Miles The 3,000-mile oil change rule is outdated. Advances in engine technology and oil formulations mean many modern cars can go 5,000 to 7,500 miles between oil changes, and some can even reach 10,000 miles. Refer to your vehicle’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended oil change intervals.

Myth: Warming Up Your Car in Cold Weather is Necessary Older cars with carbureted engines required warming up, but modern fuel-injected engines do not. Idling your car to warm it up wastes fuel and can cause engine wear. Instead, drive gently for the first few minutes to allow the engine to reach its optimal operating temperature.

Myth: You Can Wash Your Car with Dish Soap Dish soap is designed to cut through grease on dishes, which can strip away protective wax coatings on your car’s paint. Use a soap specifically formulated for car washing to preserve your vehicle’s finish and protect it from the elements.

Myth: All Tire Pressure Gauges are Accurate Not all tire pressure gauges are created equal. Inaccurate tire pressure readings can lead to improper inflation, affecting fuel efficiency, tire wear, and safety. Invest in a high-quality digital tire pressure gauge and calibrate it regularly to ensure accurate readings.

Myth: You Should Always Use the Dealer for Maintenance Many believe that only dealership service centers can provide the best care for their vehicles. While dealerships often have specialized knowledge, independent mechanics can also provide excellent service, often at a lower cost. As long as the mechanic is certified and uses quality parts, you can feel confident in their ability to maintain your vehicle.

Myth: Engine Flushes are Always Necessary Engine flushes are sometimes marketed as a way to clean out sludge and improve performance. However, if you regularly change your oil and use quality oil, your engine shouldn’t need a flush. In fact, engine flushes can sometimes cause more harm than good by dislodging particles that can clog oil passages. Consult your vehicle’s manual and a trusted mechanic before considering an engine flush.

Myth: You Only Need to Check the Battery in Winter While cold weather can be hard on your car’s battery, high temperatures can be equally damaging. Heat can cause battery fluid to evaporate, leading to internal damage. Regularly inspect your battery throughout the year, clean the terminals, and ensure it’s securely mounted to avoid vibration damage.

Myth: You Don’t Need to Replace Transmission Fluid Transmission fluid plays a crucial role in the smooth operation of your car’s transmission. Over time, it can degrade and lose its effectiveness. While some vehicles are equipped with “lifetime” transmission fluid, it’s still a good idea to have it inspected regularly and replaced according to your manufacturer’s recommendations. Ignoring transmission fluid can lead to costly repairs.

Myth: Replacing a Single Tire is Fine If you damage one tire, you might be tempted to replace just that one. However, mismatched tires can affect your car’s handling and stability. It’s best to replace tires in pairs or, preferably, all four at once to maintain even wear and optimal performance. If replacing only one tire is unavoidable, ensure it’s the same brand, model, and tread pattern as the others.