Your Winston-Salem auto repair experts at Cloverdale Auto have heard many interesting auto maintenance myths over the years. These myths typically relate to common car care issues like oil changes, transmission fluid changes, which fuel to use, warranties and car batteries. But are these rumors actually true?
You Need an Oil Change Every 3,000 Miles
One of the most common auto maintenance myths surrounds the need for oil changes. While needing this service used to be important every 3,000 miles, newer model vehicles are different. Today’s cars typically do well with oil changes every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. This is due to improved oil composition and synthetic alternatives available on the market today. Engines are also superior to designs of the past.
To know precisely when you need oil changes, refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Your Winston-Salem auto repair experts can also provide this information for you.
Premium Fuel Improves Vehicle Performance
For some cars and trucks, premium fuel does improve performance. But this is not true across the board. Regular grade fuel works well in cars not equipped with a high-compression or performance engine. It is also an auto maintenance myth that regular fuel will harm your engine. However, premium gas has protectants and cleaners in its formula that do benefit a turbo-charged engine.
Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for guidance in which fuel to use for your car or truck.
Taking Your Car to a Winston-Salem Auto Repair Shop Will Void Your Warranty
Another popular auto maintenance myth is that taking your car to a Winston-Salem auto repair shop will void the warranty. While dealerships want you to only visit their shop for routine maintenance needs, you can take your car to any legitimate mechanic. You just need to save your receipts in case you need to prove the work was done and its cost. This is the case for any routine maintenance listed in your owner’s manual, when performed on the recommended schedule.
You Must Warm Up Your Vehicle’s Engine in Cold Weather
It is true that your engine’s parts run their best when fully warmed up. But today’s vehicles warm up more quickly when the car is in motion. Leaving your car running in the driveway before taking off only burns gas, wastes money and adds emissions to the environment. Warming up your vehicle in cold weather is an auto maintenance myth you can ignore, if you have a recent model.
Always Replace All Tires at the Same Time
You do not need to purchase four new tires if one or two need replacement. Simply ensure you buy the same brand, size and model as your remaining tires. Then, continue having them rotated as part of every other oil change.
Drive for a Short Period of Time after a Jump Start to Fully Recharge Your Battery
After having your battery jump-started, it takes hours of driving to achieve a full charge. This is particularly true in cold weather, when lower temperatures drain a battery’s energy. Simply driving for five, 10 or even 50 miles will not “refill” the battery. Instead of believing in the old auto maintenance myth, plan on driving for several hours. Avoid using heated seats, the radio and other accessories that pull power from the battery while you do this. Obviously, the best way to avoid having to jump-start your car battery again is to replace it as needed.
Flush the Transmission Fluid Every 50,000 Miles
Most modern vehicles use transmission fluid with a longer life than in the past. Instead of having to flush this fluid every 50,000 miles, as the old auto maintenance myth proclaims, today’s cars and trucks can last up to 100,000 miles. Of course, your vehicle’s manufacturer provides the best information about when to have this important service performed at your Winston-Salem auto repair shop.
Winston-Salem Auto Repair You Can Count On
If you have questions about auto maintenance myths or the service your vehicle needs, there is no one better to ask than your Winston-Salem auto repair experts at Cloverdale Auto. Schedule your next oil change, transmission fluid flush, tire rotation or other service today by calling 336-331-3448.