6 Most Common Car Care Myths

In the movie The Matrix, the main character must decide whether he wants to take the red pill and learn the truth or take the blue pill and stay blissfully unaware. Right now we are going to give you the red pill of automotive care, dispelling the most common myths about proper car care.

Myth 1 - You need let your car run to warm it up Modern engines don't need any longer than 45 seconds to warm up like the cars of your grandparents generations. Your car will reach drivable temperature within 45 seconds of turning the key and will continue to warm up and run more efficiently as you drive it. This doesn't mean taking it on the Autobahn the minute you start it. If it's very cold outside, drive the car with care without revving the engine for the first few minutes.

Myth 2 - You have to change your oil every 3,000 miles Most people believe that they should change their oil every 3,000 miles. Unfortunately, this belief is the result of a decades long campaign by the quick-oil change industry to keep you coming back as often as possible. This would be the equivalent of trusting Dunkin Donuts with how many donuts you need to eat every day. Your engine oil should be changed according to your car's manual and the car's oil life monitor light. According to 2013 model service manuals, the majority of auto manufacturers recommend oil changes at either 7,500 or 10,000 miles based on a normal service schedule.

Myth 3 - Using aftermarket auto parts for repairs voids your car's warranty Installing aftermarket (Non-OEM) parts will not void your manufacturer's warranty thanks to a law called the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. According to the act, no company can condition the validity of a warranty based on the use of any particular auto repair service and/or authorized replacement parts for non-warranty service or maintenance.

Myth 4 - You should inflate your car's tires to the pressure shown on the tire's sidewall The numbers shown on the car's tires show the MAXIMUM pressure that the tire can safely hold, not the recommended tire pressure. The automobile manufacturer, not the tire manufacturer will indicate the recommended tire pressure in a sticker on the driver's side door jamb, the vehicle owner's manual or possibly in the glove compartment. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations and take note of temperature changes as they will affect the tire pressure.

Myth 5 - Using a higher octane fuel will clean your engine parts better Once again, this is a myth that's been perpetuated by the oil industry and has little truth to it. Unless your vehicle manufacturer required premium gasoline for your particular model car, there is no benefit to using it. The EPA mandates that all gasoline in the US contain a certain level of engine-detergent, so there is literally nothing to be gained by using a premium gas when it's not required unless you're looking for a way to empty out your bank account faster.

Myth 6 - Top off your brake fluid if it starts running low If your brake fluid is running low, many people believe that topping it off and going about your day is the right thing to do. However, just topping off the brake fluid when it's at the low mark could be masking a serious problem with the brakes. What you should do is take your vehicle to a mechanic and have it inspected immediately to rule out any major issues. Your brakes are nothing to play with.

The 6 Most Common Myths About Car Care