Common Car Maintenance Myths - Debunked

Myth: You should change your oil every 5,000 KM.

Debunked: While this was once the standard recommendation, most modern cars can go longer between oil changes. Consult your owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommended oil change interval, which is typically between 5,000 to 10,000 KM depending on driving conditions and the type of oil used. Most synthetic engine oils and filters are designed to last much longer than 5,000 KM and can save you money in the long run.

Myth: Premium gasoline improves performance in all cars.

Debunked: Premium gasoline is only necessary for vehicles that specifically require it, typically high-performance or turbocharged engines. Using premium fuel in a car designed for regular unleaded won't provide any benefits and would be a waste of money.

Myth: Letting your car idle warms up the engine faster.

Debunked: Idling your car to warm up the engine is unnecessary and can actually be harmful. Modern engines warm up faster when driven gently, allowing oil to circulate more quickly and reducing wear on engine components.

Myth: You should replace all four tires at once.

Debunked: While it's ideal to replace all tires simultaneously for optimal performance, it's not always necessary. If only one or two tires are worn or damaged, they can be replaced individually as long as they match the remaining tires in terms of size, tread pattern, and wear. That being said, when it is time to switch your summer tires to winter tires, you should always be replacing all 4 tires as replacing 2 summer tires with winter tires and hoping to save some money can lead to dangerous driving conditions where 2 tires might maintain traction and 2 tires might lose traction causing loss of control of the vehicle.

Myth: Premium aftermarket parts are always better than OEM parts.

Debunked: Aftermarket parts mostly offer comparable quality and performance to OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts, but this isn't always the case. OEM parts are specifically designed for your car and are often the best choice for ensuring proper fit and function. It's essential to research and choose reputable aftermarket brands if opting for non-OEM parts.

At the end of the day, you can choose to follow your vehicle's owner's manual and perform required services as you see fit or you could follow the old myths and continue to perform basic car maintenance. It is your vehicle and how you choose to service your vehicle is your choice, we can only provide good advice and help you maintain your vehicle to the best of our ability.