Everyone has an opinion these days. But, the truth is, most opinions aren’t facts, no matter how much people believe them. In fact, you’ve probably heard your share of car preventative maintenance myths … we sure have. Let’s take a look at a few of them so you can have the information you need to make the best decisions about your vehicle’s care.
4 Common Car Preventative Maintenance Myths That Simply Aren’t True!
Myth #1: You should change your vehicle’s oil every 3,000 miles.
The truth: This is quite possibly one of the most common car preventative maintenance myths. While this may have been true in your grandparents’ day, oil change frequency is different for modern vehicles. That’s mostly because today’s motor oil has additives and lubricants inside it that help it last longer. For most vehicles that are less than 15 years old, oil changes can be done every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. If you’re not sure, check your owner’s manual or talk to your trusted mechanic.
Myth #2: A car battery lasts for 5 years.
The truth: A car battery can last 5 years but it’s more likely to only last 3-5, especially if you purchase a cheap car battery. Other than quality, the biggest deciding factors affecting its life are climate and driving habits. Here in Arizona, extreme summertime heat can cause the fluid inside batteries to evaporate, resulting in battery damage or reduced battery life. We recommend car battery service every 2 years to make sure your battery is in good shape.
Myth #3: You must get your vehicle serviced at a dealership to maintain its warranty.
The truth: You have a choice about where to get your vehicle serviced. If you have a favorite auto repair shop in Tempe that provides top quality auto repairs at an affordable price, there’s no reason to go to a dealership. For your warranty’s sake, just make sure you keep good records of all maintenance done on your vehicle.
Myth #4: Tire replacement isn’t needed until the tread depth is 2/32”.
The truth: Tread depth is an important factor to consider when deciding whether or not you need new tires. However, it’s not the only one. You should also look at the tires’ age – rubber isn’t meant to last forever and will certainly deteriorate with time. You may also need new tires if they wear unevenly, have bulges in them, or cause you to feel vibrations when driving. All of these are signs that your tires are wearing out and may need to be replaced sooner than later.
Learn the TRUTH about car preventative maintenance myths
The bottom line is that if you have any questions about your vehicle’s care, your safest source of information is your trusted auto mechanic. Not your friends, your relatives, or some random person’s social media post online.
At Good Works Auto Repair, our ASE-certified technicians will be happy to answer your questions and dispel any other car preventative maintenance myths you may have heard. It’s our job to give you the best auto repair advice based on your specific make and model. Then, YOU can decide what’s best for you and your budget.
When you’re ready for the best auto repairs in Tempe, provided with a smile and at a fair price, simply give us a call or schedule an appointment online for service today!
