Anyone familiar with car repair knows that there are some common steps taken to ensure a vehicle remains in top condition. Yet, here at D Mac’s Auto Repair in Escondido, CA we get a lot of questions that relate to what we call car maintenance myths. These are those questions that can force a car owner into spending a lot more time and money on auto care than is necessary.
As your trusted mechanic in Escondido, we want to dispel the worst of these car maintenance myths, and we’ll start with the whopper of them all, the 3,000-mile oil change.
Oil Changes
We find it so interesting to hear our customers say stuff like, “so, I’ll come back in 3,000 miles!” Why is this interesting? Because there is no rule that says 3,000 miles is the ideal period for your car to have an oil change. Instead, we encourage all our customers to think about the kinds of driving they do most, the number of miles they drive each day, the kind of oil they use in their car and to look at their owner’s manual to see what the car’s maker suggests.
Tire Pressure
In fact, your owner’s manual is a powerful tool in uncovering many car maintenance myths. Take the tire pressure as a prime example. Most customers say they would follow the suggestion for psi printed right on the tire. Unfortunately, that may make your car handle less effectively or efficiently. Instead, look in the owner’s manual or on the sticker mounted inside of the door jamb of every vehicle.
Fuel
Another of the common car maintenance myths that you can debunk with the owner’s manual is the kind of gas you should use, or more correctly, what grade. Lots of drivers think regular fuel is okay, and that means premium fuel must be better. Unless your car has been designed for premium grade fuel, though, you won’t get better performance or mileage out of it.
Warming Up
Lastly, there is one issue where auto care is concerned that most owner’s manuals don’t address. That is warming up the car. You don’t need to do it, and just starting it and driving gently is better than making it sit idle.
Have Questions? Talk to Our Escondido Mechanics
Did this answer your questions about auto maintenance myths? If not, give us a call at our Escondido, CA office at 760-746-0111. You can also use our online contact form and one of our staff will get back to you promptly.
