Let’s face it: cars can be expensive to maintain. And when you add in all the advice you’ve probably heard over the years, it’s easy to get caught up in things that might not actually be true. I’ve been there, swearing by things like premium gas and extra oil changes because “that’s what everyone does.” But as it turns out, much of what we think we know about car care is based on myths, and following these misconceptions could be unnecessarily draining your wallet.
These myths often stem from advice that was once useful but has become outdated with advances in automotive technology. Whether it’s about when to change your oil or how to care for your tires, some of these tips are just no longer relevant. But even though the myths are outdated, they persist, causing many of us to spend money on things we don’t really need.
In this article, we’re busting 12 common car myths that are wasting your money. Get ready to re-evaluate how you care for your car and hopefully save some cash in the process.
1. Change Your Oil Every 3,000 Miles
It’s time to let go of the 3,000-mile oil change rule. This myth has been hanging around for years, but modern engines and synthetic oils are built to last much longer. Most cars today can easily go between 5,000 and 7,500 miles before needing an oil change, with some even stretching to 10,000 miles.
By sticking to the 3,000-mile mark, you’re wasting money on unnecessary oil changes. Instead, check your car’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended oil change interval, and you’ll find yourself making fewer trips to the mechanic’s shop and spending less.
2. Premium Gas is Always Better
If you think filling your tank with premium gas will give your car a boost, it’s time to think again. Unless your car’s manual specifically calls for high-octane fuel, premium gas isn’t going to do much for your vehicle. Most cars run perfectly fine on regular gas, and using premium when not specified by the manufacturer is like pouring money down the drain.
High-octane fuel doesn’t improve performance in cars that don’t require it, so save yourself some cash and stick to regular unleaded unless your engine truly needs the high-octane stuff.
3. Let Your Car Warm Up Before Driving
Gone are the days when you needed to let your car warm up for several minutes before hitting the road. This practice made sense in the era of carbureted engines, but modern fuel-injected engines are ready to go almost immediately. Letting your car idle is just wasting fuel.
Instead, start driving gently after a minute or so. Your car will warm up as you go, and you’ll save on gas and reduce your emissions.
4. Inflate Tires to the Max PSI for Best Performance
Some people think that inflating their tires to the maximum PSI listed on the tire’s sidewall will improve performance or fuel efficiency. But that maximum PSI isn’t meant for everyday driving. It’s the highest pressure the tire can handle safely. Overinflating your tires can lead to a rougher ride, decreased traction, and uneven wear.
Check your car’s manual or the sticker inside your driver’s door for the recommended tire pressure. Properly inflated tires offer the best balance of safety, performance, and fuel efficiency.
5. Aftermarket Add-Ons Boost Fuel Efficiency
From magnetic fuel savers to airflow-enhancing devices, there are plenty of aftermarket products claiming to improve fuel efficiency. Unfortunately, most of these gadgets are more about marketing than actual results. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission has warned consumers that many of these products simply don’t work.
If you’re serious about improving fuel efficiency, focus on regular maintenance, keeping your tires inflated, and good driving habits like avoiding hard acceleration. These methods will save you more money than any questionable add-on.
6. Washing Your Car at Home Saves Money
It might seem like washing your car at home is a great way to save money, but it’s often less efficient than you’d think. Home car washes tend to use far more water than necessary, and if you’re using old towels or dirty sponges, you could end up scratching your paint and paying for repairs later.
Professional car washes are designed to use water efficiently and can leave your car looking better while reducing the risk of damage. While the upfront cost might be higher, it could save you in the long run.
7. Bigger Cars are Always Safer
It’s easy to believe that a bigger car equals a safer ride, but that’s not always the case. Modern cars—whether large or small, are built with advanced safety features like airbags, crumple zones, and electronic stability control that provide significant protection in crashes.
Focusing solely on size could mean buying a vehicle that’s unnecessarily large and less fuel-efficient. Instead, look at crash-test ratings and safety features, which are often more important than the size of the vehicle.
8. Manual Transmissions are More Fuel-Efficient
Manual transmissions used to be the go-to for better fuel efficiency, but that’s no longer the case. Advances in automatic transmissions have made them just as, if not more, fuel-efficient than manual cars.
It might be time to reconsider if you’re still using a manual transmission just to save gas. Modern automatics offer the same benefits without the extra work of shifting gears.
9. You Must go to the Dealership for Repairs
It’s a common myth that you have to go to the dealership for repairs to keep your warranty intact. However, as long as the parts and services meet manufacturer standards, you can take your car to any certified mechanic for most repairs and maintenance.
Dealerships often charge higher labor rates, so finding a reliable local mechanic can save you money while still keeping your car in top shape.
10. Regular Maintenance Isn’t Needed for New Cars
Just because a car is new doesn’t mean you can skip routine maintenance. Keeping up with oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid checks is just as important for new cars as it is for older models.
Skipping regular maintenance on a new car can lead to larger, more expensive problems down the road. It’s always better to stay on top of these small services to avoid big bills later.
11. Fuel Additives Always Improve Performance
Fuel additives claim to boost performance and fuel efficiency, but for most drivers, they’re unnecessary. Modern cars are designed to run efficiently on the fuel available at your local station without additives.
In most cases, adding these treatments will not provide any noticeable improvement and could be a waste of money.
12. Flush Your Coolant Every Year
Flushing your coolant every year is another myth that can lead to unnecessary expenses. Most modern cars only need a coolant flush every five years, or even longer, depending on the vehicle.
Check your owner’s manual for the recommended schedule, and you’ll avoid spending money on this service more often than needed.
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With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
