7 Common Car Maintenance Myths Debunked by Experts

The world of car maintenance is filled with advice passed down through generations. While much of it is sound, some of it is hopelessly outdated or just plain wrong. Following bad advice can cost you money, waste your time, and in some cases, even harm your vehicle. Let's debunk seven of the most common car maintenance myths with facts from the experts.

Myth 1: You Must Change Your Oil Every 5,000 Kilometers

The Reality: This is perhaps the most persistent myth. While it was true for cars from the 1980s and 90s, it's outdated for modern vehicles. With advances in engine design and the superior longevity of modern synthetic oils, most cars today have recommended oil change intervals of 10,000, 15,000, or even more kilometers. Always follow the interval specified in your car's owner's manual.

Myth 2: You Need to Warm Up Your Car Before Driving

The Reality: In the age of carbureted engines, this was necessary. However, modern fuel-injected engines do not require a long warm-up period. The best way to warm up a modern car is to simply start it, wait about 30 seconds for oil to circulate, and then drive it gently for the first few kilometers. Prolonged idling just wastes fuel and increases engine wear.

Myth 3: Premium Fuel (High Octane) Makes Your Car More Powerful

The Reality: Unless your car's manufacturer specifically requires or recommends premium, high-octane fuel (common in high-performance or turbocharged engines), using it provides absolutely no benefit. Octane rating is a measure of fuel's resistance to 'knocking' or pre-ignition, not its energy content. Using a higher octane than your engine is designed for will only drain your wallet faster.

Myth 4: A Battery Recharges Fully After a Jump Start

The Reality: A jump start provides enough power to start the engine, but it does not recharge the battery. Your car's alternator is designed to maintain a charged battery, not to recharge a deeply discharged one. Driving for 15-20 minutes after a jump start is not enough. The battery needs to be put on a proper charger for several hours to restore its full charge. If it died in the first place, there's likely an underlying issue that needs to be checked.

Myth 5: You Should Replace All Four Tires at the Same Time

The Reality: While ideal, it's not always necessary. If one tire is damaged and the other three have plenty of tread left, you can often replace just the one (or the pair on the same axle). The key is to match the new tire's brand, model, and size to the others. However, on All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) vehicles, it is often critical to replace all four to prevent damage to the drivetrain due to differences in tire circumference.

Myth 6: A Car Wash is the Same as Detailing

The Reality: A car wash simply cleans the surface dirt off your car. Detailing is a far more meticulous process that involves deep cleaning, restoring, and protecting both the interior and exterior of the vehicle. This includes processes like clay bar treatment to remove contaminants, polishing to remove minor scratches, and applying a protective wax or sealant. Detailing is about restoring the car to a like-new condition, not just cleaning it.

Myth 7: Your Coolant Never Needs to be Changed

The Reality: Many modern coolants are 'long-life', but they are not 'lifetime'. Over time, the anti-corrosive additives in the coolant break down, leaving your engine, water pump, and radiator vulnerable to rust and corrosion from the inside out. Following the manufacturer's recommendation for a coolant flush (typically every 5 years or 1,00,000 km) is crucial for the long-term health of your cooling system.

Don't let myths guide your maintenance decisions. Trust the experts and your owner's manual for accurate, up-to-date information. If you have questions about your car's specific needs, book a consultation or service with Drvyn's certified professionals.