Five Auto Service Myths You Should Ignore

Unfortunately, there’s a lot of bad advice being spread about vehicle maintenance. This ultimately causes car owners in Raleigh to waste a lot of money. Here are the biggest auto service myths you should avoid.

Myth #1- Change Your Oil Every 3,000 Mile
In an effort to raise their profits, some auto service shops will encourage customers to get an oil change every 3,000 miles. If you own a modern vehicle, there’s usually no need to do so. The only exceptions are typically vehicles that are used for towing and racing.

To find out your car’s recommended oil change interval, check the owner’s manual. Some vehicles also come equipped with a convenient oil life monitor, which triggers a warning light when auto service is needed. Models that require synthetic motor oil can often go 7,000 miles or more before requiring an oil change.

Myth #2- Premium Fuel Will Make Your Vehicle Run Better
Don’t fall victim to this auto service myth. While some vehicles do need to be fed mid-grade or premium gas, seventy percent of today’s vehicles run on regular unleaded.

If your car is tuned from the factory to use regular gasoline, there’s no benefit to using premium. The engine will not develop more power or run better. You’ll essentially just be tossing money down the drain.

Myth #3- Allow Your Engine to Warm Up Before Driving
In the past, most vehicles were equipped with a carbureted engine. This meant drivers needed to allow the engine to warm up for at least a few minutes. However, modern fuel-injected engines no longer require a long warm-up period.

Even in the dead of winter, your vehicle only needs to idle for about 45 seconds to a minute before heading out. The engine will actually warm up faster while driving. Not only does unnecessary idling hurt fuel economy, but it also contributes to carbon buildup inside the engine.

Myth #4- Aftermarket Replacement Parts Will Save You Money
It’s true that most aftermarket replacement parts are cheaper to buy. However, these parts will usually cost you in the long run. When it comes to quality, genuine OEM parts are typically superior.

Experienced auto service professionals strongly recommend the installation of OEM parts. Although OEM components may initially cost more money, they are built to last longer. You’ll also be far less likely to encounter reliability issues.

Myth #5- Quick-Fix Additives Work
When visiting your local auto parts store, you’ll likely find a number of “quick fix” additives on the shelves. Many of them promise to stop leaks. Contrary to what these companies may advertise, there’s no such thing as a mechanic in a bottle.

Pouring a gooey additive into your engine is bound to cause trouble. Aside from being mostly ineffective, these products can also jeopardize the vehicle’s long-term reliability. Take your car to a professional auto service shop. The mechanics will likely need to replace a gasket or seal, which will permanently solve the problem.

 

At Triangle Car Care, we understand the importance of providing only the highest quality of auto care and repair services. This is why our ASE-certified technicians stay up-to-date on the latest automotive technologies and repair techniques. Our shop also maintains the latest technological advancements for ensuring proper diagnosis and repair of your vehicle’s problems, from wheel-to-wheel and the driveline to the drivetrain.

We perform even the most basic services for our customers, such as wiper blade replacement or tire inflation checks. But when you experience bigger problems, such as issues with the cooling system, CV and drive axle, suspension or engine, you can rely on Triangle Car Care, too. Our friendly and thorough auto service repair has kept us in business for over 50 years. We continue our legacy of the highest quality of vehicle maintenance and repair on Glenwood Avenue today.  Contact us today for a free estimate.

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