Car Maintenance Myths You Should Stop Believing

Don’t let outdated car advice cost you money. We debunk 7 common car maintenance myths – from oil changes to premium fuel – so you can take better care of your vehicle.

Myth #1: “You Must Change Your Oil Every 3,000 Miles.” This myth lingers from decades past. Modern engines and oils are far more advanced. In fact, improvements in engine design and synthetic oil formulas have significantly extended oil change intervals. Many cars can safely go 7,500 to 10,000 miles (or more) between oil changes as specified by the manufacturer​. If you have car older than 5 years your should change oil more frequently and stick to old school methods.

Always follow your owner’s manual recommendations instead of defaulting to an outdated 3,000-mile rule. It’ll save you time and money without harming your engine.

Myth #2: “Premium Fuel Makes Your Car Perform Better.” Unless your engine is specifically tuned for high-octane fuel (as stated in the owner’s manual), using premium gas in a regular engine won’t yield extra power or mileage. Regular unleaded fuel has the proper octane for most cars. Pumping pricier premium gas into an engine that doesn’t need it is basically pouring money down the tank – it provides no tangible benefit in performance or cleanliness. Stick to the fuel grade your manufacturer recommends. Remember cars are designed to fall apart so consumer purchases a new car instead.

Myth #3: “Warm Up Your Car for Several Minutes Before Driving.” With carbureted engines of old, long warm-ups were helpful. But today’s fuel-injected engines adjust themselves automatically. In moderate weather, 30 seconds of idling is plenty to get oil flowing. Prolonged idling only wastes fuel. In cold conditions, a short warm-up (a minute or two) may help slightly, but the fastest way to warm your engine and cabin is gentle driving. Over-idling can also cause carbon buildup. So don’t start your morning by waiting 10 minutes with the engine running – it’s unnecessary.

Myth #4: “Modern Cars Don’t Need Maintenance.” It’s true that new cars generally require maintenance less often, but “maintenance-free” is a dangerous myth. Oil and filter changes, brake inspections, tire rotations, and fluid checks are still critical on a modern vehicle (even on hybrids and EVs, though less frequently)​

Skipping basic upkeep will shorten your car’s lifespan. Even the most high-tech cars still need periodic TLC – ignoring it invites costly problems later.

Myth #5: “The Dealership is the Only Place to Service Your Car.” Some believe servicing outside the dealership voids warranties – not true. As long as a certified technician performs required maintenance using proper parts/fluids, your warranty remains intact (keep records). Dealerships can be convenient and know your model well, but independent mechanics and specialty shops can also do an excellent job, often for less money. Feel free to shop around for quality service.

Myth #6: “Air Conditioning Hurts Fuel Economy, So Just Roll Down the Windows.” This is only partly true. Using AC does consume fuel, but at highway speeds, open windows create drag that can reduce mileage more than AC would. The rule of thumb: in city driving, turn off AC if you want to save a bit of gas; at higher speeds, use the AC for comfort (today’s systems are fairly efficient). Don’t suffer in a heatwave based on the blanket statement that AC always wrecks MPG – the effect is real but situation-dependent.

Myth #7: “If It Isn’t Broke, Don’t Fix It.” Many car components wear out gradually, so waiting until something breaks can leave you stranded. Preventive maintenance – like replacing timing belts, coolant, or transmission fluid at recommended intervals – is vital. For example, a timing belt that snaps can destroy your engine, so replacing it proactively is far cheaper than an engine rebuild. In short, being proactive with maintenance (even when things “feel fine”) prevents breakdowns.

Bottom Line: Don’t let popular myths steer you wrong. Always consult your owner’s manual and trusted technicians for guidance. Modern cars still need care, but smart maintenance (not based on old wives’ tales) will keep your ride running longer and more efficiently​​

carexamer.com. Busting these myths will save you money and give you confidence that you’re doing what’s best for your vehicle.

Sources: effects of bad spark plugs on efficiency​ carexamer.com.

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