A Tale As Old As Time….
We’ve all heard the stories about how grandpa got 200,000 miles out of his Cadillac, over the years these car stories start to take on a life of their own. While some advice is time tried and true, it’s always good to be cautious about what you chose to do when maintaining your car so that you do not end up costing yourself more time and money in the long run.
Here are the top believed car myths that still sway even the most experienced drivers off their course.
6 Car Care Myths vs. Car Care Reality
Myth: Higher octane fuel is better.
Fact: You should always use the octane grade that is recommended in your vehicles owners’ manual. Your car is designed to run on a particular octane fuel and putting a higher octane fuel into a car that does not require it is simply a waste of money as it will not perform any better.
Myth: Only the dealership can perform your regular maintenance to keep your factory warranty valid.
Fact: As long as you perform the maintenance items listed in your manual according to the recommended schedule the work can be done at any auto shop. At Minnesota AAMCO Transmission & Total Car Care, we know your car like your dealer and can provide the recommended car maintenance services you need at a fraction of the cost of the dealership.
Myth: If the brake fluid is low, topping it off will fix the problem.
Fact: If your brake fluid is getting low this means it is time to bring your car in for a brake service. As your brake pads wear down the level of brake fluid will drop, so if your fluid level is low this either means that it is time for new brake pads or you have a leak in your brake system. Either way, the safest course of action is to bring your car in for service as soon as possible.
Related: How to Tell if Your Brakes are Bad
Myth: After a jump-start, your car’s battery is recharged right away.
Fact: It can actually take hours of driving for your battery to fully charge. If your battery is requiring frequent jump-starts or is older than three years, consider coming into your local AAMCO Minnesota and we will perform a free courtesy check on your car’s battery.
Myth: Your car’s tires should be inflated to the pressure that is embossed on the tire’s sidewalls.
Fact: That figure denotes the tires maximum pressure, not necessarily the ideal pressure for your tires. You should go with your car manufactures suggested pressure, this is typically printed on a sticker insider of the drivers side door.
Myth: You need to flush your car’s coolant with every oil change.
Fact: Radiator coolant doesn’t need to be replaced that often. You should refer to your owner’s manual for the interval – which is usually around every 60,000 miles. If the level of your coolant is frequently low then you should check for a leak and get a radiator and cooling system service as soon as possible.
AAMCO Minnesota – Your One Stop Shop for Honest, Affordable Car Care
Finding a mechanic you trust is important, and sometimes not easy. It can take time and might involve some trial and error, but it does help to know some basic car care information when you are looking for your next mechanic.
AAMCO represents a national family of trust and expertise with over 50 years of transmission repair and automotive repair and maintenance experience. At AAMCO Minnesota, our mission is to provide the best auto repair and maintenance in Minnesota.
Find Your Locally Owned & Operated AAMCO Minnesota Auto Repair Center
Schedule An Appointment
