10 Car Care Myths That Are Actually Wrong

Every car owner has heard of the best methods to keep their car in good condition. Whether the advice comes from friends, family, or the car manufacturer, many maintenance suggestions regarding fuel efficiency, engine power, and overall vehicle life seep down the tailpipe. Some tips offer money-saving options or methods to improve productivity. However, not everything that is passed on to car owners is necessarily true. Read on to discover 5 car care myths that are actually false:

1. You need to change your oil every 3,000 miles.

It used to be, and many oil companies and lubricant stores are still pushing the idea. Now, most cars made in the last decade or so require an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles depending on the manufacturer. The best chemical composition and the widespread use of synthetic oils, as well as improved engine design, have made it possible to extend the intervals between oil changes. Schedule an oil change based on the recommendations in your owner's manual. Otherwise, you are throwing money away.

2. Premium fuel is better for your car and will improve its performance.

Unless your car has a high compression, high performance engine that runs hotter than most, regular gasoline works just fine. Cheaper 86 octane fuel still has to meet quality standards - it won't actively harm your car's engine. Higher octane gasoline includes cleaners and protective additives to keep turbocharged engines in better shape - for sports cars, for example - and is more resistant to engine knock.

Typically, cars that require more expensive premium gasoline cost more when bought on their own. Regular gasoline should be suitable for a mid-range car. Check your owner's manual to see what your vehicle manufacturer has to offer.

3. Having your vehicle serviced by independent repair shops will void your warranty.

Your warranty is valid until it expires, no matter where you have your vehicle serviced. Dealerships imply that you can only contact them, but in fact it is illegal to require you to do so. Any service covered by your warranty can be done at any bodyshop - just keep your receipts to prove what was done and how much it cost. Any maintenance specified in the user manual and performed according to the prescribed schedule will not void your warranty.

4. Warm up your car engine before driving in cold weather.

Engine parts need to be warmed up to function properly, but modern engines warm up faster while driving. In addition, the wheel bearings and transmission need to be in motion to fully warm up. Starting your car before driving in cold weather has no benefit other than warming up the inside of the car. Through use, you will achieve the best fuel consumption and performance. A car idling in your driveway uses gasoline to get you nowhere—essentially a waste of money and fuel.

5. You must replace all four tires at the same time.

Replace individual tires as needed if they are the same make, model, and size as the rest of your tires. You can turn them off at any time. Just make sure they rotate every second oil change to prolong their life.

Also, you don't have to buy a new tire if you get a puncture. If the puncture has damaged the sidewall or is larger than a quarter of an inch in diameter, a mechanic can usually plug the hole. The patch will prevent moisture from getting onto the steel belts and restore the tightness of your tire.

6. Wash your car with laundry or laundry soap.

While it may seem like a good way to save money, washing your car with dishwashing detergent or laundry detergent actually damages the car's wax finish. Instead of contributing to paint flaking and rust marks, pay a little more for car wash fluid. It is designed not to remove protective wax.

7. The battery is recharged after a jump start after a short period of driving.

It takes hours of driving to fully charge a battery that had to be jump-started, especially at colder temperatures. Car accessories such as heated seats, radios, and headlights draw a lot of power from the alternator, leaving little power to recharge the battery.

It is best to drive a few hours to fully charge the car battery. You can even test it under load at a gas station if needed. Short, minute trips can drain your battery the next time you try to start your car.

8. Transmission fluid should be flushed every 50,000 miles.

Although often recommended every 50,000 miles, most modern vehicles use "long life" transmission fluid. It is rated for up to 100,000 miles or even the lifetime of the vehicle. This varies by vehicle, so always refer to your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations for transmission flush intervals.

9. Roll down the windows instead of using the air conditioner for better fuel economy.

In fact, lowering the windows or turning on the air conditioner does little to improve fuel economy. Turning on the air conditioner consumes fuel faster, though; however, lowering windows increases wind resistance. The car will have to burn a little more fuel to compensate for the aerodynamic design violation.

The overall impact of both AC and lowered windows on fuel economy is minimal—neither has an advantage over the other.

10. Filling up in the morning saves money on gas

Gasoline expands when it heats up, so there is a common misconception that putting warmer fuel in the tank means you get less fuel. Fuel pumped in in the morning will theoretically be colder and allow you to put more in the tank for less money.

Contrary to this myth, gas is usually stored underground. It stays insulated from significant temperature fluctuations so refueling time doesn't really affect the amount of fuel you get.