Five Car Care Myths You Should Know

Looking after your motor vehicle with regular car service is something every good driver wants to do. This will ensure that your vehicle not only retains its value but you will actually save money in everyday running costs as well. A motor vehicle is also a thing of pride and when you are driving a well maintained vehicle that has been regularly cleaned and polished as well, you can enjoy the sense of well-being this brings every time you go for a drive.

But even the best read driver can fall victim to the recommendations of friends or relatives who have heard the latest car maintenance tip and are keen to let you know.

Sometimes you need to weed out the bad information from the good and avoid unnecessary expense or even possible damage to your motor vehicle. Of course, you can always rely upon the advice of your auto mechanic but in some cases you need to make a decision for yourself.

Let’s take a look at some of the car maintenance myths that have caused some drivers more than a little angst.

• You need to change your engine oil every 5000 km. If you follow the recommendations in the vehicle manufacturer’s manual you can’t go wrong. Normal driving conditions for some vehicles means you can travel at least 10,000 km before the need for an oil change. Talk to your mechanic to confirm your particular vehicle requirements.
• Always inflate your tyres to the level shown on the side of the tyre. This is not necessarily correct and you are better advised to follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. These are usually printed in the handbook that came with your vehicle and are sometimes located on plates inside the rim of the doorframe. If you are in doubt at any point, consult the dealership or your auto mechanic.
• If your brakes feel a bit spongy, top-up the brake fluid level. It is always best to leave brake repairs and maintenance to a specialist. Never attempt to adjust the brake fluid level yourself and always have it serviced professionally. At the first sign of any brake problems go to your service station.
• Always let your engine warm up for five minutes before you start driving. Modern vehicles do not require a warm-up period before you can start driving. This is only going to waste fuel. You will find that a modern engine will reach its efficiency quite quickly and fuel economy and performance will be maximised almost from the point of starting out.
• Don’t waste money on car detergents; use your laundry detergent instead. Nothing could be further from the truth, because laundry detergent can strip the wax from your vehicle and exposed paintwork to even more damage. Make sure you always use a mild car wash that has been specifically designed for washing motor vehicles.

Now that you have seen some of the myths debunked you can go about your everyday driving with a little more peace of mind. Don’t forget that regular car servicing is the best key to proper vehicle maintenance and something you should always adhere to.