An Auto Mechanic Debunks Common Myths
When it comes to car maintenance knowledge, there are a lot of opinions out there. A lot of this so-called advice is questionable, and may not be good advice at all. At worst, there is a lot of fake news floating around, too. The problem is that many car repair myths are very believable, which is why it’s important to be able to identify what is true and what is not. In this article, we let a real auto mechanic debunk the most common myths when it comes to car repair, and how you can avoid wasting money on a misinformed repair job.
Myth #1: You Should Change Your Oil Every 3,000 Miles
Once upon a time, you may have had to change your oil frequently, but the truth is that modern cars are designed to run a lot longer without an oil change. Superior engine design and the advancement of synthetic fuels have improved overall oil consumption figures greatly. On average, you can look at covering around 7,500 miles before needing an oil change. But this figure is also dependent on how you drive. If you live in a dusty climate and do a lot of start-and-stop driving, then you’ll need to get your oil changed more frequently. It’s best to get advice from a reputable service facility that can advise you correctly on when to change your oil.
Myth #2: You Can Ignore Warning Lights For a While
Warning lights are designed to do exactly what the name says: give you a warning. When your engine light comes on, that’s a serious warning that something isn’t right with your engine. If you choose to ignore it, you risk inflicting major damage. Whenever you see a warning light come on, it’s a sign that urgent attention is required. It could be your tire pressure, your windshield fluid, or even your brakes that need attention. No one wants to place themselves and others in the way of danger, so best to get it checked out.
Although all types of gas will work in your engine, performance-level cars are designed to run on premium fuel to run at their best performance. High octane gas is designed for high-performance cars and will not only increase performance, but it will also improve your fuel economy. If you’re unsure what fuel to choose for your car, then be sure to check your owner’s manual or consult with your trusted auto repair facility.
Myth #4: Factory Dealerships Are More Professional
There is a dominant misbelief that factory dealerships offer a more superior auto repair service. The truth is that factory dealerships are often more expensive on their parts and their labor. When you go through a reputable auto shop such as Foreign Affairs Motorwerks, you have a much better chance of meeting the mechanic responsible for your car. Top-line independent shops pride themselves on offering the personal touch.
According to a Consumer Reports survey conducted in 2014, independent mechanics fared better than dealerships when it came to customer satisfaction, quality, and price. Think twice before booking your car into a factory dealership. If it’s the personal service you’re after, then an independent mechanic may be just the move you need.
Myth #5: You Need To Warm Up Your Car Before You Drive
The truth is that engine parts don’t require a lengthy warm-up period. Most require a couple of seconds before they’re good to go. Keep in mind too that certain moving parts, such as your transmission and wheel bearings, require movement to warm up. Idling your car endlessly in the drive just consumes more fuel. For the vast majority of cars, a couple of seconds is all your car needs before it’s ready to go.
Mechanics You Can Trust
At Foreign Affairs Motorwerks, our team of mechanics is experienced and professionally trained to give your vehicle specialized treatment. What’s more, we are an ASE-certified auto repair facility, which means that we follow only the strictest standards – rest assured we will give you sound auto repair advice and service. Call us today at (954) 746-0488.