When it comes to car maintenance, everyone seems to have an opinion. While some tips are helpful, others are downright harmful. At Rock’s Tire & Auto, we’ve heard plenty of car care myths over the years. Here are the worst pieces of advice we’ve come across—and why you should avoid them!
1. “You can skip oil changes if your oil still looks clean.”
The Reality: While clean-looking oil might seem fine, it can still break down over time and lose its effectiveness. Oil not only lubricates your engine but also carries away contaminants and helps prevent overheating. Skipping oil changes can lead to increased engine wear and costly repairs down the road.
🚨 Better Advice: Follow your manufacturer’s recommended oil change interval, regardless of how the oil looks. Regular oil changes are essential for maintaining engine health.
2. “You can inflate your tires by guessing.”
The Reality: Eyeballing your tires or assuming they’re properly inflated based on how they look can lead to underinflated or overinflated tires, both of which are safety hazards. Improper inflation affects fuel efficiency, tire wear, and handling.
🚨 Better Advice: Use a reliable tire pressure gauge and inflate your tires to the pressure listed in your owner’s manual or the sticker inside your driver’s door.
3. “Premium fuel is always better for your car.”
The Reality: Unless your vehicle specifically requires premium fuel, using it won’t improve performance, mileage, or longevity. In most cases, it’s just an unnecessary expense.
🚨 Better Advice: Check your owner’s manual and stick to the recommended fuel type for your car.
4. “If your car isn’t overheating, you don’t need to worry about the coolant.”
The Reality: Coolant does more than prevent overheating—it also protects your engine from corrosion and helps maintain proper temperature regulation. Ignoring it can lead to expensive repairs down the road.
🚨 Better Advice: Regularly check and replace your coolant according to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.
5. “Brake pads will last for years, so don’t worry about them.”
The Reality: Brake pad life varies based on driving habits and conditions. Ignoring them until they squeal or fail can compromise your safety and damage other brake components, leading to costly repairs.
🚨 Better Advice: Have your brakes inspected regularly and replace pads when they’re worn to avoid bigger problems.
6. “Warming up your car for 10 minutes is necessary in cold weather.”
The Reality: Modern engines don’t need to idle for long periods to warm up. Doing so wastes fuel and can actually cause engine deposits over time.
🚨 Better Advice: Start your car, let it idle for 30–60 seconds, and drive gently for the first few minutes to warm it up efficiently.
7. “All car repairs are the same, so shop for the cheapest option.”
The Reality: While saving money is important, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Poor-quality repairs or unqualified mechanics can lead to recurring issues or more damage.
🚨 Better Advice: Choose a trusted, reputable repair shop (like Rock’s Tire & Auto!) where skilled technicians prioritize quality and safety.
8. “Skip the scheduled maintenance—it’s just a way for automotive shops to make money.”
The Reality: Scheduled maintenance isn’t a scam; it’s essential for catching small problems before they turn into big ones. Ignoring maintenance can void your warranty and lead to costly repairs later.
🚨 Better Advice: Follow your car’s maintenance schedule to keep it running efficiently and protect your investment.
Trust the Experts at Rock’s Tire & Auto
We get it—there’s a lot of car care advice out there, and it can be hard to know what’s true. That’s why we’re here to help! Our experienced team is always ready to provide honest, reliable guidance to keep your car in top shape.
Have questions or need service? Stop by Rock’s Tire & Auto in Covington, LA, or give us a call. Let’s keep your car running safely and smoothly—no myths, just facts!
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