Last week, we looked at five common car care myths. Here we examine five more common mistakes people make with auto maintenance and repair.
Myth #6: Tires should be inflated to the PSI listed on the sidewall. The number listed there is actually the maximum pressure the tire can handle. Instead, look for the PSI listed on a sticker in your car’s glove box, near the fuel filler door, or on the doorjamb. Correct tire pressure means better gas mileage and less risk of a blowout, so be sure to check your tires regularly. Use a tire gauge and check tires when they’re cold, after the car has sat for a while.
Myth #7: A car battery charges immediately after a jumpstart. This may have been true 20 years ago, but now a car battery has to power iPods, GPS devices, heated seats, and more. It can take hours of driving to fully recharge a battery. If your battery doesn’t seem to be holding a charge after a jump, bring it in for a load test. It may need to be recharged.
Myth #8: Premium gasoline is better for your engine. Premium gasoline simply causes fewer pre-ignition problems. These are only a concern in truly high-performance cars, which run hotter and have higher compression than standard vehicles. That means putting premium into the family sedan won’t really improve performance or protect the engine. Save some money and stick with regular fuel.
Myth #9: The “Penny Test” is a good way to tell when it’s time for new tires. We all know the rule: place a penny between your tire treads, and it’s time to replace the tires if Abe Lincoln’s head is visible. We’d recommend using a quarter instead. It’s always best to err on the side of caution with your tires.
Myth #10: Oil should be changed every 3,000 miles or three months. Changing your oil this frequently certainly won’t hurt your engine, but it will do a number on your bank account. Modern synthetic oils can go much longer than 3,000 miles, and most cars are designed to get oil changes less often. Check your owner’s manual for oil change recommendations.
Still have a question about car maintenance? Post it here and we’ll answer it for you!
