Car Maintenance Myths

As a current or future car lift owner, taking good care of your prized vehicle is highly important to you. Unfortunately, there are plenty of misconceptions floating around out there when it comes to car maintenance practices. Keep these in mind so that you can know the truth from the myth.

You Need to Change Your Oil Every 3,000 Miles

It’s common for drivers to seek out easy, straightforward recommendations that they can apply all across the board. Oftentimes, however, these rules of thumb end up being out of date or too generalized. The 3,000 mile oil change is a perfect example. It may have been true once upon a time, but with modern vehicles it’s more common to see recommendations from 5,000 to 7,000, or even more. Go with the manufacturer recommendation that is specific to your model.

You Should Replace Your Air Filter and Coolant When Changing Your Oil

Pro mechanics are notoriously prone to upsell. Though it may be true that some drivers need a nudge in the right direction to stay on top of maintenance, certain added procedures could be unnecessary. Just because your oil needs a change does not automatically mean that your coolant needs a flush or you need a new air filter. Pay attention to these elements individually so you can address them when they actually need to be addressed.

Premium Fuel is Always Better

The word “premium” sure does have an enticing ring to it, but don’t be misled. Higher octane fuel is indeed more resistant to knocking, but the truth is that it’s better practice to spend the money on premium fuel when it is explicitly recommended for your model by the manufacturer. Furthermore, using premium fuel is not a treatment for knocking. You’ll need to tackle the root cause of the combustion issues your engine is experiencing.

You Should Inflate Your Tires to the Level Indicated on the Sidewall

This is another example of a car care maxim that is repeated so often and seems so intuitive that few drivers stop to consider whether or not it’s actually true. In reality, the figure written on your tire’s sidewall is the maximum capacity of that tire, which is not the same thing as the ideal pressure for your vehicle. This is also affected by ambient temperature and road conditions. Again, go with the manufacturer recommendations specific to your model.

You Shouldn’t Work On Your Car Yourself

This one can be tricky. On one hand, many drivers are too intimidated to perform their own maintenance procedures and would rather play it safe. On the other hand, there are plenty of drivers out there who dive into complicated repairs and end up being in over their head. If you do your homework, get the right equipment, and know your limits, you may be surprised by how much you can do yourself. Don’t forget that an auto lift will make everything easier!

Whether you’re a seasoned DIY mechanic or you’re just getting started, it is of the utmost importance to equip yourself properly. Lift King is Canada’s greatest team of vehicle lift experts serving the Calgary area and beyond, so call (403) 283-1020 to find out what we can do for you!