Some car care practices are based on myths, and following them can damage your vehicle. It’s a good idea to consult an auto repair professional before trying anything you’ve heard about from friends or read on the internet. Here are just a few misconceptions that can cause damage to your vehicle.

4 Actions That Can Lead to Additional Auto Repairs

1. Improper Tire Care

Driving on low tires will cause more wear on the tread, affect the condition of the breaks, and decrease the mileage you get per gallon. Some people take this to the other extreme and over inflate their tires, believing this will help them get even better mileage.

While increasing the tire pressure will improve mileage slightly, it will also increase the time it takes to stop and reduce traction on slippery surfaces. This is because over inflating your tires will reduce the amount of tread that remains in contact with the road. 

2. Never Use the Wrong Antifreeze

Different types of coolants will have different effects on your car’s engine and lead to a more frequent need for auto repairs. This is because each type of coolant contains chemicals that are designed to act as corrosion inhibitors for the specific types of components used in your vehicle. Using the wrong antifreeze can cause seals, gaskets, and other components to degrade faster, which will lead to a damaged engine.

3. Don’t Put Off Oil Changes 

Getting an oil change as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer is essential for maintaining the engine. This is because wear and tear on the engine’s components can cause the oil to become contaminated with grease, metal shavings, and dirt.

As the dirty oil cycles through the engine, it will cause moving parts to grind and wear down faster. Additionally, the oil put into a new vehicle by the manufacturer is often a thinner, cheaper type of oil, so it should be changed after driving the first 1,000 miles.

4. Never Wash Your Car With Dish Detergent

If you regularly wash your vehicle with dish detergent, you may notice that it loses its luster over time. This is because dish soap contains degreasing agents that negatively affect the surface of your vehicle.

The degreaser eats away at the wax sealant on your vehicle and can even cause you to wash away some of the protecting oils that are used in car paint. It’s best to buy car soap that’s specifically engineered for washing cars and trucks.

Experiencing any type of automotive problem can be stressful, especially if you’re unfamiliar with auto repair services. At Fort Mitchell Garage, our team has been servicing vehicles in the Park Hills, KY, region for more than 100 years. Our vast experience and friendly customer service will help you feel at ease when you’re faced with a need for body restoration or mechanical repairs. You can request an appointment with one of our Assured Performance certified technicians by visiting our website or calling (859) 431-3326.