As a car owner, it’s essential to set aside time to perform all necessary auto maintenance throughout the year. Providing the correct care also requires filtering out any unnecessary or harmful advice. Here are a few myths you may have heard over the years and the truth behind them.

Which Auto Maintenance Advice Isn’t Entirely True?

1. Change the Oil Every 3,000 Miles

This advice is leftover from when cars had poorer fuel delivery systems and would cause oil to get dirty faster. Modern vehicles have made vast improvements in this area, so today, engines can go 7,500 to 10,000 miles or even longer before needing an oil change.

To avoid driving with dirty oil, follow your owner’s manual guidelines. Also, today’s vehicles have finely tuned computer systems that track how you drive, so when the dashboard light tells you to head to the shop, listen. 

2. Cheap Gas Can Hurt the Engine

If you drive a luxury, expensive vehicle, it will require some higher-end components and maintenance to protect the engine and keep the vehicle running smoothly. However, the gas you select at the pump won’t make much of a difference.

While the most expensive gas might contain some additives to help the engine stay clean, the cheapest option still meets all the same quality standards required to reduce emissions and keep cars running safely. 

3. The Battery Recharges Each Time the Car Is Started

While partially true, this myth is misleading and commonly leads to dead batteries. When you start the vehicle, the ignition generates voltage from the battery to power the engine. The alternator, which uses electromagnetic conduction to produce electricity, recharges the battery as you drive.

Regularly taking your car on short trips that take less than 10 minutes will strain the battery. This time frame doesn’t offer enough time to let the battery recover from the initial start.

During extreme heat, the battery tends to have an excessive amount of lead sulfate crystals in the sulfuric-acid solution, reducing the electrons available to power the vehicle. If the car isn’t run long enough for the alternator to transfer electrons back to this solution, the battery’s charge will continue to drain until one day it can’t start the vehicle.

For trustworthy and quality car care, head to Chung’s Alignment & Auto Services in Honolulu, HI. For 20 years, this family-owned car repair shop has provided a wide range of auto maintenance and repairs. Their ASE®-certified technicians handle everything from wheel alignments to engine tuneups. To schedule an appointment, call (808) 744-8692, and visit their website to learn more about their auto repair services.