There are a number of car maintenance myths that can result in unnecessary trips to the mechanic and unnecessary spending. Understanding why these myths are incorrect can help you better understand when your vehicle really needs a professional's help, and when you can save a little money. Here are a few myths we've previously discussed. Now, here are even more car maintenance myths:
Premium gas
There are plenty of car owners who believe that premium gas is always better for their cars. In reality, there are some vehicles that require premium gas, and others that don't. Performance won't be improved by using better quality gas in cars that don't need it, however using lower grade gas in vehicle's that need premium can be harmful. Always check your car's manual before filling up for the first time to ensure you fill up the with the correct variety of gas. Then, use the same type of gas on all susbsequent fill-ups. Anything else is a simple waste of money.
Replace all tires
Getting a flat tire is never fun, but it gets worse when the shop you pull into advises you to replace all four tires instead of just one. If you've been driving on all four for quite awhile, it may be time to change. But, you don't have to change all your tires just because one failed. Simply inspect the current state of each tire to gauge whether or not tread is still adequate. When you do replace one or two tires, it is a good idea to try to match the brand and model to your existing tires, however.
Change the coolant
There are many shops that recommend changing your engine's coolant each time you come in for an oil change. This isn't necessarily a dishonest practice, especially if you don't always go to the same shop for oil changes. Many car owners never consider changing the coolant, which means it often goes well past it's expected lifespan. That lifespan is typically about 60-thousand miles, however, and oil changes typically occur at least every 6 to 8-thousand. So, while it's wise to check your coolant and other fluids while the hood is up, it's certainly not necessary to change the coolant each time you change the oil.
Dealerships for maintenance
Finally, there is a pervasive myth that the dealership you purchased your vehicle from is the best place to get it serviced. If the vehicle is under warranty, you may be able to get service done for free on certain maintenance. Otherwise, you're likely to find better and faster service elsewhere. It will also likely be cheaper than the out-of-warranty maintenance the dealership will quote you. At Benzin Motor Works, our technicians are experts on BMWs, Mercedes and Hummer H1s, which means you won't get more knowledgeable service anywhere in Tulsa. For out of warranty vehicles, we provide fast service that fixes issues and gets you back on the road.
For preventative maintenance, fixes, upgrades and more, call Benzin Motor Works at 918-728-6081.