Debunked: Common Auto Maintenance and Repair Myths

All too many people end up hearing common myths about when to repair a vehicle or how to keep it maintained to prevent the need for repairs. Unfortunately, this means they may be doing more damage to their vehicle or could be in a situation that could lead to an accident. It’s important to understand the truth behind these myths and to have regular maintenance done to keep the car running. 

Myth: Oil Changes Are Only Needed Yearly

Most people have heard that the old adage of getting the oil changed every 3,000 miles is untrue. While it’s not necessarily true for everyone, it’s also not true that it’s possible to wait to have the oil changed yearly. Instead, to avoid needing major auto repair in Portland, OR, it’s important for drivers to make sure the oil is changed regularly. This can vary based on the age of the vehicle and how often it’s driven, as well as the type of driving done, so it is best to listen to the recommendations from experts. 

Myth: Rotating Tires Isn’t Needed

Many people will hear that they don’t really need to have the tires rotated or that it can be done infrequently. The reality, though, is that the tires should be rotated regularly to prevent uneven wear on them. Uneven wear can lead to issues like loss of grip while driving, which can cause an accident, or can mean the tire wears out and needs to be replaced even faster. 

Myth: Tune-Ups Aren’t Necessary

Tune-ups are done to ensure everything is in working condition and prevent potential issues with the vehicle. If tune-ups aren’t done regularly, the vehicle could break down, which will mean it needs to be repaired and can end up costing the driver more money in the long run. Instead, it is a good idea to have tune-ups done regularly to keep the vehicle running. 

Myth: It’s Okay to Ignore the Lights in the Dash

The lights appear on the dash for a reason, so it is always a good idea to take the car in for repair if one of the lights comes on. In some cases, the lights will indicate that immediate repairs are needed, so it is a good idea to read the manual to find out what they mean and whether they indicate an emergency. 

Myth: It’s Not Necessary to Replace Tires Until the Tread is Gone

Some people will wait as long as possible to replace the tires in an effort to save money. However, doing so can lead to the tire blowing, which could cause an accident. Instead, it is a good idea to replace the tires when the tread starts to get low instead of waiting until it is almost gone. It’s also a good idea to replace older tires, even if they still have plenty of tread, as they may not be in good shape anymore. 

Avoid falling for any of these myths by keeping the car properly maintained and taking it in for repairs as needed. If anything doesn’t seem to be working right, it’s better to take it in for repairs right away to avoid doing more damage.