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Folklore or Fact? Debunking 10 Common Car Care Myths
There’s a lot of disinformation about car care out there, so who can you trust?
by Jeff Damude
1. Dish soap and laundry detergent are fine for washing my car.
Sure, they’ll get the grime off your vehicle, but dish soap and laundry detergent can also strip waxes and protective coatings off your finish, leaving paint bare and defenceless. For best results, use a pH-balanced car-wash product.
2. Vehicle technology is so advanced that I don’t need to worry about emissions.
Even if your vehicle has the very latest technology, a poorly maintained engine can produce more pollutants and use more gas than a regularly serviced engine.
3. Gas and oil are the only fluids I need to worry about.
Brake, coolant/antifreeze, power steering, transmission and washer fluids all need to be checked regularly.
4. Protectants keep my dashboard and tires looking new.
Protectants not specifically designed for synthetic materials may cause the dashboard to dry out or age faster. Some commercial tire shiners can also strip the tire of its original protectants, causing the rubber to crack over time. Choose products that carry a guarantee that they don’t damage vehicle components. As an alternative, dust interiors with a soft cloth and wash tires with a good brush.
5. Tire manufacturers provide a road-hazard warranty.
Years ago, tire manufacturers offered full road-hazard protection for tires. But this is not commonly offered today; you have to purchase additional insurance to repair or replace damaged tires
6. If regular-grade gas is good, premium must be better.
In the past, high-compression engines led to the development and introduction of high-octane premium gas, which contained detergents and anti-knock additives. Most cars today do not need high-octane gas. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended octane rating for your car. Most modern vehicles are designed to run on regular fuel, which contains all the necessary detergents and additives. It’s perfectly fine to use premium gas if you want—it just costs more.
7. If I don’t take my car to the dealer for servicing, the manufacturer will void my warranty.
Any qualified facility or person can provide maintenance. Retain all receipts and have the service provider complete the maintenance record.
8. There’s a gizmo that claims to enhance my car’s gas mileage by 15 percent.
The auto industry spends millions of dollars to make cars more fuel-efficient. If there were such a gadget, they would jump on it.
9. I should inflate my tires according to the pressure indicated on the tire sidewall.
That’s the tire’s maximum inflation pressure. Follow the pressure recommendations on the sticker inside the glove compartment or on the doorpost.
10. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
Vehicles require regular service. Deal with an automotive facility you trust, and have them arrange regular maintenance.
Jeff Damude is CAA Niagara’s Vice President of Automotive Services, and manages Car Care Plus, a CAA Niagara owned and operated vehicle repair facility in north St. Catharines.
Visit CAAMagazine.ca for automotive tips, travel advice and more.
CAAMagazine.ca
RELATED ARTICLES:
Top 10 Tips to Keep Your Car in Tip-Top Shape.
CAAdvice: Answers to keep you moving.
CAA Travel: News, reviews and more.
There’s a lot of disinformation about car care out there, so who can you trust?
by Jeff Damude
1. Dish soap and laundry detergent are fine for washing my car.
Sure, they’ll get the grime off your vehicle, but dish soap and laundry detergent can also strip waxes and protective coatings off your finish, leaving paint bare and defenceless. For best results, use a pH-balanced car-wash product.
2. Vehicle technology is so advanced that I don’t need to worry about emissions.
Even if your vehicle has the very latest technology, a poorly maintained engine can produce more pollutants and use more gas than a regularly serviced engine.
3. Gas and oil are the only fluids I need to worry about.
Brake, coolant/antifreeze, power steering, transmission and washer fluids all need to be checked regularly.
4. Protectants keep my dashboard and tires looking new.
Protectants not specifically designed for synthetic materials may cause the dashboard to dry out or age faster. Some commercial tire shiners can also strip the tire of its original protectants, causing the rubber to crack over time. Choose products that carry a guarantee that they don’t damage vehicle components. As an alternative, dust interiors with a soft cloth and wash tires with a good brush.
5. Tire manufacturers provide a road-hazard warranty.
Years ago, tire manufacturers offered full road-hazard protection for tires. But this is not commonly offered today; you have to purchase additional insurance to repair or replace damaged tires
6. If regular-grade gas is good, premium must be better.
In the past, high-compression engines led to the development and introduction of high-octane premium gas, which contained detergents and anti-knock additives. Most cars today do not need high-octane gas. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended octane rating for your car. Most modern vehicles are designed to run on regular fuel, which contains all the necessary detergents and additives. It’s perfectly fine to use premium gas if you want—it just costs more.
7. If I don’t take my car to the dealer for servicing, the manufacturer will void my warranty.
Any qualified facility or person can provide maintenance. Retain all receipts and have the service provider complete the maintenance record.
8. There’s a gizmo that claims to enhance my car’s gas mileage by 15 percent.
The auto industry spends millions of dollars to make cars more fuel-efficient. If there were such a gadget, they would jump on it.
9. I should inflate my tires according to the pressure indicated on the tire sidewall.
That’s the tire’s maximum inflation pressure. Follow the pressure recommendations on the sticker inside the glove compartment or on the doorpost.
10. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!
Vehicles require regular service. Deal with an automotive facility you trust, and have them arrange regular maintenance.
Jeff Damude is CAA Niagara’s Vice President of Automotive Services, and manages Car Care Plus, a CAA Niagara owned and operated vehicle repair facility in north St. Catharines.
Visit CAAMagazine.ca for automotive tips, travel advice and more.
CAAMagazine.ca
RELATED ARTICLES:
Top 10 Tips to Keep Your Car in Tip-Top Shape.
CAAdvice: Answers to keep you moving.
CAA Travel: News, reviews and more.
