Vehicle Maintenance Myths

Service and Repairs Are Necessary

Vehicle preventive maintenance services and repairs are no joke. They’re necessary for keeping your auto in good, safe, operable condition and preserving its value. That said, you may hear things that make you wonder, “Are you kidding?” People mean well. Most don’t intentionally lead you astray. But the fact is that they repeat what they’ve heard–from someone else who repeated what they heard. And so the myths perpetuate. Misunderstandings seem to change from “I think” to “hard and fast rule” over time as they’re passed along. Further, modern innovations in vehicles and maintenance products have changed some long-held recommendations. The best advice? Take care of your car because it does need maintenance, but bring it to Mad Hatter Auto Repair in Omaha, NE, for all service and auto repair needs. We’ll help you separate fact from fiction.

Often Repeated Myths

Although we’ll consult your manufacturer’s recommendations (printed in the owner’s manual) and talk with you about your particular car and driving habits before advising you about maintenance, we’ll outline a few of the most common myths here. One of those is the oil change interval. Some people feel certain that oil should be changed every 3,000 miles. The reality is that there have been advancements in engine building, and we have higher mileage oils. Where this once was a good tip, you can now that interval out a bit. Likewise, the often repeated 50,000 mile mark for transmission fluid change may be outdated, too. Your manufacturer will specify what’s best for your model. Also, many of us were taught to warm up the car before driving. That was a good idea, then. Modern vehicles warm up better as you move. Most mechanics now say you should begin driving as soon as you start the automobile. Another misconception is the number on the tire’s sidewall. It’s not the inflation number. It’s the maximum safe air pressure. To find the optimal PSI, look in the owner’s manual or at the door jamb sticker. And that magic tire tread depth number? Not so magical after all. A 2/32 tread depth is an absolute minimum. It may not be enough for safe grip, so you may need to consider replacing tires sooner. What’s more, you may not be pinching pennies by rolling down the windows. The drag may cause you to use more fuel than if you closed the windows and powered on the AC. You don’t necessarily need to spend more on premium gasoline either. Most modern vehicles perform very well with regular grade fuel. Finally, it’s okay to ditch the dealership if that’s your personal preference. As long as the warranty services are documented, you can choose any shop you’d like.

Accurate Advice, Trusted Service and Repairs

When you’re ready for preventive maintenance services or repairs, why guess or take chances with myths? Instead, bring your vehicle to the shop that customers have trusted for accurate advice and work since 1979, Mad Hatter Auto Repair.