Introduction
Car owners love sharing advice — from friends and mechanics to random internet threads. Some tips are helpful, but many are outdated or just plain wrong. The trouble is, these old-school “rules” stick around for years, and people follow them without checking if they still make sense.
The truth is, modern cars are built differently. Technology has changed engines, oils, and maintenance needs. Yet myths like changing oil every 3,000 km or warming up your engine for 10 minutes in winter persist. Let’s break down these overrated car maintenance myths so you know what matters and what’s just noise.
1. You Must Change Engine Oil Every 3,000 Kilometres
This is the most common myth around car maintenance. Years ago, when motor oils weren’t as advanced, changing oil every 3,000 km made sense. Engines ran hotter, and oil would break down faster. But today, synthetic and semi-synthetic oils are designed to last much longer.
Most car manufacturers now recommend oil changes between 8,000 and 15,000 km, depending on your driving habits and engine type. Changing oil too frequently doesn’t keep your engine healthier — it just wastes money and oil. You can always check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s interval, which is the most accurate guide.
Driving mostly in the city or through dusty roads might shorten the interval. Still, changing oil too early offers no extra benefit, and it is more important to use the correct grade of oil that matches your engine’s specifications.
2. You Should Warm Up the Engine for a Long time Before Driving
Many drivers still idle their engines for 10 minutes before driving, especially in winter. This habit comes from when carbureted engines needed to reach a certain temperature for smooth running. Modern cars, however, use fuel injection systems that automatically adjust the fuel-air mix.
Your car only needs 30 seconds to circulate the oil and stabilize. Driving gently for the first few minutes warms it up far better than sitting idle. Long idling wastes fuel, adds unnecessary wear, and even harms the environment.
If it’s freezing outside, a short warm-up is fine, but once your defogger and engine are stable, drive off calmly. It’s more efficient and healthier for your car.
3. Premium Fuel Always Improves Performance
You may have seen drivers put premium fuel into their small hatchback or family car, believing it would provide smoother, faster acceleration. Unless your owner’s manual states otherwise, it is simply a waste of your money.
Premium fuel has no special cleaning properties. It is merely a higher-octane fuel for high-compression or turbocharged engines requiring a higher octane level to avoid knocking. Regular combustion engines have no additional performance or mileage when using premium fuel.
But, if your engine is calibrated for regular, it may run slightly less efficiently on premium because the properties of the gasoline are different. The best thing you can do is follow your manufacturer’s recommendations and banish the belief that “premium = better.”
4. Replacing All Four Tires at Once is Always Necessary
Having matched tires improves stability and traction, but you don’t always have to replace all four simultaneously. If two tires are still in good shape and the tread depth is similar, you can replace just the worn-out ones.
However, placement matters — where you install the new tires makes a difference. If you’re replacing only two tires, they should usually go on the rear axle. This helps maintain better grip and balance, especially on wet roads.
All-wheel-drive cars are the exception. For them, replacing all four tires together is often recommended since mismatched tread depths can affect the drivetrain. The key is regularly checking tread wear, rotation patterns, and alignment. Not all tire replacements need to be all-or-nothing.
5. You Must Visit the Dealership for Every Service
Many owners of vehicles think their warranty would disappear if they have their vehicle serviced anywhere other than an authorized dealer. This is not the case in most instances. The warranty remains intact if the garage follows the manufacturer’s guidelines and uses manufacturer parts.
Independent garages can provide the same service for less. The key is to keep all service invoices, records, and parts details properly documented. At the same time, the dealer is a good option, but it is only one option.
You should, however, go to the dealer for software upgrades and recalls, as that is limited to the dealer. Any competent mechanic can perform routine services like brake pad and fluid changes.
6. You Should Change Brake Fluid Only When the Brakes Feel Soft
Using the logic “my brakes feel fine, I’ll wait until they feel different to change the fluid” is a dangerous habit. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, lowering its boiling point — meaning your brakes may feel fine even when the fluid is already contaminated.
Most manufacturers recommend servicing the brake fluid every two to three years based on time and not feeling. Old fluid can corrode the braking system’s inside and cause performance deterioration in an emergency.
If you drive in the hills often or in very heavy traffic where brakes are applied more than in a normal commute, it’s even better to change it sooner than that. Changing the fluid every few years is inexpensive rather than incurring additional repair costs.
7. Washing the Car Too Often Damages the Paint
This one sounds logical, but it isn’t true if you wash correctly. Dirt, bird droppings, and pollution are far more damaging to paint than frequent washing. Frequent washing doesn’t harm your car’s paint — improper washing does. The real issue is how you wash, not how often.
Using harsh detergents, dirty sponges, or dry wiping can create scratches. A proper wash with mild shampoo and a soft microfiber cloth will protect the paint.
If you park under trees or in dusty areas, washing once a week is ideal. Regular waxing every few months also adds an extra layer of protection. The key is to clean smart, not skip it.
8. You Don’t Need to Check the Coolant if the Car Isn’t Overheating
Coolant does more than stop your car from overheating. It also prevents corrosion and keeps your engine’s temperature stable. Many drivers ignore coolant levels until they see warning lights, but that’s too late.
Even without visible problems, coolant can degrade over time. Most cars need a coolant flush every 2 to 3 years. Low-quality or old coolant can form deposits and damage the radiator.
Always check coolant levels during routine maintenance — prevention is far cheaper than engine repairs
9. Electric Cars Don’t Need Maintenance
This is one of the newer myths floating around. Electric cars don’t have oil changes or exhaust systems, which doesn’t make them maintenance-free.
They still have brakes, suspension, tires, and cooling fluids to maintain. Battery health also needs monitoring. While overall maintenance costs are lower, skipping routine checks can shorten the life of key components.
Software updates, tire rotation, and coolant system checks remain important. So, electric or not, every vehicle needs attention to run safely and efficiently.
Also Read: How to Scrap an Electric Car in Ontario: Step-by-Step Guide
10. A Full Tank Improves Mileage
Many people fill their tanks to the brim, thinking it helps fuel efficiency. Fuel economy depends on driving style, tire pressure, and load—not the tank’s level.
In fact, overfilling can cause spills or damage your car’s evaporative emissions system. It’s best to stop fueling once the nozzle clicks off. Keeping your tank between half and full is enough for optimal balance and safety.
Final Thoughts
Car maintenance doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need to be informed. Myths survive because they sound logical — but logic isn’t always science. Modern cars are smarter and more efficient than ever, but giving in to old habits can waste time and money.
By separating facts from fiction, you’ll take better care of your vehicle and spend less over time. Always follow your car’s manual, trust genuine information, and question anything that sounds like “everyone says so.” Real maintenance isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what’s right.
