7 Car Maintenance Myths You Need to Stop Believing

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Car Maintenance – We’ve all heard them—the well-meaning, but totally misguided car maintenance tips that get passed around like gospel. I’ve definitely fallen victim to a few of them myself, and let me tell you, I’ve learned the hard way. Sure, some of these myths sound logical on the surface, but trusting them can cost you time, money, and even the longevity of your vehicle. Today, I want to bust some of the most common car maintenance myths once and for all, so you can stop wasting your time on advice that doesn’t hold up.

Car Maintenance
Car Maintenance

Car Maintenance Myths You Need to Stop Believing

1. “You Should Change Your Oil Every 3,000 Miles”

I was once a slave to the “change your oil every 3,000 miles” rule, not questioning it, just doing it like clockwork. But after learning more about modern car engines, I realized this is outdated advice. Sure, it used to be a good idea back in the day when cars didn’t have the sophisticated engines and high-quality oils they have now. But in 2025, many vehicles can go between 5,000 to 7,500 miles—or even more—before needing an oil change.

I’ll admit, when I first stretched my oil changes to 5,000 miles, I was a bit nervous. I kept thinking, “What if I’m ruining my engine?” But when I checked my owner’s manual (as I should’ve done earlier!), it confirmed that my car only needed an oil change every 6,000 miles. And guess what? The engine still runs smooth as ever. My point? Always check your car’s specific requirements. Don’t just assume that “3,000 miles” is a magic number anymore.

2. “Premium Fuel Makes Your Car Run Better”

This is one of those myths that’s hard to shake, especially when you’re standing at the gas station and that premium fuel looks so tempting. I used to think that putting premium fuel in my regular car would give it a little extra boost—better gas mileage, smoother performance, and who knows, maybe a faster 0 to 60 time. I was wrong.

Unless your car specifically requires premium fuel (you know, like high-performance vehicles with turbocharged engines), regular unleaded fuel is just fine. In fact, using premium fuel in a car that doesn’t need it is a waste of money. After reading up on this and speaking to my mechanic, I found out that most cars are designed to run perfectly fine on regular fuel. So unless you’re driving a luxury car or sports car that demands premium, stick to what your owner’s manual recommends.

3. “You Don’t Need to Rotate Your Tires if They Look Fine”

I used to think tire rotation was just a suggestion, something nice to do if you felt like it. That is until my friend’s tires wore down unevenly because he skipped rotations. Now, I’m not saying I have tire rotation down to a science, but I’ve learned that it’s a lot more important than I ever realized.

Tires are an investment, and rotating them every 6,000 to 8,000 miles (or as your vehicle manual suggests) can help them wear more evenly, extend their lifespan, and improve your vehicle’s handling. If you let your tires wear unevenly, you’re more likely to experience issues with alignment or handling—and those problems can cost a lot more than just a routine tire rotation. Trust me, I’ve learned that lesson the hard way when I had to buy new tires a lot sooner than I expected.

4. “You Don’t Need to Worry About Your Air Filter Until It’s Dirty”

Alright, so this one took me a while to accept. For years, I thought the air filter in my car was something I could ignore unless it was visibly dirty. I assumed it was no big deal, and my car seemed to run just fine. Wrong again.

Air filters do more than just keep your engine clean—they help improve your fuel efficiency and keep the engine running smoothly. Over time, dirt and debris accumulate, and a clogged air filter can actually lower your gas mileage and put more strain on the engine. I learned this when my fuel economy dropped unexpectedly, and after checking my air filter, I found it was nearly clogged. Replacing it not only improved my car’s performance, but it also saved me money on fuel.

The rule of thumb is to replace your air filter about once every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, but this can vary depending on your car and driving conditions. If you do a lot of driving in dusty areas, you may need to replace it more often. And don’t wait for it to look visibly dirty—by then, it’s probably already affecting your vehicle’s performance.

5. “The More Expensive Parts, the Better the Quality”

I’ve been guilty of splurging on expensive car parts, convinced that spending more money meant better quality. But as I’ve come to learn, price doesn’t always correlate with quality. Sometimes, a brand-name part isn’t any better than a reasonably priced aftermarket part.

For example, I once replaced my brake pads with high-end, premium ones that cost me an arm and a leg, only to realize that the cheaper, standard brake pads worked just as well. In fact, the premium pads didn’t really improve my car’s performance, and they wore down just as quickly. The trick here is doing your research. Look for reviews, and consult with your mechanic before automatically assuming that a higher price means better quality. Many reputable brands offer parts that are just as good, if not better, than the overpriced ones.

6. “All You Need to Do is Change the Timing Belt at 100,000 Miles”

When I first bought my car, I was told by a friend that I only needed to worry about the timing belt when it hit 100,000 miles. Boy, was that an oversimplification. The timing belt plays a critical role in your engine, and if it fails, it can cause some serious (and expensive) damage.

What I’ve learned is that it’s important to follow your vehicle’s maintenance schedule, rather than waiting for the “magic number.” Some cars need the timing belt replaced at 90,000 miles, while others can go up to 120,000 miles. And here’s the kicker: if you don’t replace it on time, you risk snapping the belt, which could lead to catastrophic engine failure. So, don’t just wait for 100,000 miles. Check your manual and stay on top of this.

7. “Washing Your Car in the Sun is Fine”

Here’s one I didn’t realize until I accidentally ruined a paint job. Washing your car in direct sunlight can cause the water to dry too quickly, leaving water spots that are hard to remove and potentially damaging the paint. You’re better off washing your car in the shade or on a cooler day, especially if you’re using soap.

I learned this after trying to wash my car on a hot day, and I ended up with streaks that I couldn’t get rid of. Not only that, but if you use a harsh, abrasive cloth, it can scratch the paint too. Lesson learned—take your time, wash your car in cooler conditions, and use a microfiber cloth to keep that paint job looking fresh.

Wrapping Up

Maintaining your car is an important part of keeping it running smoothly, but don’t fall for these myths that can steer you in the wrong direction. It’s all about doing your research, trusting the experts (like your car manual and trusted mechanics), and staying on top of the routine maintenance your car actually needs. Don’t let well-meaning advice or outdated myths cost you time, money, or unnecessary repairs. Your car—and your wallet—will thank you.

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