As we discussed in last week’s blog post, there are many myths about car care and maintenance. By knowing the truth behind these myths, you can make sure that you are properly taking care of your vehicle so that it runs at its optimal performance level.
Change your coolant with every oil change
The coolant in your radiator actually has a much longer life than your engine oil. Always check your owner’s manual to know the specifications for your individual vehicle, but most cars recommend flushing your coolant every five years or 60,000 miles.
Premium gasoline will make any car run better
Premium gasoline (defined as having a higher octane number than standard) is designed to help hot running, high compression engines run with fewer pre-ignition problems. However, most vehicles are designed to run with standard 87-octane fuel. While putting in premium won’t necessarily hurt a vehicle that is designed to have regular gasoline, it won’t help improve the performance.
Dishwashing soap and laundry detergents are acceptable soap for a car wash
Both dishwashing soap and laundry detergent can strip off the wax finish of your car. You should only use specific car wash liquid on your vehicle’s exterior.
You should frequently flush your transmission system
Once again, the best guide is your owner’s manual. Most manufacturers recommend that your transmission system is flushed around every 60,000 miles.
Cleaning the fuel injectors helps your vehicle run smoothly
You should only clean your fuel injector if your manufacturer specifically requires it. Most cars are designed to work with the required detergent component in gasoline to keep your combustion chambers and injectors clean.
You should top off your brake fluid when low
The level of your brake fluid is designed to coincide with the wear on your brake pads. As your brake pads wear down, the level of fluid drops. When your brake fluid drops below the low level, it is time to check whether your brakes need to be replaced. If the level of fluid does not match the level of wear on your brake pads, then it is a sign that you have a leak.
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