Car maintenance advice is everywhere—your neighbor, your mechanic, even your favorite YouTube channel all have opinions on how to keep your vehicle running smoothly. But how much of that advice is actually true? With modern vehicles evolving rapidly, many traditional car care “rules” are outdated—or just plain wrong.
Let’s separate fact from fiction by busting some of the most persistent car maintenance myths. Knowing the truth could save you time, money, and keep your vehicle in peak condition.
Myth #1: You Should Always Use the Dealership for Repairs
The Truth: Independent shops can provide the same quality service—sometimes better.
Many people assume that only the dealership can properly service their car, but the reality is that independent repair shops are often just as capable, if not more so.
✅ Most independent shops employ ASE-certified technicians who are trained on a wide range of vehicles.
✅ Many independent mechanics have access to the same diagnostic tools and software as dealerships.
✅ You’ll often pay less at an independent shop while still getting high-quality service.
📌 How MyRide901 Helps:
Find and connect with trusted repair shops near you using the Find a Shop feature.
Myth #2: If Your Check Engine Light is On, Your Car is Doomed
The Truth: A check engine light doesn’t always mean expensive repairs.
That little glowing light on your dashboard can be stressful, but it doesn’t automatically spell disaster. The check engine light can indicate a wide range of issues, from something as minor as a loose gas cap to a more serious engine problem.
✅ Before panicking, check if your gas cap is loose—this is one of the most common triggers.
✅ Many auto parts stores offer free diagnostic scans to identify the error code.
✅ Some warning lights indicate routine maintenance needs, not catastrophic failures.
📌 How MyRide901 Helps:
Log maintenance history to track recurring issues, and stay ahead of potential problems.
Myth #3: All Car Batteries Last at Least Five Years
The Truth: Climate and driving habits determine battery life.
A car battery’s lifespan isn’t fixed—it depends on where you live and how you drive.
✅ Hot climates shorten battery life because extreme heat speeds up chemical reactions inside the battery, leading to faster deterioration.
✅ Frequent short trips prevent your battery from fully charging, causing it to wear out sooner.
✅ Batteries typically last 3-5 years, but regular testing can prevent unexpected failures.
📌 How MyRide901 Helps:
Keep a log of battery replacements and get reminders when it’s time for a new one.
Myth #4: You Should Always Replace All Four Tires at Once
The Truth: It depends on your vehicle and the condition of your tires.
Tire shops often recommend replacing all four tires together, but this isn’t always necessary.
✅ For all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicles, uneven tire wear can damage the drivetrain, so replacing all four is usually best.
✅ For front- or rear-wheel-drive cars, replacing just two tires at a time (if the other two are in good condition) is usually fine.
✅ Rotating your tires regularly can extend their lifespan and prevent uneven wear.
📌 How MyRide901 Helps:
Log tire changes and set reminders for rotations to maximize tire lifespan.
Myth #5: Higher Octane Fuel is Always Better for Your Engine
The Truth: Using premium fuel in a car that doesn’t require it is a waste of money.
Many drivers believe premium fuel (91+ octane) is a superior choice for any vehicle, but unless your car specifically requires high octane fuel, you won’t see any benefits.
✅ High-octane fuel is designed for high-performance engines that operate under higher compression.
✅ Using premium gas in a car that runs fine on regular won’t increase horsepower or fuel efficiency.
✅ Always check your owner’s manual for the recommended fuel type—if regular (87 octane) is suggested, premium won’t improve performance.
📌 How MyRide901 Helps:
Keep track of fuel type recommendations and log fill-ups to monitor fuel economy trends.
Myth #6: You Should Warm Up Your Car for Several Minutes Before Driving
The Truth: Idling wastes fuel—modern engines are designed to warm up faster while driving.
In the days of carbureted engines, letting your car idle for several minutes was necessary to prevent stalling. Today’s fuel-injected engines warm up much faster when driven.
✅ Idling for long periods wastes fuel and increases emissions.
✅ Your engine reaches optimal operating temperature more quickly when driving gently for the first few minutes.
✅ Letting your car idle in the winter can also cause excess wear on the engine.
📌 How MyRide901 Helps:
Log seasonal maintenance tasks like oil changes and coolant checks to keep your car running efficiently year-round.
Stay Informed and Take Control of Your Vehicle’s Maintenance
Misconceptions about car maintenance can cost you money and lead to unnecessary repairs. By staying informed and using tools like MyRide901, you can take the guesswork out of car care.
✅ Key MyRide901 Features for Smarter Car Maintenance:
- Next Service Look-Up: Know when your next oil change, battery check, or tire rotation is due.
- Service Receipt Scanning: Store and organize service records digitally—no more lost paperwork.
- Mileage Tracking: Keep tabs on fuel economy and service intervals.
💡 Download MyRide901 today and stay on top of your car’s maintenance needs!
