Have Shari Teach You About Cars

If you've ever taken a look at the recommended maintenance schedule in your car owner's manual, you may have understandably felt a little overwhelmed at the sheer amount of maintenance that needs to be performed on your car over time. What you might not realize, however, is that some of the recommendations found in these manuals aren't entirely necessary to keep your car running safely and efficiently. Here are a few car maintenance myths that all vehicle owners should be aware of in order to save money.

Myth 1: The 3,000-Mile Oil Change

This is perhaps one of the oldest myths in the books. And many years ago, this was actually not a myth at all. Older engines needed to be lubricated more often, but advancements in technology have made it possible for most cars on the road today to go many more miles in between oil changes. Unless your car is more than a few decades old, you can probably get away with getting an oil change every 5,000 miles or more. In fact, many vehicles these days come equipped with an oil level indicator that will alert you when it's time for an oil change. Since mechanics, like Prairie Tire And Auto Center, are familiar with numerous makes and models, they can give you an accurate timeline as well.

Myth 2: Premium Gas is Worth the Extra Cost

Another big myth floating around when it comes to car care is that putting premium gas (as opposed to regular-grade fuel) is better for your engine and will result in better performance. In reality, while it shouldn't hurt your car to use premium gas, it's really not designed to make much of a difference unless you drive a vehicle that has a high-compression engine. These engines tend to run hotter and therefore benefit from a higher grade of fuel. Unless your car specifically requires premium gas however, you're not doing your vehicle any favors by paying extra money for it.

Myth 3: Your Engine Needs Time to Warm Up

Finally, if you've ever waited in your car with the engine running before hitting the road, you've wasted a lot of time and fuel money by doing so. Contrary to what some believe, your car's engine doesn't need any time to "warm up" before you start driving--so long as you're not flooring the gas pedal when you accelerate. This remains true even during the frigid months of winter; if your car's engine starts, it's ready to go.