When your car breaks down, it can be a major inconvenience. Not only is it a hassle to get it fixed, but you might also feel like you’re getting taken advantage of by the mechanic. Unfortunately, many people have misconceptions about auto repair that can lead to them overpaying or even being scammed. Here are five of the most common myths about auto repair, and the truth behind them.
1. Myth: You can save money by doing routine maintenance yourself.
Truth: While this may be true for some, others cannot even remove the tires on their car! If you are a novice, let a professional do it instead.
2. Myth: Your car needs to be serviced every 3 months or 3,000 miles (whichever comes first) to keep it in great shape.
Truth: Yes, regularly scheduled services are important but they vary depending on your vehicle’s make and model so follow what your owner’s manual says rather than merely relying on mileage.
3. Myth: Air filters should only be changed when dirty because it will damage your engine if you use one that is clogged up with dirt and debris.
Truth: While having a dirty filter might affect your gas mileage it will not cause harm to your engine provided that you change it regularly according to the manufacturer’s suggested intervals (every 12,000 miles or 12 months). If you live in dusty areas, try consulting with an expert regarding how often they recommend changing the air filter.
4. Myth: All fluids should be changed every time the car is serviced.
Truth: Fluids like brake fluid and transmission fluid do need to be topped up during regular service but only when they are low (otherwise just leave them alone). However, some fluids like power steering fluid should really only be changed by professionals on specific cars because it involves disconnecting critical components. Consult your owner’s manual before trying this one.
5. Myth: Adding a small amount of water every month will prevent your battery from dying.
Truth: This is not recommended because it can cause other problems, such as corroding the terminals and could even damage the alternator if you add too much. In fact, simply keeping your car’s battery connections clean and using a quality battery charger should be all you need for optimal performance!
Difference Between Auto Maintenance and Repair
If you own a car, you must understand the distinction between auto maintenance and auto repair. Both of these factors are important to overall performance, but they serve different purposes.
Maintenance is required for your vehicle on a regular basis, whereas auto repairs are performed when your vehicle is not functioning properly. Your owner’s manual will include a list of maintenance schedules as well as recommendations on what should be done and when. Oil changes are the most common type of regular maintenance that everyone is familiar with. However, that is not the only service that is critical to the performance of your vehicle. Here is a list of common auto maintenance tasks that are required to keep your car in good working order:
- Oil Change
- Battery
- Brakes
- Tires
- Power-Steering Fluid
- Fuel Filter
- Coolant
- Engine Belts & Timing Belts
- Spark Plugs
That’s a long list! It may appear that you have a lot on your plate, but many of these services are simple procedures that your auto repair shop can complete the same day or with an appointment. Many customers put off maintenance for a variety of reasons. They may believe it is unnecessary, they may be too busy to bring their vehicle in, they may wish to postpone paying for auto services, or they may be unaware that performing maintenance now can save money in the long run by avoiding repairs. It’s fine if you don’t know the difference between a spark plug and an oil cap – as long as you take your car to a reputable shop for routine maintenance. In a nutshell, regular auto maintenance keeps your ride running smoothly and can help you avoid costly repairs down the road.
Maintenance is routine service that helps extend the life of your vehicle, whereas auto repair is when a part or fluid fails and needs to be replaced.
Without proper maintenance, costly repairs may be required. For example, changing a timing belt is a simple procedure that should be done every 60,000 miles. If you don’t replace your timing belt, it will likely break at the worst possible time, leaving you stranded on the side of the road. Worse, it can cause hundreds of dollars in engine damage. Keeping up with scheduled maintenance is one way to avoid an expensive repair bill. Of course, even with regular maintenance, your car will require repairs at some point during its life.
Are You Looking for an Independent Auto Repair Shop You Can Trust?
If you’re considering making a change to an independent auto repair mechanic trusted by thousands of happy customers, look no further than autoTECH Blackhawk. Why? We differ from other automotive repair stops because we are a relationship shop. This means that the more of your car repair needs we support you with, the better able we are to customize our recommendations based on your driving habits and needs. Whether you want to keep the daily driver in ‘good enough’ condition, style your new car so that it’s customized just for you, maintain your favorite car in ‘like new’ condition, or even train your whole family to be more knowledgeable about cars – we partner with you to ensure that your cars meet your needs. We also offer an industry-leading 3-Year/36,000-mile warranty, so we only use Original Equipment and manufacturer-recommended products. Contact us now to book your no-contact, friendly appointment! We truly value your trust and your business, so thank you for staying local with your auto repair needs.
