Preventative maintenance is one of the best ways to extend the life of your vehicle and avoid expensive repairs. But with so much advice circulating, some outdated, some flat-out wrong, it can be tough to know what really matters. Let’s separate fact from fiction by debunking a few of the most common myths about preventative maintenance.
Myth #1: You need to change your oil every 3,000 miles
For decades, drivers were told the “3,000-mile rule” was gospel. Today’s engines and modern synthetic oils have made that advice outdated. Many vehicles can safely go 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or even longer, between oil changes. Always follow your owner’s manual rather than old rules of thumb.
Myth #2: Premium fuel will make your car run better
Unless your vehicle specifically requires premium fuel, filling up with it won’t improve performance or fuel economy. In fact, it’s just an unnecessary expense. For most cars, regular unleaded is perfectly fine and recommended.
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Myth #3: You should always warm up your car before driving
This advice was true decades ago, when carburetors were common. Today’s fuel-injected engines are designed to run efficiently almost immediately. Letting your car idle for long periods in the driveway wastes fuel and adds unnecessary emissions. A brief warm-up, 30 seconds or so, is all you need before driving gently.
Myth #4: Brake fluid and transmission fluid never need to be replaced
While some fluids last longer than others, none of them last forever. Brake fluid can absorb moisture over time, reducing braking effectiveness, while transmission fluid breaks down under heat and stress. Replacing fluids at manufacturer-recommended intervals helps prevent costly system failures.
Myth #5: If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it
This is one of the most dangerous myths in car care. Many parts belts, hoses, filters, spark plugs wear out gradually and can fail without warning. Waiting until they break can lead to bigger problems and higher bills. Preventative maintenance is about catching issues before they become disasters.
Why These Myths Stick Around
Many of these myths persist because they were once true or because they’ve been passed down by well-meaning family members. But as technology evolves, so does the way we care for our vehicles. Relying on outdated advice can mean spending more money than necessary or skipping critical maintenance.
Preventative maintenance doesn’t have to be confusing. By following your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations and working with a trusted mechanic, you can avoid falling for these common myths. Remember: the best car care decisions are based on facts, not folklore.
Take Out the Guess Work
OOROO Auto’s Happy Car Club is an affordable subscription program that makes car care simple and affordable. Members receive three oil changes a year, routine maintenance like filter and wiper replacements, tire rotations, safety inspections, and fluid top-offs, plus 10% off additional repairs. The plan also includes free local towing and the convenience of OOROO’s mobile service, giving drivers peace of mind and predictable costs for their vehicle upkeep.
Author: Leroy Ingram is director of operations at OOROO Auto. OOROO Auto provides complete automotive repair service for most makes and models of vehicles across Tucson and Phoenix. They opened their first shop in May 2014 to enthusiastic response from the community as evidenced by the growth of its business, their reviews, and the numerous awards they’ve received, including the Better Business Bureau Ethics Awards, Tucson Metro Chamber Copper Cactus Awards for Innovation and Best Place to Work, and Arizona Daily Star Readers Choice Best Auto Repair Shop. As an extension of the auto services OOROO provides at its shops, their mobile auto repair and maintenance service allows them to further fulfill their mission of delivering “the highest level of expertise, safety, care, and convenience.” OOROO fits into customers’ busy lifestyles by providing various auto repair and maintenance services at their home or work. OOROO’s mobile service vans are fully equipped “shops on wheels” and mobile customers enjoy everything OOROO is known for in their shops—from honest and transparent pricing to exceptional and friendly customer service. Learn more at oorooauto.com.
