Five Facts About Cars You Should Not Believe

Owning a car and handling the financial side of things, over and above the insurance element, is one thing. Then comes the one aspect that isn’t always factored in: maintenance.  Knowing how to take care of your car is essential – especially when you’re looking forward to many happy miles in your favourite four wheels. MiWay put together this nifty list to help make the process of debunking motor myths simpler.

Myth 1: I should change my oil every 4 000 – 5 000km

While checking your oil regularly is undoubtedly important, the widely held idea that frequent oil changes are good for your vehicle is in fact untrue. Realistically, most cars can travel between 10 000 – 12 000km or so before requiring an oil change. High-performance cars and older vehicles however do tend to use more oil, so make sure to read your manufacturer’s guide and keep an eye on that oil light.

Myth 2: Recharging a flat battery takes a few minutes

Just because you have jumper cables and another vehicle to attach them to, does not mean you will be back on the road in no time. In fact, jump-starting a car’s battery can take several hours, depending on the temperature, battery condition and numerous other factors. So, to ensure you do not end up stranded on the side of the road come holiday season, make sure to check your battery regularly and double check that your lights are off before exiting your vehicle.

Myth 3: Car servicing should only take place at authorised dealers

This widely-held myth is far closer to fact than fiction, but certainly one that has benefited many dealerships over the years. In reality, you can service your car at any auto-mechanic, provided they have the necessary expertise and perform all the maintenance items listed in your owner’s manual.  However, in the interests of your safety this season, it is important to shop around and ensure your chosen mechanic is up to scratch before entrusting your family’s well-being to them. Also, be sure to check if this impacts on the service or maintenance plan of the vehicle, if you have one in place.

Myth 4: Tyre pressure is a ‘nice-to-have’

Tyre pressure is perhaps one of your most important safety considerations before you head out on the road this winter. Not only is optimal tyre pressure crucial for the longevity of your car’s tyres, but it is also critical for safety, influencing the car’s braking, handling and comfort. The optimal tyre pressure for your car will change depending on its load, so if you are filling up for a long drive, make sure to check your pressure chart inside the door jamb or under the fuel filler flap. By ensuring you stick to the correct level of pressure, you will give yourself a far better chance of making it to and from your destination safely.

Myth 5: Brake fluid is a quick fix

Simply topping up your brake fluid when levels get low is unlikely to fix the underlying problem. As your brake pads wear, the level of fluid starts to drop, helping you to monitor the state of your brakes. A drop in brake fluid could mean your brakes need to be replaced, or that your brake fluid is leaking, meaning you should get your brake system serviced immediately. Ideally, you should look to take your car in for a brake inspection every 10 000km or so, just to stay on the safe side.

How rad is that? Drop us a line on Twitter if any of these caught you by surprise – we’d love to hear from you.