Oct 21, 2021

Kwik Kar Debunks Top Auto Maintenance Myths

Top Auto Maintenance Myths

Many automobile owners don’t regularly bring their vehicles in for maintenance because of the many myths that circle around maintenance best practices.

Ignoring essential automobile maintenance will eventually lead to reduced efficiency and a ruined vehicle. At Kwik Kar Automotive Lube & Service Center, we believe in being completely upfront with our customers about our maintenance practices.

So, let’s save some vehicles the trouble of a breakdown and clear the air around a few of the most common myths that keep automobile owners in the dark. 

Factory Dealerships Are Better Than Local Garages

It’s long-rummored that just because a factory dealership “knows” your vehicle, they will be able to offer the best services when repairs are necessary. While they may have the parts readily available to fix your vehicle, remember, as a dealership, their goal is to get you in and out before their next sale.

Repairs from a dealership are usually going to be a more expensive and less communicative mechanic experience that often leads to repeat visits. 

A local automotive repair center should put the customer first and offer competitive rates with superior service that builds a lasting professional relationship. Trust our automotive experts to take a comprehensive approach to any issue your vehicle may have and help you find a solution that fits within your budget.

Your Oil’s Color Always Indicates the Need for an Oil-Change

Many drivers pull out their dipsticks and check their oil quality and levels before determining whether or not to take their vehicle in for an oil change.

While it’s always a great idea to examine your oil levels, the color of your oil isn’t always a determining factor for an oil change.

It’s rumored that the darker the oil is, the lower its quality is. Yes, dark oil can be a sign of pollutants in your oil, but it could also be the natural shade of your oil. 

When determining when to take your car in for an oil change, it’s always best to follow the 3,000 mile rule and schedule oil changes accordingly.

The Penny Test for Tire Tread Measurements

One urban legend that we see a lot of people swear by is using a penny to determine when it’s time to get new tires. The myth is that if you stick a penny in the grooves of your tread and see the top of Abe Lincoln’s head, it’s time to get your tires changed. 

While this test is useful, the uneven wear of your tires makes it an inaccurate one. If you are curious about the state of your tires, it’s always best to take your car into an auto shop for a professional assessment.

Warning Lights Can Be Ignored

Warning lights are there for a reason! Yes, they may not indicate that immediate damage is about to be inflicted on your vehicle; but, they are huge red flags letting you know that something isn’t right with your car. 

Ignoring warning lights puts you and other drivers on the road at risk. If a warning light pops on, then it’s best to take your vehicle in for a maintenance check and have a licensed mechanic make any necessary repairs.

Get All of the Right Auto Maintenance at a Kwik Kar Near You!

If you’ve read our list of myths and realize that you’ve fallen victim to bad hype, there’s still time to get your vehicle into a Kwik Kar near you. Our Texas automotive centers offer honest and exceptional vehicle services that can’t be matched.

Trust us to get your vehicle running like new for a price that fits within your budget. Contact us today to schedule your next maintenance appointment or just stop by a center near you. We are always accepting drive-ins.