In order to keep yourself and others safe, it’s important to properly maintain your vehicle. While some pieces of car maintenance advice can increase the life of your vehicle, other tips can leave you with costly expenses down the road. Read the list of car maintenance myths below so that you know what should and should not be done to keep your vehicle in excellent shape.
If you sustain an injury in a car accident that was not your fault, reach out to the experienced Alabama car accident lawyers at Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. Call us today at (205) 933-1500, or reach out through our online form.
Car Maintenance Advice: What Tips Are True?
With the wealth of information available to consumers today, it’s often difficult to decipher what advice about car maintenance you should and should not listen to. Some common car maintenance myths include:
Change Your Oil Every 3,000 Miles
The type of car you drive and the climate you live in will determine how often you need to change your oil. If you live in an area that’s dustier than average or you frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic, changing your oil every 3,000 miles may be necessary. However, if you do not meet these criteria, you may be able to drive 10,000 miles between oil changes without damaging your engine. Be sure to follow your owner’s manual to figure out how often your oil needs to be changed.
You Can Drive on Your Spare Tire for an Extended Period of Time
Spare tires are not designed for long-term use. If you find yourself with a flat tire, your spare should only be used to help you get to the auto shop or dealership so that you can purchase a new one. Spare tires are narrower and less durable than standard tires and can be dangerous to drive on for long periods of time.
Fuel Economy Can Be Improved By Driving a Dirty Car
Contrary to popular belief, dirt particles on a vehicle’s surface do not reduce wind resistance and improve fuel economy as a result. Since the dirt on your car is distributed randomly, it can reduce fuel economy by up to 10 percent. Making an effort to keep your car clean can lead to savings on gas.
Tires Should Be Inflated According to the PSI on the Sidewall
Vehicle owners often assume the pounds per square inch (PSI) on the side of their tire is the recommended pressure. This is actually the maximum pressure that the tires can hold safely. To determine the ideal PSI for your vehicle, check your owner’s manual. By keeping your tires properly inflated, you’ll improve braking, handling, and tire condition.
Warm Up Your Car Before Driving
In the colder months, it can be tempting to warm up your car before you drive. Doing so, however, can harm your vehicle and lead to poor mileage and performance. If you’d like to warm up your engine and protect your car, simply start driving.
Poor Maintenance May Lead to Alabama Car Accidents
Failing to properly maintain your vehicle may lead to a car accident. Since there has been a rise in total car crashes in Alabama in recent years, it’s important to keep your car in optimal condition and drive defensively. If you do get hurt in a car accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, seek legal representation from a car accident lawyer right away.
Contact Belt, Bruner & Barnett, P.C
If you suffer from an injury in a car crash that was the result of another party’s negligent actions, contact the Alabama car accident lawyers of Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. today for help. With years of experience representing clients who have been harmed due to widely-believed car maintenance myths, we are ready to fight for you. To schedule a free, initial case evaluation, contact us today at (205) 933-1500.
