If you’re planning to have your car serviced, you’re probably worried about hearing something you don’t want to hear or dealing with an automotive technician who tells you that your vehicle needs expensive repairs that you can’t afford. Some people avoid having their cars serviced to avoid these scenarios, but the truth is that there are many myths circulating in the auto repair industry that could be causing you more harm than good if you listen to them. Don’t believe everything they tell you—avoid these auto repair myths!
5 Myths About Washing Your Car
Washing your car regularly is important to maintain its paint job and prevent rust, but there are a few myths about the process that you shouldn’t believe. For example, you don’t need to wax your car every time you wash it and using dish soap can damage your car’s paint. Get the facts straight about washing your car so you can keep it looking its best.
1) Don’t use dish soap to wash your car – Dish soap can strip away the natural oils in your car’s finish and leave behind residue which will attract dirt. Instead, use a gentle soap designed for cars or other mild detergent without harsh chemicals.
2) Always dry off all the water droplets after washing – Otherwise, these droplets will turn into spots on your car’s finish as they oxidize over time.
3) Waxing your car isn’t necessary – It might seem like waxing your car would make it look shinier, but too much wax build-up will dull the shine. 4) Cleaners aren’t necessary to wipe down the interior of your car – All you really need is an old towel or cloth and some good old fashioned elbow grease!
3 Basic Steps Every Driver Should Take after a Road Trip
After a long road trip, the last thing you want is your car breaking down. But by taking a few simple steps, you can help avoid auto repair nightmares. For starters, change your oil and filter every 5,000 miles or six months (whichever comes first). Next, check for loose or leaking fluid hoses and tighten them if needed. Finally, inspect the tires for cracks or wear and make sure they are inflated to their recommended PSI level for driving on different types of terrain. By following these three basic steps, you will help keep your car running smoothly for years to come.
Do I Really Need New Tires?
It’s a common misconception that you need new tires as soon as the tread wears down to the wear bars. You have up to 6/32 of tread depth remaining before it’s time to start shopping for new tires. Here’s why when your tires are below 4/32 of tread depth, they can become more vulnerable to hydroplaning or aquaplaning and may not offer much traction in wet conditions. The materials in your tire will begin breaking down and you’ll experience longer braking distances in wet weather as well. When this happens, look out for indicators like excessive heat from your brakes. If you see these signs, stop by an auto repair shop ASAP.
What Is an Alignment?
Alignment refers to the adjustment of a vehicle’s suspension. The purpose of this adjustment is to ensure that the tires are pointing in the right direction, with the right amount of camber, caster, and toe. Unfortunately, many drivers believe some common myths about alignment that can do more harm than good. One such myth is that it is necessary to get an alignment after every tire rotation. Technically, you only need an alignment if your vehicle has uneven wear on the tires or if your steering wheel starts to pull one way or another when driving straight. Some other misconceptions include thinking that alignments will increase gas mileage or save wear on your brakes, but they won’t make any difference at all for either one of those things.
How Often Should I Change My Brakes?
One of the most common questions we get here at our shop is, how often should I change my brakes? The answer may surprise you, but the reality is that there is no set answer. It all depends on your driving habits and the type of vehicle you own. If you’re a city driver who spends a lot of time in stop-and-go traffic, you’ll likely need to change your brakes more often than someone who drives mostly on highways.
Tips For Buying a Used Car
Used cars are a great way to save money, but you need to be careful. Here are a few tips:
1. Do your research. Know what kind of car you want and what you can afford.
2. Have a mechanic inspect the car. This is especially important if you’re not familiar with cars. A professional can spot any potential problems. If there’s anything that needs fixing, then make sure the cost of fixing it is included in the price. If not, keep looking.
