Common car myths, busted
By LSG Auto Nation ·
Short answer
Most modern cars only need about 30 seconds of warm-up, even in winter. Change your oil when your manual or oil-life reminder says, not every 5,000 km by habit. Premium gas only helps if your manual calls for it, and a check-engine light that goes off still means the car saved a fault worth checking.
Myth: warm up your car for 10 minutes in winter. Fact: about 30 seconds is enough for most modern cars, even in the cold. Then drive gently for the first few kilometres.
Myth: change your oil every 5,000 km, no matter what. Fact: follow your owner’s manual or the oil-life reminder. Many newer cars go 8,000 km or more between changes. See how often to change your oil.
Myth: all-season tires are fine for a BC Interior winter. Fact: they’re legal on BC highways if marked M+S, but tires with the snowflake-on-a-mountain symbol grip far better on snow and ice. See winter vs all-season vs all-weather tires.
Myth: premium gas makes any car run better. Fact: only if your owner’s manual calls for it. Otherwise, regular works just as well.
Myth: if the check-engine light goes off, the problem is fixed. Fact: the car’s computer still remembers the fault. See what the check-engine light means.
Myth: new tires always go on the front. Fact: if you replace only two, the newer pair usually goes on the back, to keep the car stable on wet or icy roads.
Myth: batteries only die in winter. Fact: summer heat does the damage. The first cold morning just shows it. See why batteries die in the cold.
Myth: only the dealer can service your car without voiding the warranty. Fact: maintenance at a qualified shop usually keeps the warranty valid, as long as it follows the maker’s schedule and you keep your receipts.