Epic Automotive & Driveline is Saskatoon’s home for auto repair, tires, fleet service, and driveline work, all under one roof. This post comes from Epic Torque, our blog where we share tips, how-tos, and behind-the-scenes stories to help you get more out of every drive. Curious what we can do for your vehicle? Take a look at our full range of services. In our latest Epic Torque tip, we share car myths we hear ALL the time.
Car Myths We Hear All the Time (And What’s Actually True)
Every industry has its old wives’ tales, and the automotive world has more than its fair share. Some of these get passed down from a well meaning parent, some come from a coworker who swears by it, and a few seem to have just appeared out of thin air. Let’s clear a few of them up.
Myth: you need to warm up your car for ten minutes in winter
This one used to be true, back when carbureted engines needed a long warm up to run properly. Modern fuel injected engines warm up faster while driving gently than they do sitting still in your driveway. A minute or two to let the oil start circulating is plenty. After that, easy acceleration will do the rest of the work, and your fuel gauge will thank you.
Myth: you have to change your oil every 5,000 kilometres, no matter what
This number has been repeated so often it feels like law, but it is not one size fits all. Modern engines and oils have come a long way, and many manufacturers now recommend longer intervals depending on the vehicle and how it is driven. The real answer is on a sticker under your hood or in your owner’s manual, and our team can help you figure out the right schedule for your specific vehicle.
Myth: dealership maintenance is the only way to keep your warranty valid
This one costs people money for no good reason. Canadian law does not require you to service your vehicle at the dealership to keep your warranty intact. What it does require is that the work is done to the manufacturer’s standards, with proper parts, and documented. An independent shop that keeps good records, like ours, can service your vehicle without putting your warranty at risk.
Myth: a check engine light always means something serious
Sometimes it is serious. Often it is not. A loose gas cap can trigger the same light as a genuine engine problem. The only way to know which one you are dealing with is to have it scanned, which is a quick, painless process.
When in doubt, ask us. We would rather spend two minutes clearing up a myth than have you second guess something that does not need it, or ignore something that does.
Got a car question you have always wondered about? Book an appointment and ask us in person, or take a look at our full list of services to see how we can help.
