10 Vehicle Myths You May Not Realize:
Myth 1: To maintain my warranty I can only have my car serviced at a dealership.
Service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in effect. Maintenance may be done by any qualified service facility or person who is skilled in automotive service. Keep all receipts as proof of completion, and have the service provider fill out the Maintenance Record.
Myth 2: Paint chips and nicks don’t affect my warranty.
To keep your new vehicle paint and corrosion warranty valid, have dents, scratches and collision damaged panels inspected and repaired. New cars have a minimum five-year rust perforation warranty. Unprotected panels that cause rust will not be covered by the manufacturers warranty.
Myth 3: I can wash my vehicle with mild dish soap.
More than one-third of car owners use damaging non-automotive products when washing their cars-products that could contain harmful detergents, abrasives or additives.
Myth 4: Vehicle technology today is so advanced I don’t need to worry about emissions.
Keep your vehicle well maintained. A poorly maintained engine can use up to 50% more fuel and produce 50% more CO2 than one that runs properly.
Myth 5: Warm weather means less car worries.
Cooling system neglect is cited as a principal reason for mechanical failure of a vehicle. In addition to the danger and inconvenience of a breakdown, the damage to the engine and transmission can add up to thousands of dollars. Discovering a leaking radiator, hose connection, a sticking thermostat or other cooling system component that’s on “borrowed time” can save the life of your engine.
Myth 6: I get my vehicle serviced twice/year, so I don’t need a pre-trip vehicle inspection.
Vehicles need to be properly maintained year round. But a pre-vacation inspection performed by a qualified automotive technician can avoid costly repairs and inconvenience.
Myth 7: The only fluids I need to worry about are oil and gas.
Most people neglect the other fluids in their vehicle, these include:
•Brake
•Coolant /Anti-Freeze
•Power Steering
•Transmission
•Washer fluid
Myth 8: The service schedule is just a way for service people to make money.
Your vehicle’s service schedule was designed by automotive engineers, not service technicians. Maintaining your car according to the schedules given in your owner’s manual helps to keep your driving trouble-free while it preserves your investment.
Myth 9: I do not drive under “severe” conditions.
Most Canadians drive under “severe” conditions, but believe they drive under “normal” conditions. Severe conditions include:
•Cold weather.
•Extensive idling or stop-and-go driving.
•Driving less than 8 kms per trip, or in freezing temperatures driving less than 16 km per trip.
•Driving in extremely hot (over 32 C) conditions.
•Trailer towing, driving with a roof rack, or driving in mountainous conditions.
•Driving on muddy, dusty, or de-iced roads.
Myth 10: If it’s not broke, don’t fix it or No news is good news.
Vehicles need to be serviced even when the “Check Engine Light” isn’t on. You should be following the Maintenance Schedule as outlined in your vehicle owner’s manual.