These days, we know a lot about cars and how to drive them. But there are still some things you might be surprised to learn and probably aren’t aware of until it’s too late. Here are 15 car maintenance facts that could save you a heap of trouble:

10 Things Every Car Owner Should Know – The Short List

Key Takeaways
Car maintenance is essential to keep your vehicle running smoothly and avoid costly repairs.
Regular car maintenance tasks include oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and air filter replacements.
Maintaining your car for the long haul requires consistent upkeep and attention to detail.
Fun facts about cars can be both entertaining and educational.
Hybrid cars are becoming increasingly popular due to their fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness.

Table of Contents

All-Season Tires Aren’t So Great

All-season tires are designed to work well in all conditions. In theory, this is great—but in practice, it means that all-season tires are less capable than dedicated winter or summer tires.

This can cause problems when the weather changes and your car needs optimal performance for whatever surface you’re driving on.

All-season tires have less grip and tread depth than dedicated winter or summer tires do. Even though there’s no seasonal requirement for their use, an all-weather tire might still be the best choice for your particular needs.

Car maintenance is crucial to keep your vehicle running smoothly and help it last for years to come. Our article on The Top 10 Car Maintenance Tips for Keeping Your Vehicle Running Like New provides expert advice to help you maintain your car in top condition and avoid costly repairs.

Your Car’s “Check Engine” Light Is Kind Of A Joke

A lot of people get nervous when their car’s “check engine” light goes on. It can be scary to think that something is wrong with your vehicle, and there are a lot of different myths about what the light means.

But before you start panicking, here are some things you should know:

You can reset the check engine light on your car once it goes off by turning off and restarting your engine. If this doesn’t work, try driving the vehicle for several minutes without stopping or slowing down below 10 mph in order to give it time to clear itself (if there are any codes stored).

The check engine light is not an error message it simply indicates that an issue has occurred somewhere in your vehicle’s computer system (which controls everything from acceleration to airbags).

If there was an actual problem with one of these systems, then running a diagnostic test would let technicians know where exactly they should look for issues.

The Best Time To Buy New Tires Is During Winter.

The best time to buy new tires is during the winter. Retailers drop their prices in the off-season and make room for spring and summer inventory.

This means you can get a set of four new tires for around $100-$200, which is much cheaper than their regular price of $300-$600.

If you’re looking at this as an investment, it’s worth noting that winter weather also tends to have less wear on the roads which leads to longer tire life cycles.

A well-maintained car can last for hundreds of thousands of miles, but it requires regular attention to keep it running smoothly. Check out our article on The Essential Car Maintenance Checklist for Long-Term Ownership for a comprehensive guide to maintaining your car for the long haul.

You Can Fix Dents Yourself

Dents can be easily avoided with a little bit of maintenance. As mentioned above, regular maintenance and keeping your car clean will help prevent dings and dents in the first place. If you do scratch up your car, there are plenty of ways to fix it yourself.

You can use dent-pulling tools or go the old-fashioned route by hitting the dent with a hammer while pressing on a block of wood to push out the dent just be careful! If you have any questions or concerns about fixing dents yourself, talk to an expert at [car shop] near you!

Higher Octane Fuel Doesn’t Mean Better Performance

You might have heard that higher octane fuel is better than lower octane. While this is true in some cases, it’s not always the case.

The higher the octane rating of a fuel, the more resistant to detonation it is. In other words, your engine will be able to handle more power before experiencing knock (which causes engine damage).

However, if your car doesn’t require high octane fuel and you use higher octane anyway just because you think it’ll make an improvement in performance or longevity—you’re wasting your money!

The best type of gasoline for your car depends on its design; some engines require low-octane fuels while others need high-octane ones.

If you’re trying to decide between two specific types of gasoline from different brands but don’t know which one would be ideal for your vehicle’s needs—go with what’s recommended by an expert mechanic at a trusted repair shop near you!

Winter driving can be challenging and hazardous, especially if your car is not properly maintained. Don’t get caught in the cold! Check out our article on The Top 15 Car Maintenance Tips for Winter Driving to help ensure your car is ready for whatever winter throws your way.

Car Batteries Should Last Three To Five Years

If you’re like most people, your car battery has been in your vehicle for quite a while. In fact, most car batteries should last three to five years.

That being said, batteries do fail and when they do so without warning, it can be quite costly to replace.

To help ensure that your battery is performing up to par and will last its full lifespan, the experts at AutoMD recommend having it tested every year by a professional mechanic or at an auto parts store.

If the test shows signs of wear (for example: if its voltage is below 12 volts), then it’s time for a replacement!

Car Battery Life Expectancy

Car Brand	Battery Life Expectancy
Ford	3 to 5 years
Toyota	3 to 5 years
Chevrolet	3 to 5 years
Honda	3 to 5 years
Nissan	3 to 5 years

Note that the life expectancy of a car battery can vary depending on factors such as climate, driving habits, and usage patterns. Regular maintenance, such as checking the battery terminals for corrosion and ensuring that the battery is properly charged, can also help prolong the life of your car battery.

If your car battery is nearing the end of its life expectancy, it’s important to have it replaced by a certified technician to avoid potential issues while driving.

Regular Oil Changes Are Critical

Regular oil changes are critical to the health of your car, but many people don’t know why. Oil helps lubricate the engine and is also a filter for contaminants that can wear down or damage it over time.

Oil should be changed every 3,000-5,000 miles (you can check your owner’s manual for exact recommendations). Oil changes can help prevent premature engine wear and save you money in repairs in the long run.

Even A Little Bit Of Oil Can Ruin Everything.

You might think that the oil in your car is only there for lubrication, but it’s actually also responsible for cooling.

The main purpose of keeping your engine cool is to keep it from overheating, which can lead to damage that will cost you a lot more than an oil change.

There are times when you might want to add more than what the manufacturer recommends; this could be if you live in a hot climate or if you’re driving at high speeds on long trips over an extended period of time. Just make sure not to go overboard with it!

Hybrid cars are becoming increasingly popular due to their fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness. If you’re considering making the switch to a hybrid, check out our comprehensive guide on The Ultimate Guide to Hybrid Cars: Everything You Need to Know to learn all about hybrid vehicles and make an informed decision.

Some Cars Are Rear-Wheel Drive In The Snow, Not Four-Wheel Drive

If you’re worried about getting stuck in the snow, don’t be. A lot of cars are rear-wheel drive (RWD), and these can actually be better in snow than four wheel drive (4WD) or all wheel drive (AWD).

The main reason is because AWD and 4WD cars have more weight over their tires, so they sink into the snow more easily.

RWD cars are lighter, which means they stay high enough out of the slushy stuff to get traction on top of it. If you’re not sure what kind of car you have, read your owner’s manual—it will likely say whether it’s RWD or AWD/4WS

Rear-Wheel Drive vs Four-Wheel Drive Performance in Snow

Car Model	Drivetrain	Snow Rating (out of 5)
BMW 3 Series	Rear-Wheel Drive	2
Ford F-150	Rear-Wheel Drive	3
Subaru Legacy	Four-Wheel Drive	5
Jeep Wrangler	Four-Wheel Drive	5

Contrary to popular belief, not all vehicles with four-wheel drive outperform those equipped with rear-wheel drive in snowy conditions. In fact, some rear-wheel drive vehicles perform better than certain four-wheel drive models.

The table above shows the snow rating (1-5 scale) for two popular rear-wheel drive cars, the BMW 3 Series and Ford F-150, as well as two popular four-wheel drive models, the Subaru Legacy and Jeep Wrangler.

As can be seen, the Subaru Legacy and Jeep Wrangler, when compared to the BMW 3 Series and Ford F-150, respectively, outperform their rear-wheel drive counterparts in snow.

Regular Washing Is Key For Paint Maintenance

If your car is more than a few years old, you already know that paint is the most expensive part of the vehicle.

That’s why it’s so important to take care of it and keep it looking as good as new—and regular washing is one of the most effective ways to do this.

The best way to wash your car is using mild soap and warm water, rinsing well with cold water afterwards (hot or cold temperatures can cause scratches).

Don’t use dishwashing liquid; instead opt for products made specifically for cars (like Meguiar’s Gold Class Car Wash Concentrate). If you have any doubt about whether a product is safe, read the label! It should clearly state what type of surface it’s meant for—in this case “paint.”

Never use brushes or sponges on your paint job; these tools will scratch up your precious finish over time.

Regular car maintenance is essential to keep your vehicle in optimal condition and avoid costly repairs down the line. Our article on 15 Expert Car Maintenance Tips for Maintaining Your Vehicle’s Health provides valuable tips and insights to help keep your car running smoothly for years to come.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensors Can Cost Up To $200 Each!

It’s important to know that tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors are the most expensive part of your car.

They can cost up to $200 each, and they should be replaced every five years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Replacing them yourself is possible but very difficult—you’ll need a specialized tool for this task. The better option is to take your vehicle into a mechanic who has experience in TPMS repairs.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor Costs

Item	Price
OEM TPMS sensor (Toyota)	$140-$200
OEM TPMS sensor (Ford)	$120-$179
OEM TPMS sensor (Honda)	$75-$150
OEM TPMS sensor (Chevrolet)	$80-$150

New vehicles are equipped with TPMS sensors that monitor tire pressure and warn drivers of low-pressure conditions. However, if one of the sensors needs to be replaced, it can cost up to $200 for just one sensor. The table above shows the average cost of OEM TPMS sensors for popular car brands such as Toyota, Ford, Honda, and Chevrolet.

It’s important to keep the sensors in good working condition as they play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of the vehicle and its occupants.

Conclusion

We hope this list of facts has taught you a thing or two and made you think twice about your car maintenance. If anything, it should be a reminder to keep an eye on the little things.

FAQs

What is car maintenance?

Car maintenance refers to the regular upkeep and repair of a car to keep it in good condition and ensure its optimal performance.

Why is car maintenance important?

Regular car maintenance is important to prevent breakdowns, improve fuel efficiency, and prolong the life of your vehicle. It can also help identify and fix any potential safety issues before they become more serious and costly.

What are some common car maintenance tasks?

Common car maintenance tasks include oil changes, tire rotations, brake inspections, and air filter replacements. You should also keep an eye on your car’s fluids, such as coolant and transmission fluid, and replace them as needed.

How often should I get my car serviced?

The frequency of car servicing depends on factors such as the age and mileage of the car, as well as the type of driving you do. However, most car manufacturers recommend getting an oil change and other basic maintenance tasks performed every 3,000-5,000 miles.

Do I need to take my car to a mechanic for maintenance?

While some basic car maintenance tasks can be performed by the owner, such as checking fluid levels and changing air filters, it’s recommended that more complicated tasks are handled by a professional mechanic. This can help ensure that all repairs are done correctly and safely.