For some people a car is luxury and status, for others it is a workhorse. But all without an exception want that the car served longer and never let you down. Therefore, they believe any pieces of advice on care. But not all of them turn out to be useful. Some of them are out-of-date and therefore senseless; others are frankly dangerous. We shall tell you what advices to avoid, in order not to do harm to your car.
Use only high octane gasoline
Some owners in all seriousness believe that it is possible to increase the engine power by switching to such fuel. But the octane number is a measure of detonation resistance. The higher it is, the longer the fuel can withstand the load without ignition. And such pressure is observed in units with high specific power and efficiency.
In reality, the use of high-octane gasoline can harm the engine and quickly put it out of operation. This is especially true for cars that were not originally designed to use this type of fuel. During driving, such gasoline will not burn completely – the process will continue with open exhaust valves. And this will quickly lead to the destruction of the engine.
Besides, it will not be possible to save money on gasoline. Experts believe that there will be no significant benefit. It is more like a placebo effect. Most passenger cars have engines that are not able to fully assimilate the fuel. In some cases, it will be possible to reduce fuel consumption. But the resulting savings will come to naught due to the higher cost of fuel.
Open windows instead of air conditioning
Wishing to reduce petrol consumption, the owners often stop using air conditioning. Fuel consumption in this case is reduced by 5-10%, which can give good economy.
But in practice it turns out, that open windows don’t help much in hot weather. This “hafhack” works only in city conditions, and not always. For example, if to stand in a traffic jam in hot weather. If to add getting into interior exhaust gases, dust and dirt, it is not so pleasant.
When driving on the highway, the gasoline consumption remains almost the same. This is explained by the fact that the car has to overcome air resistance and therefore consume more fuel. So, think whether it is worth to suffer without an air conditioner, if the result is almost zero.
Frequent oil changes
Many motorists are sure, that it is necessary to renew liquid as often as possible. Almost every three months. But not everyone understands the difference between old oil and blackened due to engine malfunction. If it is malfunctioning, you may change the lubricant even every month – the car will not drive better. But it will affect your wallet.
It is not only necessary to use the oil recommended by the manufacturer for the engine to serve faultlessly. It is necessary to monitor the condition of the unit itself: regularly check and fix problems.
Service and repair only at a dealer
This is the advice every owner who buys a new car hears. They say that only the dealership can be sure that the parts will be of high quality, they won’t be swapped, and the maintenance will be performed at the highest level.
To begin with, such statements contradict the rights of the consumer. According to the law, the owner is free to choose a car service center.
Secondly, car centers with a good reputation will not harm themselves by giving owners fake spare parts. They may refuse warranty repair, if they can prove, that the breakdown occurred after visiting an unauthorized service. But even here one may argue.
The long warming up of the car
To accelerate immediately with a cold engine is not the best decision. But it is also not necessary to warm up for too long, if the question is not about the Far North.
A couple of minutes is enough to evenly distribute the engine oil in all units. The main thing is not to load the engine heavily during first kilometers. Then it has time to warm up normally and give maximum efficiency. A longer warming up of the engine is necessary only at subzero temperatures.
Wash with any cleaner
Wishing to save money on washing, the owners often prefer to do everything by their hands. Thus, there is no sense to use auto-chemistry, replacing it with improvised means. Dishwashing gel is the most common.
Specialists warn that such methods may damage your car. Such detergents do not contain any substances protecting the lacquer coating from clouding. In addition, household chemicals, getting into microcracks, accelerate corrosion. As a result, not only the appearance of the car suffers, but also the process of destruction intensifies. So, there is no sense to economize on car wash and car shampoos.
Water instead of antifreeze
It’s a mistake to think that these fluids are identical in action. It was possible to replace the antifreeze with water a few decades ago, when the fluid was expensive and cars were unpretentious.
Today, it makes no sense to use water, and it is dangerous. First, it accelerates metal rusting. Secondly, when heated, it promotes formation of airlocks. And this increases the risk of radiator and pipe joints damage.
Antifreeze, unlike water, contains special substances that prevent the development of corrosion. This means that the liquid is much safer for the power plant. By refusing to use it, you will accelerate the risk of damage to the machine and bring closer the need for expensive repairs.
Don’t drive in winter
There is an opinion that you should not drive in the cold season.
Such a statement is actually groundless. Modern cars are not afraid of difficult weather conditions. If, of course, the owner regularly checks the condition and overcovers the rubber.
On the contrary, it is much more harmful to keep the car without moving. Prolonged idling accelerates metal rusting, battery and charger deterioration. In addition, rapid oxidation of discs, internal components, and body seams begins.