You rely on your car practically every single day. It gets you to work and your kids to school. You do the weekly shopping in it and the much-needed holiday away from the city. It only makes sense that you maintain your car properly.

Servicing and maintaining your car ensures it performs at its peak, is safe to drive, and reliable on the road. Before you get carried away and book your car into the dealership for a full service, browse through our car maintenance myths. You’ll find great tips on how to save plenty of cash:

Myth 1: Genuine car parts are superior to replacement parts

Car manufacturers obviously want you to buy genuine parts for your car. It’s an easy and consistent way to earn lots and lots of money.

However, replacement, aftermarket, or pirate parts are up to 70 percent cheaper. You won’t be compromising on quality, as parts by the leading automotive spares manufacturers are engineered from the best materials.

Genuine car parts are overpriced and overrated. So, the next time you take your car in for a service, be sure to request replacement parts.

Myth 2: Only use the dealership to maintain your car

Similarly, car dealerships want a steady stream of customers. As long as you service and maintain your car according to the schedule specified in the owner’s manual, it really doesn’t make any difference whether the mechanic you use is a certified technician.

Factor in the huge disparity in hourly rates – dealers charge between R700 and R1200 an hour, compared to the R350 to R600 charged by independent mechanics – and it’s a no brainer to use the corner garage.

Myth 3: Engine oil must be changed every 5,000 km

With today’s high-tech vehicles, you can safely travel up to 12,000 km without changing the oil. A sure sign your car does need an oil change is when the oil on the dipstick is dark, or black in colour.

It obviously won’t harm the engine to change the oil more frequently, especially if you’re driving around town, or on dusty mountainous roads. But every 5,000 km is a bit much.

Myth 4: Always replace more than one tyre

Tyre service centres always recommend you replace two or four tyres at a time. They insist the car is more stable on the roads when the front and/or rear tyres have the same amount of tread.

However, as long as the replacement tyre is the identical size and brand, and has the same tread pattern and speed rating as the one you’re replacing, buying just one tyre is a safe and cost-effective solution.

There’s one exception: all four tyres must be changed at the same time on all-wheel drives.

Myth 5: Performance petrol is better for your car

Most vehicles perform optimally on regular unleaded petrol. These days, there’s a lot of hype around more expensive performance petrol maximising engine performance.

Unless you are driving a luxury vehicle with a high compression engine, the actual benefits of performance petrol over unleaded are virtually non-existent.

Myth 6: It’s OK to top up your brake fluid

Brake fluid ensures the components in your vehicle’s brake system work smoothly and efficiently. Without sufficient brake fluid, your car will not be able to stop when you hit the brake pedal.

Simply topping up isn’t a solution, however. A low level of brake fluid indicates worn brake pads, or a leak. If your car’s brake fluid is low, have the brake system checked and the faulty components replaced or repaired.

Myth 7: Idle the car before driving

In the old days, warming up a car’s engine was part of the driving experience. Today, there is no need to idle your car at all. In icy conditions, you can warm up the engine, but for no more than 10 seconds, or you’ll be wasting fuel and money.

At Pawn My Car, we don’t specialise in vehicle maintenance – but we do offer a modern, convenient and safe way to secure a loan using your car, with no delays. For more information, contact us on 086 172 9648 or simply complete and submit our online application form.

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