Debunking the Most Common Myths About Vehicle Servicing

When it comes to vehicle maintenance and servicing, a lot of misinformation tends to circulate. That’s why many people don’t fully understand the proper care their vehicles require. At Euroroute Recovery, we specialise in vehicle maintenance and repair, and we take it upon ourselves to help vehicle users get clued up on how to keep their cars in good shape.

In this article, we’ll debunk some of the most common myths about vehicle servicing and maintenance, helping you avoid damaging your vehicle, risking safety, or spending unnecessarily.

Myth 1: You Need to Warm Up Your Vehicle’s Engine Before Driving

The misconception that vehicle engines need time to warm up isn’t an entirely made-up idea. It comes from when vehicles had carburettors, which needed time to warm up to avoid stalling and poor performance. Modern cars, however, don’t need warming up, as they have advanced fuel injection systems that work by adjusting the fuel-air mixture automatically. 

In fact, letting your car idle for too long can increase engine wear, waste fuel, and raise emissions. It’s best to start your journey soon after ignition; your car will reach the optimal operating temperature within a few minutes of driving.

Myth 2: Vehicle Servicing Isn’t Needed When Your Car Is Running Properly

Even if your car appears to be running perfectly, you should still schedule routine maintenance. Think of these maintenance services as preventative care. Technicians conduct a number of thorough checks to spot any potential problems early, before they escalate into larger issues. Neglecting routine regular maintenance increases the risk of experiencing an avoidable breakdown, resulting in costly repairs and inconvenience.

Myth 3: MOTs Are the Same as Vehicle Servicing

An MOT (Ministry of Transport test) is a legal requirement in the UK for most vehicles over three years old. It involves a series of safety checks on brakes, lights, emissions, tyres and other essential components to ensure a car meets road safety and environmental standards. If your vehicle fails an MOT, it’s deemed not roadworthy and is illegal to drive until the necessary repairs are completed.

Vehicle servicing, on the other hand, is a routine maintenance process recommended by manufacturers to keep your car running smoothly. It includes more comprehensive checks of a wide range of components, such as checking and replacing oil, filters, spark plugs, and inspecting the engine, battery, and suspension. While it’s not a legal requirement, regular servicing helps prevent costly repairs and extends your car’s life.

Myth 4: You Should Change Your Oil Every 3000 Miles

Needing to change your engine oil every 3000 miles is one of the most prevalent misconceptions in the automotive industry. Due to improvements in engine technology and synthetic oils, engine oil doesn’t need to be replaced as frequently as in the past. 

Depending on your vehicle, driving habits and oil type, most modern vehicles can run for around 10,000 miles before an oil change is required. For the most accurate advice, always refer to your vehicle’s manual or ask a trusted mechanic for guidance on oil change intervals.

Myth 5: Brake Pads Should Be Replaced Every Year

Brake pads are essential components of your vehicle’s braking system that slow your car by pressing against the rotors. Due to friction, they gradually wear out and need replacing. However, there is no specific timeline to follow when it comes to replacing your brake pads, as it depends on a number of factors, like brake system quality, driving habits and road conditions. Some brake pads last as little as 25,000 miles, while others can reach up to 70,000 miles.

Pay attention to any sounds during braking, as grinding or squeaking noises often indicate wear. This will also be checked during servicing and MOTs. Your brake system is also checked during MOTs and servicing, and manufacturer recommendations in your manual can provide further guidance.

Myth 6: Engine Coolant Should Be Replaced Annually 

Coolant is the fluid that flows through your car’s engine and radiator to help regulate temperature, preventing the engine from overheating in summer or freezing in winter. It also includes additives that protect the cooling system from rust and corrosion. However, coolant loses its effectiveness over time and so must be replaced at certain intervals. 

How often you need to change it depends on the type of coolant and the condition of your vehicle. While some coolants last up to five years or 150,000 miles, others may need changing every two years or 30,000 miles. Always check your vehicle handbook or ask a trusted mechanic for the correct schedule.

Myth 7: You Should Service Your Car Just Before Your MOT Is Due

Many believe servicing right before an MOT is sufficient. While it might seem convenient, it's not the best approach. Servicing is about preventing issues, not just fixing them for a test. By servicing your car regularly, you’re more likely to avoid breakdowns, improve fuel efficiency, and extend your vehicle’s lifespan. 

Waiting until just before an MOT might uncover problems too late, leading to a failed test and costly repairs. Routine maintenance throughout the year keeps your car safer and more reliable.

Myth 8: Transmission Fluid Should Be Flushed Every 30000 Miles

Transmission fluid is a type of fluid that cools and lubricates the component of your vehicle's transmission system, which transfers power from the engine to the wheels. This fluid must be flushed from the transmission and replaced with new fluid to ensure it remains effective, however it’s not as often as some might think.

Most cars only need their transmission fluid changed every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. It’s worth checking your manual or consulting a mechanic to avoid changing your fluid too frequently, saving you time and money.

Myth 9: Servicing Costs Are Always the Same

When it comes to MOT services, the government has set a maximum fee for each class of vehicle to provide some cost consistency within the UK. However, vehicle servicing costs vary widely depending on the type of service, your vehicle model and any parts that need repairing or replacing. 

Despite this, reputable garages should provide transparent price breakdowns before starting any repair work, so you can feel confident in what you are paying for.

Myth 10: Tyres Should Be Rotated During Every Oil Change

Tyre rotation involves moving your tyres from one position on your vehicle to another, like moving them from front to rear or side to side. This helps distribute wear evenly, which can extend the life of your tyres.

Contrary to popular belief, tyre rotation isn’t required very often. Many tyres can last 10,000 miles or more before needing a rotation, depending on how and where you drive. Rotating tyres too frequently can even cause uneven wear and reduce their effectiveness. Always check your owner’s manual or speak with a mechanic to determine the ideal timing for your car.

Myth 11: Vehicles Must Be Serviced at the Dealership They Were Purchased From for a Valid Warranty

Many believe that vehicle servicing must only be performed at the dealership where it was purchased to keep their warranty intact. However, this isn’t the case. As long as you follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and use genuine or equivalent parts, your warranty remains valid.

You’re free to choose any qualified mechanic or garage service centre for your car’s servicing without risking warranty coverage. Remember to keep all vehicle servicing records and receipts safe, as these documents may be needed if you ever make a warranty claim.

Expert Garage Services from Euroroute Recovery

At Euroroute Recovery, we pride ourselves on delivering expert garage services, including vehicle servicing, MOT testing, and diagnostics. Operating from our depots in Dumfries and St Boswells, we offer class 4 and 7 MOT services to cover a wide range of vehicles. 

Our skilled technicians use advanced equipment for precise car wheel alignment and thorough car air conditioning servicing, ensuring your vehicle performs at its best. With a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, we provide reliable, efficient garage services to keep your car in excellent condition every time you visit us.

Whether you require car wheel alignment, car air conditioning servicing, or any of our other garage services, give us a call today to book your appointment!