The Car Maintenance Myths That Are Costing You Money

Car maintenance can feel like a mystery, especially when advice is coming from every direction — your mechanic, your uncle, your favorite YouTuber. But not all advice is good advice. In fact, some common car maintenance myths could be costing you money without improving your vehicle’s performance or longevity.

Whether you're driving a brand-new SUV or a well-loved sedan, here are a few maintenance myths you can safely ignore — and what to do instead.

Myth #1: You Need an Oil Change Every 3,000 Miles

Reality: This advice used to be true — but modern engines and synthetic oils have changed the game. Many vehicles today can go 5,000 to 10,000 miles between oil changes without issue.

Why it’s costing you: If you’re still changing your oil every 3,000 miles, you’re likely spending money — and time — on maintenance you don’t actually need.

What to do instead: Check your owner’s manual or maintenance schedule. It will give you the manufacturer’s recommended interval, which is based on how the vehicle is designed to run.

Myth #2: Premium Gas is Always Better

Reality: Unless your car requires premium fuel (usually noted on the gas cap or in the manual), using it won’t boost performance or protect your engine.

Why it’s costing you: Premium fuel can cost 20 to 60 cents more per gallon — and if your car doesn’t need it, you’re paying for nothing.

What to do instead: Use regular unleaded unless your vehicle specifies otherwise. If it recommends premium but doesn’t require it, test both and compare performance — but most drivers won’t notice a difference.

Myth #3: You Must Service at the Dealership to Keep Your Warranty

Reality: You can take your vehicle to any qualified mechanic and still keep your warranty intact, as long as they follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Why it’s costing you: Dealership service departments tend to charge more for routine maintenance.

What to do instead: Keep your receipts and service records, and make sure any shop you use follows your vehicle’s recommended service intervals. You’re free to shop around.

Myth #4: You Should Warm Up Your Car for Several Minutes

Reality: With modern fuel-injected engines, long warm-ups aren’t necessary — even in cold weather.

Why it’s costing you: Idling burns gas and increases engine wear without giving you much benefit. A 30-second warm-up is usually plenty.

What to do instead: Start your car, give it 30 seconds to circulate oil, and then drive gently for the first few minutes. That’s all your engine needs.

Myth #5: More Frequent Tune-Ups Mean Better Performance

Reality: "Tune-ups" used to be vital for older vehicles, but today’s cars need less frequent adjustments thanks to advanced computer systems and longer-lasting parts.

Why it’s costing you: Many shops still sell generic “tune-up” packages that don’t always match your vehicle’s actual needs — and often include services you don’t need.

What to do instead: Follow your manufacturer’s service schedule. Instead of a catch-all “tune-up,” look for specific services at the right mileage intervals (like spark plug replacement or fluid checks).

Myth #6: You Should Rotate Tires Only When You Get New Ones

Reality: Tire rotation should happen every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, not just when you get a new set.

Why it’s costing you: Skipping regular rotations leads to uneven tire wear, which means replacing tires sooner than necessary.

What to do instead: Tie tire rotations to your oil change schedule — that makes it easy to remember and keeps your tread wear even, improving both safety and longevity.

The Bottom Line

Following outdated car maintenance advice can quietly drain your wallet — often without adding real value to your vehicle’s performance or lifespan. Sticking to your manufacturer’s recommendations and knowing which myths to ignore can help you avoid unnecessary costs and make smarter maintenance decisions.

And while you’re thinking about car upkeep, it’s also a good time to take a closer look at your insurance policy. If you’ve been keeping your vehicle in better condition or driving more efficiently, those changes could work in your favor. Comparing quotes or updating your coverage might reveal savings you didn't know you were eligible for — especially if your driving habits or vehicle value have changed.