Auto Repair Myths You Should Know About

Misconceptions of Automotive Repairs

Admittedly, auto repair is a difficult task for many of us. Vehicles are complex machines with an abundance of intricate moving parts between various systems that have taken automakers years to perfect. We rely on these vehicles to get us where we need to go, but most of us have only a rudimentary understanding of how these marvels of modern engineering work.

Most Common Auto Repair Myths

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the auto maintenance myths we’ve been told over the years to give you the true story. Austin's Pro Max is the place to go if you need fast, affordable, and dependable auto repair in Puyallup, Washington. Whether you own a car, truck, or SUV, we’ll make sure that you get the best treatment, service, and automotive expertise possible.

1. Cheap Gas Harms Your Car's Engine

On the surface, this concept appears to make sense, but there is no factual support for it. You get what you pay for with most other items and services in the auto industry. Cheap gas, on the other hand, will not harm your vehicle, so you'll never have to worry about what you're putting in your car is unsafe.

2. Automatic Transmissions are Less Efficient than Manual Transmissions

Automatic transmission components were inefficient and poorly designed in the early days, and any manual transmission vehicle could easily outperform an automatic transmission in terms of fuel efficiency. However, automatic transmission technology has improved steadily over time, allowing these vehicles to become more fuel-efficient. In terms of fuel efficiency, manual and automatic transmission vehicles are now more or less comparable.

3. Visiting an Unauthorized Repair Shop Voids Your Car’s Warranty

This is a myth that has persisted due to dealerships' desire to keep customers coming back. Dealerships will heavily imply that you can only service your car with them and that taking your new car to an outside source for repair will void your warranty. The truth, however, is that almost any service provider can handle any warranty repairs.

4. Premium Fuel Increases Vehicle Performance

Regular gasoline will suffice unless your vehicle has a high-compression, high-performance engine that runs hotter than most others. The lower-cost 86 octane fuel must still meet quality standards, but it will not harm your car's engine, though it doesn’t hurt to check your car's owner's manual to see what the manufacturer recommends for your vehicle.

5. Car Batteries Recharge Following a Jump Start

It takes hours of driving to fully charge a battery that has been jump-started, especially in colder temperatures. Heated seats, the radio, and the lights all draw a lot of power from the alternator, leaving little for battery recharging. It's best to drive your vehicle for several hours to fully recharge your car's battery.

Professional Auto Repair in Puyallup, Washington

You don't have to be a professional mechanic or engineer to understand how your car works. With even just a simple understanding of how your vehicle works, you can prevent a major auto repair from keeping you on the sidelines. Schedule a service appointment with Austin's Pro Max or come by and see us in Puyallup, Washington today. We are your one-stop-shop for both major and minor auto service on all types of cars, trucks, and SUVs.