Fact vs. Fiction
5 common car myths busted
From advice passed down by your dad to a “hot tip” from a mate at a weekend BBQ, we’ve all heard our fair share of car care “rules”. The world of automotive maintenance is filled with these bits of wisdom that have been repeated so often they’ve become fact. But how many of these long-held beliefs are actually true in the age of modern vehicles?
At Leondis Automotive, we believe knowledge is power. An informed driver is a safer, more confident driver who can also save money in the long run. So, let’s grab our myth-busting goggles and separate fact from fiction, tackling five of the most common car myths we hear on a regular basis here in Sydney.
Myth 1: You should change your oil every 5,000 kilometres
This is perhaps the most famous car maintenance rule of all time. For decades, the “5,000 km or 3 months” oil change was standard practice.
The Truth
While this was sound advice for older cars, it’s largely outdated for today’s vehicles. Modern engines are built with more precision, and advancements in synthetic oils mean they last much, much longer. Most new cars recommend oil changes anywhere from 10,000 to 15,000 kilometres, or every 12 months. Sticking to the old 5,000 km rule often means you’re just throwing away good oil and money.
Our Advice
Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual. It will specify the correct oil change interval for your make and model. Following this schedule is the best way to protect your engine and maintain your warranty. If you’re unsure, get in touch with the team at Leondis Automotive and we’ll confirm what’s best for your particular vehicle.
Myth 2: Using premium petrol will boost any car’s performance
It stands to reason that more expensive fuel must be better, right? Many people fill up with 98 RON premium unleaded, believing it will give their standard Toyota Corolla or Mazda 3 a secret power boost or a deep engine clean.
The Truth
A fuel’s octane rating (RON) relates to its resistance to “knocking” or pre-detonation. High-performance and turbocharged engines are specifically engineered with high-compression ratios that require premium, high-octane fuel to prevent this knocking and perform as designed. However, if your car is designed to run on standard 91 or 95 RON unleaded, using 98 RON offers virtually no benefit. Your car’s computer isn’t calibrated to take advantage of it, so you’re essentially just paying more at the pump for no performance gain.
Our Advice
Read the recommendation on the inside of your fuel cap or in your owner’s manual and use the specified fuel. That’s the best way to ensure performance and efficiency.
Myth 3: You need to warm up your car for several minutes before driving
On a chilly Sydney winter morning, it might feel natural to start your car and let it idle for five minutes to “warm up” before heading off. This practice dates back to the era of carburettors, which needed time to find the right air-fuel mixture in the cold.
The Truth
Every modern car has electronic fuel injection, which adjusts automatically to the temperature. The best way to warm up a modern engine, along with the transmission, wheel bearings, and other components, is to drive it. Excessive idling simply wastes petrol, increases emissions, and does nothing to warm up the parts of your car that need it most.
Our Advice
Start your car, wait about 30 seconds for the oil to circulate, and then drive away gently for the first few minutes. Your car will warm up faster and more efficiently.
Myth 4: Your car must be serviced by the dealership to maintain its warranty
This is a powerful myth that car dealerships have benefited from for years. Many new car owners fear that taking their vehicle to an independent workshop for a logbook service will instantly void the manufacturer’s warranty.
The Truth
Thanks to Australian Consumer Law, this is completely false. You have the right to have your car serviced by any qualified mechanic or workshop of your choice without affecting your warranty. The key conditions are that the workshop uses parts that meet or exceed original equipment (OE) specifications and that the service is completed according to the manufacturer’s schedule.
Our Advice
A reputable independent workshop like Leondis Automotive can complete your logbook servicing, stamp your book, and keep your warranty intact, often at a more competitive price than a dealership.
Myth 5: You should inflate your tyres to the pressure on the tyre sidewall
When checking your tyre pressure, you might spot a “Max Press” number moulded into the rubber sidewall and assume that’s the target.
The Truth
This number is the maximum pressure the tyre can safely hold, not the recommended operating pressure. The correct tyre pressure for your vehicle is determined by the car’s manufacturer to ensure optimal safety, handling, and fuel economy. It’s usually much lower than the max pressure on the sidewall.
Our Advice
Always use the pressures listed on the placard (sticker) inside the driver’s side doorjamb or in your owner’s manual. Check your tyres when they’re cold for an accurate reading.
Know the facts, protect your car
By understanding the truth behind these myths, you’ll be better equipped to take care of your car. When in doubt, always trust the manufacturer’s handbook and the advice of a qualified professional.
Contact us today for all your car maintenance needs and experience the Leondis difference. With skilled mechanics and advanced diagnostic tools at all our locations, we provide a wide range of services.
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