DRIVERS have been warned to avoid wasting time and money on useless add-ons at car shops as some mechanics try to upsell during routine maintenance.
A car expert said there are three services that you should typically refuse at the garage – but he also revealed how to identify the rare times that extra costs might be necessary.
Ron Krauch, an automotive writer with decades of experience, said it’s important for drivers to recognize the difference between their car’s manufacturer’s service schedule and what the mechanics are trying to sell.
Krauch told The U.S. Sun that recommended repairs advertised as “dealer recommended services” are often an attempt at upselling.
“There are many services that drivers might be offered at shops or dealerships that are often unnecessary or not worth the cost, especially when bundled during routine maintenance,” Krauch told The U.S. Sun.
The first service to look out for is fuel injection cleaning, which removes built-up dirt and debris from a vehicle’s fuel system to improve performance.
Krauch, who writes for CarsAndConvos.com, said that buying additional cleaners isn’t necessary for most modern cars.
“Modern vehicles typically have fuel systems that are
designed to stay clean, especially with the use of high-quality gasoline that contains detergents to keep injectors free of deposits,” Krauch explained.
He added that the service is basically useless unless your car is experiencing specific fuel issues like rough idling or misfires.
“If you drive an older vehicle or have specific performance issues, it
could be worth it, but in most cases, it’s not required as frequently as some shops recommend,” Krauch said.
“Rely on the manufacturer’s recommendations and perform maintenance and filter changes when due.”
Next, Krauch said that engine flushes might not be needed as regularly as the garage recommends.
“Engine flushes are often marketed as a way to clean out
sludge or deposits from inside the engine,” Krauch said.
“However, most modern engines and oils are
formulated to stay clean, and if you regularly change your oil on schedule, you shouldn’t need this service.”
He went on to say that an engine flush might be helpful as a “last-ditch effort” for drivers who might have neglected their car by going too long without oil changes.
However, regular oil changes should prevent the need for engine flushes.
How often should you change your oil?
Experts say the exact figure depends on a variety of factors, including:
- Age of vehicle. Older vehicles tend to need oil changes sooner than newer cars, as the engine oil used doesn’t last as long as newer oil. Plus, the clearances between moving parts tend to be wider than when the engine was new.
- Type of oil. Synthetic oil tends to last a lot longer between changes compared to synthetic or a synthetic blend.
- Driving conditions. People who live in dusty areas or regions with extreme weather conditions that require a lot of driving or stop-and-go traffic should change their oil sooner than normal to keep moving parts lubricated.
- Cars that bear heavy loads, like regularly towing a trailer, as it puts strain on an engine.
Typically, older cars should have their oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. More modern cars can go between 5,000 to 7,500 miles between changes, especially as modern oil contains more efficient lubricants and additives. Some cars that use synthetic oil only need changes every 15,000 miles.
It’s important to read your owner’s manual to determine the exact weight and interval your car needs.
Source: AAA
Finally, the expert warned against spending extra at the shop for a premium oil change.
“Shops often upsell customers to synthetic or high-
performance oils even if the vehicle’s manufacturer doesn’t require them,” Krauch said.
Synthetic oil is typically the most expensive type of oil, but tends to last a lot longer between changes compared to regular oil or a synthetic blend.
“Synthetic oil is beneficial for vehicles that endure extreme
temperatures, heavy towing, or high-performance driving,” Krauch explained.
“While synthetic oil has its benefits, if your car is designed to use conventional oil and you don’t drive in extreme conditions, regular oil should be just fine.”
He said that synthetic oil could be an “unnecessary upgrade” for regular drivers.
Plus, while the common rule was formerly to change your oil every 3,000 miles, experts have since debunked it and said that a change every 5,000 to 7,000 miles is often enough.
