As a high-quality vehicle, your Mercedes-Benz needs high-quality care. You strive to make the best choices for the health of your car, but this can be harder than it sounds. Misinformation is everywhere when it comes to car service, and you may have heard (and believed) myths about cars and their maintenance over the years. That’s why we’re debunking some of the most common myths below. Keep reading to get the facts, and if your Mercedes-Benz is ready for service, make an appointment here at Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati today. 

Common Car Maintenance Myths 

Myth 1: Your car’s oil needs to be changed every 3,000 miles. 

The Facts 

This is one of the most prevalent car myths, and while a 3,000-mile interval used to be standard for oil changes, it isn’t necessary to change your oil that often today. Modern engines are far more advanced than engines of the past, and today’s vehicles run far more efficiently thanks to innovations in engine design. This means that most vehicles made in the past 15 years will need oil changes every 5,000-7,000 miles, or perhaps even longer. For a specific recommendation for your vehicle, ask one of our Mercedes-Benz service advisors, or refer to your owner’s manual. 

Myth 2: All-season tires are good for any weather. 

The Facts 

All-season tires will serve you well in most weather conditions, but in extreme weather, you’ll want a set of specialized tires between you and the road. Snowy winter driving is much safer with winter tires, as these tires provide increased traction on icy roads. Similarly, summer tires can provide better handling when the temperature outside is scorching hot (and the pavement is, too). Consider investing in specialized tires to have the best and safest driving experience in your Mercedes-Benz. 

Myth 3: You need to warm up your car before driving, especially in the winter. 

The Facts 

Again, this is a myth that applied to cars of the past, but it’s not applicable today. Modern cars don’t need to be warmed up before driving, and in fact, letting your car idle does more harm than good. Your engine will actually warm up faster as you drive, so avoid burning gas and creating emissions unnecessarily by starting up your car and driving Non aggressively while the engine warms. 

Myth 4: Tires should be replaced when the tread reaches 2/32”. 

The Facts 

Waiting until your tire tread reaches 2/32” deep is cutting it too close for comfort. It’s a better idea to replace your tires when the tread is at 4/32”. This ensures you can still drive safely (especially in inclement weather) while you shop for tires. We offer a wide selection of tires here at Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati, and you can even order your next set online.  

Myth 5: Premium gas is a better choice than regular gas, no matter what car you drive. 

The Facts 

It may seem like premium gas is “healthier” for your car — after all, it’s more expensive, and that usually means higher quality. However, most vehicles don’t need premium gas to perform at their best. Regular, 87-octane gasoline is perfectly healthy for most vehicles. Premium gasoline is recommended for high-performance models, as the higher octane reduces the chance of engine knocking. If you aren’t driving a sports car, you can save money by filling up with regular gasoline. Follow the advice in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. 

Schedule Service at Mercedes-Benz of Cincinnati Today 

These are only some of the pervasive myths we’ve heard here at our service center. If you have another service tip that you think might be a myth, don’t hesitate to chat about it with our service technicians. They’ll be happy to give you the facts and help create a customized service schedule that fits your vehicle perfectly. Schedule your next service appointment on our website today, and we’ll look forward to serving you soon.