8 Secrets Your Car Mechanic Doesn't Want You to Know

TLDRDiscover the truth about car mechanics and avoid falling for their tricks. Learn about common misconceptions regarding car battery replacement, oil changes, brake pad replacements, free inspections, unnecessary services, tire rotations, check engine lights, and additives.

Key insights

🛠️Car mechanics often try to convince you to replace your car battery even when the real problem is corrosion on the battery wires.

🛧Oil changes don't need to be done every 3,000 miles; experts suggest changing the oil after driving at least 7,500 miles.

🔍Rust on brake pads is a common cause of screeching sounds; it can be easily removed without needing to replace the entire set of brake pads.

📌Be cautious of car service centers offering free inspections; they may try to upsell unnecessary repairs and parts.

🚤Some mechanics may insist on additional services, such as power steering or coolant flushes, that are not needed until after driving 100,000 miles.

Q&A

How often should I replace my car battery?

Instead of immediately replacing your car battery when it dies, check for corrosion on the battery wires and use Coca-Cola to remove it. Recharge the battery before considering a replacement.

How frequently should I change the oil in my car?

It is unnecessary to change the oil every 3,000 miles as commonly believed. Experts suggest changing the oil after driving a minimum of 7,500 miles to avoid unnecessary costs.

Should I replace my brake pads if they start screeching?

Screeching sounds from brake pads are often due to rust, which can be easily removed by brushing or scraping. It is unnecessary to replace the entire set of brake pads.

Are free inspections offered by car service centers trustworthy?

Be cautious of free inspections offered by car service centers as they may result in unnecessary repairs and expenses. Only bring your car for inspection when there is a specific issue.

Do I need additional services such as power steering or coolant flushes?

Services like power steering or coolant flushes are usually only needed after driving 100,000 miles. Don't fall for unnecessary services and only get them when recommended by experts.

Timestamped Summary

00:06Not all car mechanics are trustworthy and honest; be cautious of their advice.

00:29Car mechanics may try to convince you to replace your battery even when the problem is corrosion on the battery wires.

01:47Oil changes should not be done every 3,000 miles; experts suggest changing the oil after driving a minimum of 7,500 miles.

02:49Screeching sounds from brake pads are often caused by rust, which can be easily removed without replacing the entire set of brake pads.

03:51Be cautious of free inspections offered by car service centers, as they may result in unnecessary repairs and expenses.

04:30Some mechanics may insist on additional services, such as power steering or coolant flushes, that are not necessary until after driving 100,000 miles.

05:03Tire rotations may not have a significant impact on how tires wear out; verify if your mechanic actually rotated the tires.

05:56Check engine lights can often be triggered by a loose gas cap; make sure it is fastened properly before panicking.