Gadgets reviews 2025
Your car speaks a secret language through its sounds, smells, and quirks – experienced drivers know how to listen. A slight vibration in the steering wheel or a faint smell of burning rubber can signal the difference between a quick fix and a $2,000 repair bill. Master drivers pick up these subtle cues through years of experience behind the wheel. We’ve referenced experts like Car and Driver and Consumer Reports to put together 8 insider car secrets that could save you money and keep you safer on the road.
8. Your Car Battery Might Not Have To Be Replaced
Many drivers panic when they hear their mechanic say the battery is dead. However, the issue might not be the battery itself but rather the corroded connections. Corrosion can prevent the battery from delivering power effectively. A surprising remedy is pouring Coca-Cola on the corroded areas, which can help clean them. In practice, using an actual solvent for cleaning corrosion is a much better idea, but Coke is acidic enough to do the job – it’s just also really sticky when it dries so it’s not recommended. Also, before purchasing a new battery, always check its manufacture date; batteries degrade over time, and you want one that’s as fresh as possible.
7. You Need To Change Your Oil As Soon As Possible
The common advice to change your oil every 3,000 – 6,000 miles is (somewhat) outdated. Many experts suggest that you can safely extend this interval to 7,500 or even 10,000 miles without harming your engine, though the age of your vehicle and its quirks are going to have a huge impact on when to actually change oil. Regardless, the key is to monitor your oil level regularly. While dirty oil can be a concern, modern engines are designed to handle oil that may burn off or evaporate over time. Just ensure you keep the oil topped up to avoid any issues.
6. The Truth About Your Brake Pads
Hearing screeching brakes can be alarming, prompting many to rush to the mechanic. However, the culprit is often just rust on the brake pads, which can be easily removed. Many drivers can tackle this themselves with a little guidance from online tutorials. Brake pads typically don’t need replacing until they are 90% worn (or if you’re getting ready for a very big trip), so if a mechanic suggests a replacement when they’re only 50% worn, it’s worth considering how much you drive and what you have planned in the near future.
5. Free Inspections Are Anything But Free
While a free inspection may sound appealing, it can lead to unexpected expenses. Mechanics often find numerous issues during these inspections, many of which may not be urgent. This can result in a hefty bill for repairs that you didn’t anticipate. It’s generally better to visit a mechanic only when you notice a specific problem, rather than falling for the allure of a free check-up.
4. Free and Additional Services
Some mechanics push for additional services like power steering or coolant flushes, claiming they are essential – and they might be if you’ve put enough mileage on the car since the last change. However, these services are typically only necessary every 30,000 – 100,000 miles. Be cautious of offers like free lifetime muffler replacements, as they can lead to more expensive repairs down the line.
3. Rotating Your Tires Might Not Be Necessary
Tire rotation is often recommended to ensure even wear, but the reality is that it may not be as necessary as you think, since tire wear will be different for different vehicles (for example, tires wear differently on front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive cars.) After a rotation, it can also be hard to tell if the tires were actually moved. If you want to verify that your tires were rotated, mark them with chalk before your visit and check afterward to see if the marks have changed positions. Either way, some experts have argued that tire rotation doesn’t significantly affect wear rates.
2. Your Check Engine Light Could Mean Anything
Seeing the check engine light can be alarming, especially for new drivers. However, one of the most common reasons for this light to illuminate is a loose gas cap. Tightening the cap can often resolve the issue. Additionally, multiple warning lights may indicate a software glitch rather than a mechanical failure. Always investigate the cause of the check engine light before assuming the worst. OBD sensors can help you pull down engine codes and find out if your vehicle’s check engine light is signaling something major or minor.
1. Your Car Probably Doesn’t Need Special Additives
Everyone from your neighbors to mechanics may recommend various additives for your engine, gas tank, or transmission, but these are often unnecessary. Truth is, performing regular maintenance and staying on top of fluid changes will usually be enough to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Gasoline and engine oil, for example, already contain additives designed to enhance performance, so spending extra on additional products is often a waste of money. Without careful research, some (but not all) of these products might do more harm than good.
