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There are a number of so-called maintenance procedures that are not routinely necessary to keep your car running, but are often suggested and presented to customers as being something they need to have done. Here is a brief overview of some car rip-offs to avoid:
Engine flushes
This procedure costs about $100-$200 and is a process here a machine flushes a car's engine with chemicals to get rid of engine sludge. While this is a real fix, it is not one part of scheduled maintenance. According to Tom Torbojomsen, a maintenance editor at AOL Autos,
“Change your oil according to manufacturer’s recommendations and you won’t need an engine flush".So, in other words, those car owners who have taken good care of their vehicles and not neglected regular care are not likely to need an engine flush.
Fuel injection cleaning
According to Popular Mechanic's Mike Allen, the fuel injection cleaning is a procedure that also is not a required one to keep a car in good running condition. Allen indicates as long as the check engine light hasn't blinked on and there are no car troubles, if this is recommended, skip it.
Fuel injection cleaning is recommended every 35,000, but definitely is not an annual maintenance staple, and being the going rate is $125-$200, this is not something you want to spend on that isn't necessary.
Oil additives
When asked about oil additives Torjomsen stated that people who follow their normal maintenance schedule and take care of their car will not need any kind of additive. Oil additives costs are $5 and up and sound as if they are designed to "nickel and dime" customers. Over the course of time, this will certainly add up to be a nice profit. It is recommended to stay away from any kind of oil additive.
Gas savers
None of these products have been proven to be effective, and some of these manufactured goods actually hurt the vehicle's engine performance. At $10-$400 charges, staying away from these products seems like sound advice. According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes many devices tested had "little to no effect on fuel economy or exhaust emissions", indicating some products even had a negative impact on the vehicle's performance. The agency notes there are other ways to save on gas:
- Use proper octane level recommended by the manufacturer
- Check tire pressure to make sure it is at its optimal level
- Avoid idling when not necessary
- Eliminate extra weight in your car
- Watch your speed - in other words don't drive too fast, this burns more fuel.
- Do manufacturer-recommended maintenance on your car
- Invest in a fuel-efficient car
Long life anti-freeze
This product gives consumers a false sense of security that they don't need to maintain their radiator. Consumers should avoid this $4-$8 a quart expense and stick to the recommended brand of anti-freeze suggested for their cars. Car owners who want to keep their radiator in good shape should follow a routine maintenance schedule for them.
While it is important to maintain and take care of your automobile, there are a lot of protection directives dealerships and mechanics may recommend to their customers as being necessary, but the reality is these procedures are really not needed at all. It is all a way to cash in on a customers' lack of expertise and if you really think about it, exploit trust.
Always follow the manufacturer's manual, as the booklet will be car-specific and designed for consumers to follow. A good, trustworthy mechanic doesn't hurt either. Avoid the above car rip-offs you don't need and keep the money in your wallet.
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