Why does my car shake when I'm stopped at the lights?
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Busting the common car maintenance myths
Every man and his dog seems to have a tip to keep your car running like a dream. Sometimes, though, these maintenance tips are as useful as a spoiler on a street sweeper. We previously covered some commonly shared car myths, and today we’re busting the most common car maintenance myths you might’ve come across.
Let’s debunk!
Myth #1: Car batteries need to be replaced every couple of years
This is a persistent myth that simply isn’t true for most modern car batteries. A battery’s lifespan can vary depending on factors like the charging system and the climate. Driving patterns will also have an effect on lifespan. For example, if you take frequent short trips this may not provide enough time for the battery to recharge. However, most modern batteries will last significantly longer than just a couple of years.
Typical lithium car batteries could give you anywhere between three and six years of performance with proper maintenance, while it’s now standard for EV car batteries to come with an eight or even ten year warranty. So we call this one busted.
Myth #2: You should always disconnect your car battery if you’re going away
While this used to be standard practice when storing a vehicle, the introduction of electronics has made this tip a little more complex. In modern vehicles, disconnecting the battery can result in a loss of settings in the engine control unit (ECU). The results can range from losing radio preferences, to changing how the car drives and performs. It may also affect the efficiency of fuel economy when when driving.
