Thanks to our Partners, NAPA TRACS, AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching, and Today's Class

Our panel discusses and debunks car maintenance myths from an online article titled "15 Car Maintenance Rip-Offs You Should Avoid." They cover topics such as engine flushes, air filter replacements, fuel additives, tire shine, headlight cleaning kits, extended warranties, coolant flushes, oil additives, oil enhancers, undercoating, custom exhaust systems, dealership oil changes, and professional detailing.

Matt Fanslow, Riverside Automotive, Red Wing, MN, Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z Podcast

Justin Morgan LMV Bavarian Technical Support and Trainer, ASE-Wave Technical Ambassador. Justin’s Previous Episode HERE.

Bryan Pollock, Willco Auto Care, Sanborn, NY, and Lockport, NY

Show Notes


Watch Full Video Episode
Engine Flushes (00:04:12) Debunking the necessity of engine flushes for well-maintained vehicles and the importance of following manufacturer's guidelines.
Air Filter Replacements (00:09:50) Discussion on the necessity of replacing air filters at every oil change and the impact of environmental factors on air filter maintenance.
Air Filter Size and Replacement (00:15:25) Exploring the impact of modern engine technology on air filter size and the need for evidence-based professional inspection for filter replacement.
Cabin Air Filters (00:17:01) Discussion on the condition of cabin air filters and the impact of leaves and bugs on air quality.
Airflow Issues (00:18:30) Addressing airflow problems caused by neglected cabin air filters and the potential damage to blower motors.
Windshield Wiper Fluid (00:20:00) Debunking the effectiveness of costly windshield wiper fluid and discussing the difference in quality and impact on visibility.
Octane Boosters and Fuel Additives (00:24:33) Debating the use and effectiveness of octane boosters and fuel system additives in modern vehicles.
Tire Shine and Nitrogen Filling (00:29:48) Discussion on the impact of tire shine and the benefits of filling tires with nitrogen.
Headlight Cleaning Kits (00:31:13) Debunking the effectiveness of expensive headlight cleaning kits and discussing alternative DIY solutions using household items.
Restoring Headlights (00:33:01) Discussion on the process of restoring headlights and the potential cost-prohibitive nature of the restoration.
Extended Warranties (00:38:06) Debunking the effectiveness of aftermarket extended warranties, with insights on their limitations and coverage issues.
Redundant Coolant Flushes (00:43:15) Discussion on the necessity of coolant flushes, signs of coolant issues, and the importance of proper maintenance.
Oil Additives for Engine Safeguard (00:47:44) Contradictory information on oil additives and frequent oil changes, with a focus on the composition of oil and the need for thorough upkeep.
Oil Enhancers (00:49:17) Discussion on the use of oil enhancers for cold starts and their conditional application.
Undercoating (00:49:41) Debate on the necessity of...