13 Overrated Car Maintenance Services You Can Skip
We’ve all had that moment, waiting at the service center, trying to keep up as the mechanic runs through a list of services that sound both urgent and expensive. Your mechanic may be skilled, even charming, but that doesn’t mean every maintenance service on that endless list they suggest is important. The truth is, you’ve probably been paying unnecessary money for services you could save on.
But this doesn’t diminish the importance of regular car maintenance. Routine brakes, tires, fluid levels, lights, battery health, and engine checkups are non-negotiable. In contrast, some often recommended aren’t as critical as they’re made out to be. Avoiding them can save you time and money.
However, with so many services gunning for your attention and your money, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by what’s truly necessary. Here are 13 overrated car maintenance services you can skip without sacrificing your car’s performance or longevity.
1. Extended Warranties
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Salespeople are good at their jobs. They know exactly what to say to trigger your anxiety. Just as you’re about to seal the deal, they drop the extended warranty pitch. But here’s the truth: modern vehicles are incredibly reliable, and automaker-issued warranties cover everything from paint and rust protection to powertrain and batteries (especially for hybrids and EVs) for several years.
Extended warranties reveal more exclusions than coverage, making them more of a profit booster for the dealership than a safety net for you. Although they sound like a no-brainer, trust me, you’ll be far better off without them.
2. Windshield Washer Fluid Change
Windshield washer fluid is designed to last through all sorts of weather conditions, so unless it’s dirty (which is rare), frozen, or you’ve accidentally filled the reservoir with something other than washer fluid (it happens!), there’s no need to replace it entirely.
For almost all drivers, topping it off with a good-quality fluid when needed is usually enough. As long as your washer fluid keeps your windshield clear, there’s no need to overthink it.
3. Replacing Engine Air Filters Too Often
Think of replacing your air filter too often, like changing your bed sheets daily; it’s nice but unnecessary. Your engine’s air filters do need replacing, but not as frequently as some certain YouTube channels might suggest. Stick to the recommended interval in your owner’s manual unless you regularly drive through sandstorms.
Most automakers recommend checking and replacing your air filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles, which is usually enough. Check it during oil changes and replace it when it’s actually dirty, not just because someone tells you to.
4. Frequent Cabin Air Filter Replacements
The cabin air filter filters the air that enters your car’s interior through the HVAC system and keeps it free from dust, pollen, and other contaminants. However, like the engine air filter, it doesn’t need to be replaced as often.
If the airflow seems fine and there’s no musty odor inside the cabin, there’s no need to rush into replacing it. Additionally, many modern cars now come with washable and reusable air filters, so you can probably clean them yourself and avoid the high service center fees.
5. Cooling System Flushes
Flushing your cooling system is another overrated maintenance service. If your coolant looks clean and your car isn’t overheating, there’s no need to flush the system every time you’re in for service. Most manufacturers recommend changing your coolant every 100,000 miles or so, depending on the coolant used.
Regular checks of your coolant’s level and condition are all you need to keep your cooling system happy. Although rare, flushing the cooling system too often can damage its seals and gaskets, potentially causing the overheating issues you were trying to prevent.
6. Brake Fluid Flushes
It always pays off to be safe, especially when it comes to something as critical as your brakes. Brake fluid is hygroscopic; it absorbs moisture over time, leading to corrosion in the brake system. For most drivers, this happens slowly enough that a brake fluid flush is only necessary every two to three years. But unless you’re driving through the swamps of Louisiana, you can probably even go longer. Additionally, if you’re buying a used vehicle, it’s a good idea to replace the brake fluid. You never know how long it’s been since the last flush.
7. Overly Frequent Oil Changes
Remember when everyone thought you had to change your oil every 3,000 miles? That advice is as outdated as a mullet. However, oil changes are just as important as they were back then. Thanks to engine design and oil technology advances, most modern cars can now go 5,000 to 7,500 miles between oil changes, and others can stretch even further with synthetic oils.
Frequent oil changes might seem like cheap insurance against engine wear, but it’s often an unnecessary expense. Also, there’s a risk you might actually contribute to increased wear and tear on your car’s engine due to constant disassembly.
8. High-Mileage Oil
High-mileage oil is specifically made with additives that benefit engines over 75,000 miles. This can help reduce oil consumption, minimize leaks, and improve engine performance.
However, if your engine isn’t showing its age, like burning oil, leaks, or reduced performance, there’s no need to rush into the high-mileage stuff. Using regular oil suited to your car’s age and condition is usually all that’s required. Let your car age gracefully, like a classic car, not a midlife crisis convertible.
9. Transmission Flushes
Transmission flushes are often recommended to extend the life of your car’s transmission by removing old fluid, contaminants, and debris. For most vehicles, sticking to the manufacturer’s recommended schedule for transmission fluid changes is enough to keep everything running smoothly.
Fortunately, most modern vehicles have filters and magnets that trap contaminants to keep the transmission in good working order. A full flush (hardy recommended) involves replacing all the fluid in the transmission. This might sound great in theory, but it can sometimes dislodge debris and cause more harm than good.
10. Tire Balancing at Every Rotation
Tire balancing and tire rotation are often mentioned together, but they’re not the same thing. Rotating tires moves them to different positions to ensure even wear. In contrast, balancing ensures the tire and wheel weight is evenly distributed.
You can often skip the balancing if you’re not experiencing noticeable signs of imbalance, such as a vibrating steering wheel. Balancing could happen every time you rotate, but don’t let anyone confuse the two or push unnecessary services.
11. Shiny Engine Detailing
A clean engine bay might look impressive, but it does very little for your car’s performance. Unless you’re entering a car show, preparing your vehicle for sale, or trying to impress someone who really likes clean engines, it’s more about aesthetics than performance.
Your engine doesn’t care if it’s spotless, so a little dirt won’t hurt anyone unless you’re showing off. A clean engine might look impressive, but it’s just as necessary as wearing a tuxedo to mow the lawn.
12. Rustproofing
Rustproofing is another service often pushed, especially on new cars, but it’s usually redundant. Most cars come with factory-applied rustproofing designed to last the vehicle’s life. Unless you live in an area with a lot of road salt or near the ocean, additional rustproofing is usually unnecessary.
Regular washing, especially in winter, is usually enough to keep rust at bay without the extra expense. However, some aftermarket rustproofing products can damage the factory coating, leading to rust issues you wouldn’t have had otherwise.
13. Premium Fuel for Regular Cars
If your car’s manual doesn’t call for premium gas, using it is like feeding filet mignon to a cat: a waste. Modern engines designed for regular fuel don’t gain any benefits from high-octane gas.
In fact, using premium gas in a car that doesn’t require it is not just a waste of money but can actually reduce fuel efficiency in some cases, meaning you’re paying more at the pump for less mileage, literally.
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