Car mechanic holding checking gear oil to maintenance vehicle by customer claim order in auto repair shop garage. Engine repair service. People occupation and business job. Automobile technician
In today’s auto training environment, students must separate fact from fiction. This blog post looks at four of the most common car maintenance myths and explains what makes them outdated and even harmful.
Myth #1: Oil Needs to Be Changed Every 5,000 KM: No Matter What
For years, “change your oil every 5,000 km” was the golden rule. But today’s engines and oils are engineered differently. Many modern vehicles now run safely for 8,000 to 12,000 km between oil changes, sometimes even longer with synthetic oil.
So why does this myth persist?
Because older vehicles and traditional oil blends required more frequent service. But sticking to this outdated rule today can lead to unnecessary maintenance costs and even environmental waste.
Why It Matters in Training
At CATI, students are trained to understand manufacturer recommendations and engine oil performance based on real data, not myths. In the shop, that means making service decisions that are smarter, more efficient, and tailored to the specific vehicle.
Students in auto mechanic training learn to evaluate engine condition using up-to-date diagnostic tools, not outdated mileage rules.
At CATI, students are trained to understand manufacturer recommendations and engine oil performance based on real data, not myths. In the shop, that means making service decisions that are smarter, more efficient, and tailored to the specific vehicle.
Myth #2: You Must Warm Up Your Car for 10 Minutes in Winter
Warming up the car used to be essential, especially in the carburetor era. But modern fuel-injected engines are ready to go after 30 to 60 seconds. Idling too long just wastes fuel and increases engine wear.
This is especially true for vehicles driven in cold Canadian winters, where it’s tempting to let the engine idle until fully warm. But in reality, the engine warms up faster (and more efficiently) when it’s being driven gently.
Why It Matters in Training
Understanding engine management systems is a key part of the curriculum at CATI. Students in auto mechanic school learn how cold starts work in modern vehicles and why short, high-idle warmups are often more harmful than helpful.
Myth #3: Premium Fuel Boosts Performance in Any Vehicle
High-octane (premium) fuel is designed for high-compression or turbocharged engines. Using it in a regular engine won’t boost power or improve mileage. You’re simply paying more for fuel your car doesn’t need.
Using a premium in the wrong car can sometimes cause poor performance. Most vehicles are optimized for regular unleaded, and using what’s recommended in the owner’s manual is always the right move.
Why It Matters in Training
For future mechanics, understanding fuel systems and combustion is more than theory; it’s about protecting the engine and saving customers money. That kind of expertise is core to automotive training.
Myth #4: Your Warranty Is Only Protected at the Dealership
This is one of the most persistent myths. While dealerships often suggest that using independent shops will void your warranty, Canadian consumer law protects your right to have your car serviced at any certified repair facility, as long as proper service documentation is kept.
This means that well-trained independent technicians, including graduates from auto mechanic school like CATI, are fully capable of performing warranty-safe maintenance.
Why It Matters in Training
CATI students are taught not only to complete high-quality service work but also to document it properly. In today’s industry, being a great technician means knowing how to keep records, communicate with clients, and back up your work with confidenc
Smarter Auto Mechanic Training: Start by Challenging Myths
The modern auto shop is about more than tools and torque; it’s about knowledge, precision, and adaptability. At CATI, automotive training is designed to prepare students for a career where the truth matters more than tradition.
Understanding how vehicles work and challenging outdated assumptions are part of becoming a confident and future-ready auto professional. Build a career based on real-world knowledge and next-generation skills.
Are you ready to train at CATI school?
Contact ATC Montreal for more information.
