Purchasing a vehicle can be a tough decision. Multiple parameters need to be considered while selecting your next vehicle and the cost of owning the car plays a huge role in this decision. This not only includes the price of purchase, but also the costs involved throughout the lifecycle of ownership of the vehicle.

While it’s difficult to calculate the exact costs during the entire ownership period, we can clear out some doubts and common myths associated with maintaining your vehicle. Here are some of the most common misconceptions related to the cost of owning a Mahindra & Mahindra vehicle.

Myth 1: I should get my car serviced every 3-4 months

This is not true for Mahindra & Mahindra vehicles. While most other vehicles recommend changing of oils and fluids based on a ‘Change by date’ basis, M&M vehicles do not follow a specified time limit for service. Wear & tear happens when the car is in use, so we base our service schedule on the number of kilometres the vehicle clocks. By optimising services in this way, we also reduce the environmental impact due to unnecessary changing of oils and fluids. However, since the oils and fluids deteriorate over time, we do recommend a maximum replacement time limit of 1/2/3 years, depending on the type of oil/fluid. Please check your owner’s manual for replacement intervals of different fluids.

Myth 2: I should get engine oil replaced at every service

Engine oil changes are recommended by the oil manufacturer based on kilometres run or a maximum time limit, whichever is earlier. This usually overlaps with every service or every alternate servicing, as prescribed by the manufacturer. Even if your vehicle has not covered the required kilometres, it is recommended to change the engine oil within the maximum time limit specified by the manufacturer. This is to accommodate for deterioration over time and ensure smooth running of the engine.

Myth 3: I will get better mileage when windows are rolled down

This is an interesting question that gets asked a lot. Let’s try and break it down.

There are multiple factors that affect the mileage of your vehicle – aerodynamics being one of them.

When you drive with the windows rolled down, it increases the aerodynamic drag of your vehicle, thus reducing its mileage. This is more noticeable at higher vehicle speeds.

With the windows rolled up, the air flowing alongside has a smooth surface to follow, which improves the aerodynamic efficiency of your vehicle resulting in better mileage.

Myth 4: I should keep the engine idle for a few minutes after starting and before stopping the engine

This is not compulsory. When it comes to turbocharged engines, the turbocharger receives lubrication oil from the engine. Depending on when you last used your vehicle, the oil takes a few seconds to reach the turbocharger after the engine starts. It’s good practice to wait a few seconds after ignition before fully loading the engine. Similarly when turning off the engine, you can wait for few seconds allowing the turbocharger to wind down from very high speeds. However this is not compulsory.

Myth 5: Tyre pressure should be more than recommended to avoid frequent punctures

This is a common misconception and should never be followed under normal conditions. Tyre pressures should always be kept at the recommended values to ensure maximum safety. Over inflating the tyres can have an adverse effect on the vehicle’s handling that can lead to safety concerns. Over-inflating a tire decreases the amount of contact the tire has with the road, making it wear out faster. This accelerated wear and tear of the over-inflated tires would require you to change them more often.