11 Car Services I've Learned You Can Skip

Let’s be honest: owning a car is as much about maintenance as it is about mobility. But not every recommended service is a must-do, and knowing which ones you can skip can save you a serious chunk of change.

We’ve all been there, sitting in the service center, nodding along while a mechanic lists services that sound important (and pricey). So, how do you tell the essentials from the extras?

That’s where we come in. From unnecessary engine flushes to overhyped detailing packages, here are 11 car services you can comfortably (and safely) do without.

Air Conditioning Recharge

Regular A/C recharges are generally unnecessary if your air conditioning is still kicking out cold air. Car A/C systems are designed to last for the vehicle’s lifespan without needing regular top-ups of refrigerant, as it doesn’t deplete or degrade under normal usage.

Instead of jumping straight to recharging when there’s a cooling issue, it’s more effective to check for leaks or faulty components that might be the real culprits behind diminished performance.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement

While maintaining good air quality in your car is crucial, frequently paying for cabin air filter replacements at service centers might not be the best use of your money. Many cabin air filters are designed to be durable, and some can even be washed and reused.

Consider doing this one yourself—it’s easier than you might think and can save you a pretty penny. Plus, if you’re not driving often or prefer to cruise with the windows down, your filter likely doesn’t need as frequent changing as you’ve been led to believe.

Coolant Flushes

Coolant flushes aren’t universally necessary. Stick to the guidelines set by your car’s manufacturer. Some suggest periodic changes, while others endorse coolants that last the lifetime of the vehicle, often up to 100,000 miles or more.

Modern coolants are made with corrosion inhibitors and protective additives that significantly extend their life. Initiating a flush to replace old coolant can ironically risk damaging your radiator. Dislodging scales or deposits during the flush could clog or harm the system.

Brake Fluid Flushes

Brake fluid flushes walk a line between essential and excessive. While it’s true that some manufacturers recommend regular flushes as part of ongoing maintenance, particularly in harsh climates or under severe driving conditions, the need varies.

Brake fluid absorbs moisture, which can lead to corrosion, a lower boiling point, and ultimately, diminished brake performance. Regular flushes can help prevent these issues, ensuring your brakes remain effective. However, overdoing it—flushing more frequently than advised—can lead to issues like air bubbles in the brake system, which impact both safety and performance.

Transmission Flushes

Keep it simple with your transmission: stick to the manufacturer’s recommended fluid change intervals. Most automakers don’t even list transmission flushes in their maintenance schedules. They advise periodic changes, not complete flushes. Why? Because while you might think a full flush is a thorough clean-up, it can actually lead to clogged passages and damage sensitive components inside your transmission.

Today’s transmission fluids are more advanced and equipped with additives that help them last longer and perform better. A full flush might only be necessary for vehicles with a neglected service history or those that have been driven in extreme conditions.

Power Steering Flushes

When it comes to your vehicle’s power steering, the same rule of simplicity applies. Regular fluid changes are typically enough. A full flush is rarely needed unless there’s a specific problem.

Manufacturers generally recommend regular inspections and fluid top-offs or changes, not flushes. Power steering fluid is designed to last longer than engine oil or transmission fluid and doesn’t degrade as quickly, which means it’s less likely to gather harmful contaminants.

Nitrogen Tire Inflation

Nitrogen in your tires might sound like a performance booster, but for most drivers, it’s an optional upgrade rather than a necessity. Sure, nitrogen molecules are larger and might leak more slowly than oxygen, leading to more stable tire pressure over time. However, the actual benefits for everyday driving are minimal.

Regular air is not only more accessible but also far cheaper, and it does the job just fine. Unless you’re involved in high-performance sports or transport heavy loads where tire stability is critical, sticking with good old air will serve you well.

Premium Fuel for Non-Performance Cars

Premium fuel isn’t a must for non-performance vehicles. If your car’s manufacturer didn’t explicitly recommend high-octane fuel, sticking to regular unleaded is perfectly fine. Premium gas won’t turbocharge your daily driver’s performance or longevity.

Check your fuel door or engine specifications if you aren’t sure; many manufacturers leave a note there about the preferred fuel type. Opting for premium when your car is happy with regular is just tossing money out the window.

Extended Warranties for New Cars

Thinking about buying that extended warranty for your new car? It might be time to hit the brakes on that idea. New vehicles, especially brands like Genesis, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, or Kia, come with robust warranties—think five years or 60,000 miles of comprehensive coverage and ten years or 100,000 miles for the powertrain.

These cover nearly everything you’d need, making extended warranties an extra expense without extra benefit. They’re pricey, often don’t cover all types of repairs, and generally overlap with what your new car already provides.

Engine Flushes

Thinking about an engine flush? Save your cash. Modern cars have advanced technology. That means you don’t need this service unless there’s a specific engine issue that demands it. Today’s high-quality engine oils are packed with detergents and additives that do the cleaning job well, maintaining your engine’s health by preventing sludge buildup.

When you add extra chemicals for a flush, you risk pushing debris into critical, tiny oil passages, which can cause more harm than help.

Fuel Injector Cleaning

Unless your car is acting up (think rough idling or hesitating during a sprint), you can probably skip the fuel injector cleaning. Modern fuels are your ally here, formulated with detergents that keep those injectors pristine.

While cleaning might be necessary for solving specific performance issues, particularly in high-mileage vehicles, routine cleaning isn’t a must.