Whether you have a background in automotive mechanics or have never explored the intricacies of an engine bay, everyone has encountered at least one automotive myth or urban legend. These often originate from a seasoned mechanic or a wise old grandparent with a lifelong passion for cars.
However, does this mean that the most widespread car myths are accurate? The answer varies, with some being true and others false.
Myth: Setting A Battery On Concrete Drains It
This common myth suggests that placing a battery on concrete can drain its charge. While this belief had some validity in the past when batteries had less durable casings, it’s no longer accurate today.
Concrete does not affect car batteries negatively. If your battery loses charge on concrete, it’s likely due to extended inactivity rather than the surface it sits on.
Myth: Fill Up Before It Gets Hot To Get More Gas
This myth resurfaces when gas prices rise, claiming that filling up in the cooler morning yields more gasoline due to expansion in heat. However, this is unlikely because gasoline is stored in temperature-controlled underground tanks.
Even if it were true, the potential savings would be negligible, typically just a few cents, as most sources indicate.
Myth: Wiping An Oil Filter Clean Is Good For It
There’s a myth about cleaning the top of your oil filter before installation, but it’s false. You should only clean it if it gets dirty. Before installation, apply some old oil to the rubber seal for a secure fit; neglecting this step could result in a loose seal.
Myth: Cranking A Car Takes More Gas Than Idling
When low on gas, the debate arises: should you idle or turn off the car? The old belief suggests that restarting the car consumes more fuel than idling.
However, in reality, it’s safe to turn off the car if you’ll be waiting for over 30 seconds, as modern fuel-injected vehicles are efficient when starting and don’t use much gas.
Myth: You Shouldn’t Use Your Phone When At The Pump
Signs cautioning against using phones at gas pumps date back to a time when larger phones with big antennas posed a potential ignition risk. Nowadays, with modern phones, there’s no need for concern.
Extensive research and “Mythbusters” have confirmed that today’s phones cannot ignite fuel fumes.
Myth: Off-Brand Gas Can Hurt Your Vehicle
People tend to use well-known gas stations like Chevron or Shell, but smaller stations often get an unfair reputation for offering inferior gasoline. In truth, both large and small stations usually source their gasoline from the same suppliers.
The main difference lies in the additives they use. Bigger stations tend to have more additives, but the gas quality issue arises when fuel tanks are not maintained correctly, a problem that can affect all gas providers.
Myth: Smaller Cars Are Always More Fuel Efficient
Smaller cars are typically more fuel-efficient than larger, heavier vehicles, which makes sense logically. However, advancements in engine efficiency have improved the fuel economy of larger SUVs and trucks over the years.
Still, smaller cars generally maintain their advantage due to their lighter weight. Some exceptions do exist, with hybrid-equipped SUVs and trucks sometimes outperforming their smaller counterparts.
Myth: You Can Use Vegetable Oil In Place Of Diesel
An old myth proposes using vegetables as a diesel alternative. While this might have worked in simpler, older engines like tractors, it’s not advisable for modern diesel vehicles.
Vegetable oil’s viscosity is too thick for newer engines, which are more complex and can be harmed by this practice.
Myth: Start-Stop Systems In Cars Use More Gas And Drain Batteries
Start-stop systems are often surrounded by myths, such as their negative impact on fuel efficiency, starters, and car batteries. In truth, these systems enhance fuel efficiency, and car manufacturers reinforce the starters.
While they may strain standard batteries, most cars with start-stop technology require a specialized battery, which is recommended for replacement.
Myth: You Can Wash Your Car With Dishwashing Soap
The debate over using dish soap, like Dawn, to wash your car is divisive. While it can clean your car effectively, it’s also known to strip away any applied wax finish.
Consumer Reports recommends using soap designed for cars, a safer option, especially given the potential cost of a paint job.
Myth: Aluminum Is Safer Than Steel
Car manufacturers have shifted from steel to aluminum for weight reduction and improved fuel efficiency. But in terms of driver safety, aluminum, despite its softness, has allowed for better crumple zones and greater impact absorption pound for pound.
So, when used wisely, aluminum is the safer choice over steel.
Myth: Korean Cars Are Low Quality
The myth of Korean car manufacturers producing inferior vehicles may have been true in the past, but today, companies like Hyundai and Kia offer competitive and affordable cars.
Recent quality assessments, including one by JD Power in 2019, even placed Korean carmakers above their American and European counterparts, which is quite surprising.
Myth: Electric Cars Are More Likely To Catch Fire Than Their Gas Counterparts
The myth that electric vehicles are more fire-prone than gasoline cars is incorrect. Studies have consistently shown that gasoline is more flammable.
Gas-powered vehicles are far more likely to catch fire than their electric counterparts, even when accounting for their prevalence on the road.
Myth: Lowering Your Tailgate Saves On Gas
The myth that driving with the tailgate down reduces drag is actually false. Engineers have found that having the tailgate down creates a vortex, causing more drag, which might not be intuitive but is scientifically supported.
Myth: Using The Air Conditioner Uses More Gas
The belief that using air conditioning increases fuel consumption is true to some extent. Depending on the vehicle, using the AC can reduce gas mileage by up to three miles per gallon (mpg).
While comfort is crucial in extreme heat, it’s worth noting that AC usage can have a noticeable impact on fuel efficiency.
Myth: Manuals Are Better On Gas Than Automatics
The myth that manual transmissions were more fuel-efficient and fun to drive used to be true. However, today’s automatic transmissions are better in almost every aspect, offering improved fuel efficiency and versatility in shifting.
They are also more reliable and longer-lasting compared to older automatics.
Myth: Red Car Owners Should Expect To Pay More For Insurance
The myth that red cars are pricier to insure is widespread but unfounded. Insurance rates are based on more relevant factors, including the driver’s age, car type, and history.
The color of the vehicle itself doesn’t significantly affect insurance costs.
Myth: Cars Can Stop Bullets
Contrary to Hollywood portrayals, cars don’t stop bullets effectively. Most calibers larger than .22 can penetrate a car door. While cars can provide some cover during a shooting, it’s vital to remember that the metal on a car is relatively thin.
Myth: Muscle Cars Can’t Take A Turn
The old notion that muscle cars were only good for straight-line acceleration is no longer accurate.
Modern muscle cars have proven their versatility on the track, even setting records, all while retaining their iconic looks, powerful V8 engines, and distinctive sound.
However, V8 engines may become less common in the near future.
Myth: The Drive Back Is Shorter Than The Drive There
The “return trip effect” is a widely experienced phenomenon where the journey back home feels faster than the trip to the destination.
Researchers attribute this perception to factors like familiarity with the place and the anticipation of reaching the destination, which can make time seem to drag, reminiscent of the feeling of waiting for school to end.
Myth: Electric Cars Are More Expensive Than Gas-Powered Cars
The myth that electric vehicles are pricier than gas cars is somewhat true but also has its nuances. Electric cars tend to have a higher upfront cost, yet they hold their value better.
They also require less maintenance, although when needed, the maintenance can be pricier at certified dealerships.
Myth: The Batteries In Electric Cars Only Last A Couple Years
Contrary to a myth, electric car batteries typically last much longer than just a few years.
According to JD Power, they usually have a lifespan of 10 to 20 years, although this can vary based on factors like usage and exposure to hot climates.
Myth: The Minerals Used In Electric Cars Are Mined By Kids
Child labor in mining for electric vehicle minerals is not common, but there have been instances, especially in cobalt extraction in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Cobalt from such sources can end up in various products. While concerns about mining conditions exist in other areas, recent efforts aim to prevent minerals from these regions from entering the supply chain.
Myth: Switching Lanes To Get Ahead Gets You There Faster
The question of whether switching lanes and passing cars speeds up your journey is divisive. Most research suggests that, in the majority of cases, changing lanes doesn’t significantly hasten your arrival.
However, there might be some instances where switching lanes could provide a slightly quicker route to your destination.
Myth: Shooting A Vehicles Gas Tank Will Cause An Explosion
The Hollywood myth of causing a gas tank explosion by shooting it is false. “Mythbusters” confirmed this. Trying it is not recommended, even though some sources suggest tracer rounds might work.
Myth: Coolant Doesn’t Need Replacing
The myth suggesting you don’t need to replace your coolant can harm your car. It’s crucial to check and maintain the coolant level regularly, especially in cold regions.
Changing the coolant every five years or 30,000 miles is recommended to prevent issues like freezing water in the lines and engine overheating.
Myth: Nitrogen Is Better For Your Tires Than Air
The myth that nitrogen is better for your tires has some truth, as it maintains tire pressure and is gentler on tires due to lower moisture content.
However, it’s more expensive, costing around $30 per tire. For those who regularly check and maintain tire pressure, using nitrogen may not be necessary.
Myth: A Car Battery Lasts Upwards Of Five Years
Surprisingly, around 42% of people believe car batteries are sure to last five years. However, the typical lifespan is three to five years, varying with driving habits and climate.
Most often, you should budget for a battery replacement before the five-year mark, especially if you’ve frequently used accessories with the engine off.
Myth: Tires Don’t Need To Be Replaced Until They Hit 2/32
While the general rule is to replace tires at 2/32 of tread, it might not be the safest approach. AAA suggests changing tires at around 4/32 tread due to reduced traction in wet conditions.
If you delay, remember that you’ll have less grip and adapt your driving accordingly.
Myth: Convertibles Are Death Traps
While the belief that convertibles are less safe due to their open design seems logical, recent research on later-model convertibles suggests that they are just as safe as hardtop cars, even for the same models.
Automakers often reinforce convertibles and may add roll bars, further ensuring their safety and giving convertible drivers peace of mind.
Myth: Bigger Engines Automatically Mean More Power
In the past, engine size determined horsepower, but not anymore. Turbochargers can greatly enhance the power of a smaller engine, enabling it to rival or even surpass larger engines.
This applies to both small and large engines, making engine size less relevant to horsepower and speed, provided it’s matched with the right vehicle.
Myth: AWD And 4WD Cars Brake Better Than 2WD Cars
The myth that AWD or 4WD cars have better braking is not true. All cars have the same number of brakes. Braking performance depends on the quality of brakes and the type of tires.
Vehicles with larger rotors, performance brake pads, and performance tires stop more effectively than those with standard components.
Myth: ABS Is Better For Stopping On A Dime
Anti-lock brakes (ABS) are standard in modern cars and became legally required around 2004. While ABS helps improve braking in wet weather, reducing braking distance by 14%, it has little effect on braking distance in normal, dry conditions.
So, you could say this myth is partially accurate.
Myth: Should You Underinflate Your Tires For A Smoother Ride?
The myth claims that underinflating tires can lead to a smoother ride, and there’s some truth to it. However, it’s generally not worth it because underinflation is the primary cause of tire failure and ruptures, according to Tire Review Magazine.
When tires have less air, more of the tire contacts the road, resulting in increased friction and flexing, which can lead to a blowout on the road.
Myth: A Quick Jump Can Fully Revive A Dead Battery
The myth claims that a jump start fully recharges a dead battery, but that’s not true, especially if the battery is nearing the end of its life. A jump start provides enough power to start the vehicle, but it won’t fully recharge the battery.
After a jump start, it’s best to leave the vehicle running or drive it for a while to allow the alternator to charge the battery. Alternatively, you can use a battery charger, which displays the battery’s voltage.
Myth: Coolant Needs To Be Changed With Your Oil
The myth recommends changing your coolant every time you get an oil change, but that’s not required. Instead, you should flush and replace your coolant every five years or around 30,000 miles.
The important thing is to check your coolant levels periodically to prevent running low and identify any potential leaks.
Myth: Cars Need To Warm Up Before Driving In Cold Temperatures
The myth advises idling and warming up your car before driving in cold weather, which was true for carbureted engines in the past. However, modern fuel-injected engines don’t require this.
You can safely drive your car as soon as you start it in the cold, unless you prefer to wait to use the heater first.
Myth: 4WD Vehicles Don’t Need Snow Tires
The myth suggests that 4WD alone is enough for snow driving, but those with experience know it’s false. While 4WD is better than 2WD in snow, it doesn’t replace the need for snow tires.
In deep snow, even a 4WD vehicle can get stuck. When both have snow tires, a 4WD vehicle outperforms a 2WD in terms of acceleration, control, and traction.
Myth: Vehicles Have To Be Serviced At Dealerships To Maintain Warranty
The myth claims that servicing your car at a dealership is necessary to keep the warranty, but this is false. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act makes it illegal for manufacturers to require their parts or service centers to maintain a warranty.
If a dealer or manufacturer threatens to void a warranty, they must prove that service done elsewhere directly caused the vehicle’s failure, according to consumer reports.
Myth: All Four Tires Have To Be Replaced Every Tire Change
The myth claims that you must replace all four tires during a tire change, but that’s not entirely true. For front or rear-wheel drive vehicles, changing only two tires is often enough.
However, AWD vehicles usually require all four tires to be replaced because all tires in an AWD system receive the same amount of torque, and having a different-sized tire can cause issues.
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