We've all heard the tales spun around car campfires – those urban legends whispered from one person to another. But it's time to put on our detective hats, grab our wrenches of truth, and dismantle the most perplexing car myths!
From the color of your car affecting your speeding habits to the mysterious rituals of warming up your engine, we're about to guide the twists and turns of automotive lore.
1. Red Cars Get More Speeding Tickets
The color of your car has no impact on your likelihood of getting a speeding ticket. While flashy red cars might catch the eye, traffic cops don't have a preference for ticketing them. What truly matters is your driving behavior and adherence to speed limits.
2. Premium Fuel Makes Your Car Run Better
Unless your car specifically requires premium fuel, filling up with it won't make a difference in performance. Most cars run perfectly fine on regular unleaded gasoline. Using premium fuel when it's not needed is just a costly pit stop.
3. Idling Uses Less Fuel than Restarting the Engine
Idling for long periods consumes more fuel than restarting your engine. Modern engines are designed to be more fuel-efficient when restarted. So, if you're going to be parked for a while, it's better to turn off the engine and save both fuel and the environment.
4. You Need to Change Your Oil Every 3,000 Miles
This myth is as outdated as a cassette tape player in a Tesla. Many modern cars can go 5,000 to 7,500 miles between oil changes. Check your owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommended oil change interval. Overcharging your oil can be wasteful and unnecessary.
5. Air Conditioning Eats Up More Fuel than Rolling Down the Windows
At lower speeds, rolling down the windows might be more fuel-efficient, but at highway speeds, using the air conditioner is the better choice. Open windows create drag, which can reduce your car's fuel efficiency.
6. Manual Transmissions Are Always More Fuel-Efficient
While it's true that manual transmissions can be more fuel-efficient in some cases, it's not a hard-and-fast rule. Modern automatic transmissions have improved significantly and can often match or even surpass the fuel efficiency of manuals.
7. Letting Your Car Warm Up in Winter is Essential
Modern engines are designed to warm up quickly. Idling your car for an extended period in the cold is inefficient and contributes to pollution. Start driving gently after a short warm-up, and your car will warm up faster and be more fuel-efficient.
8. Tires Should Be Inflated to the Pressure on the Sidewall
The pressure on the sidewall of your tire is the maximum pressure the tire can handle safely. To find the correct tire pressure for your car, check your owner's manual or the sticker inside the driver's door frame.
Regular Maintenance is Not A Myth!
Yes, one thing that people repeat over and over again, maintenance and proper care, is not a myth! This especially applies to drivers that want to get the most out of their car - book an appointment with Village Transmission & Auto Clinic, and see the results for yourself!