Buzz
The advent of the automobile marked a defining moment in human history. It provided us with a new way to traverse great distances comfortably, and eventually led to the development of more sophisticated vehicles like trucks. Cars have played a major role in propelling human progress over the past century, enabling us to reach places that older forms of transportation could not.
Despite cars being an integral part of our daily lives, many people still lack a true understanding of how they function. A lot of what we believe to be true about cars is simply false, as you’d know if you ever paid attention to the constant chatter of your mechanic.
10. Letting Your Car Warm Up in Cold Weather
This misconception is nearly as widespread as cars themselves. During the colder months, many drivers start their engines in the morning and leave them running for a while before driving off. The common belief is that this is necessary to warm up the car before hitting the road, otherwise, the engine’s lifespan could be damaged.
Even though this might have been true in the past, it no longer applies to modern vehicles. The original reasoning behind warming up the engine was to allow time for adjusting the gasoline intake based on temperature, which was relevant when cars used carburetors. Today's vehicles are equipped with fuel injection systems that have sensors to control the fuel amount needed according to the temperature. In fact, idling the engine can actually cause harm, as the excess fuel pumped during the warm-up can seep into the cylinder walls and strip away the oil.
9. Manual Transmissions Are More Fuel-Efficient
Many who learned to drive using a manual transmission still prefer it over automatic ones. One of the main reasons cited for this preference is the belief that manual cars are more fuel-efficient. Despite this being a common belief, it often impacts people’s decisions when purchasing a new car, even though it’s not entirely accurate.
While older manual transmissions were indeed more efficient at lower speeds (since an automatic is always in gear while a manual occasionally shifts to neutral), this is no longer the case. With technological advancements, modern automatic cars are just as fuel-efficient. In fact, automatics tend to perform better at higher speeds, as they require less engine effort due to having more gears.
Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference. Stick-shift cars tend to be cheaper than automatics, and many people still enjoy the driving experience they offer.
8. You Must Change Your Engine Oil Every 3,000 Miles
The idea that you must change your oil after a specific mileage is a widely held belief, and it's even expressed in kilometers in some parts of the world. We tend to accept this as fact simply because so many people believe it. However, this belief is largely perpetuated by businesses that profit from oil changes.
This myth is so widespread that it even has its own Wikipedia page. In reality, changing your engine oil that frequently isn’t necessary. The recommended oil change interval varies by car manufacturer, but it typically falls around 7,500 miles (12,000 km). Some vehicles, like BMWs, only require an oil change every 15,000 miles (24,000 km). The best approach is to follow the recommendations in your car’s manual.
7. Using Your Cell Phone at a Gas Station Can Cause an Explosion
This myth is not only widely believed but also reinforced by warning signs at gas stations. The claim is that when a cell phone connects to a nearby tower, it could somehow ignite gas vapors. While the origin of this belief is unclear, it is entirely unfounded and has no scientific support.
There has never been a documented case of a cell phone causing a fire at a gas station. There was an incident where a 21-year-old student’s phone was initially suspected of being the cause of a fire. However, upon investigation, it was determined that the fire had a different source. While it’s still wise to avoid using your phone while at a gas station, it’s not the cause of fires there.
6. Cars Always Explode in a Crash
In movies, cars are incredibly prone to exploding. They burst into flames at the slightest trigger, whether it’s a bullet or crashing into a tree. If a car tumbles off a cliff, you can bet it will explode in a fiery ball. This portrayal not only undermines the experts who ensure vehicles are safe but also influences people’s actions during actual car accidents. Some have even been afraid to approach crashed cars, fearing they might ignite.
We’re not claiming that cars can’t ever explode after a crash, but such instances are extremely rare. Shows like Mythbusters have significantly debunked this myth. Even after throwing cars off cliffs, they couldn’t make them explode. It was only when they intentionally made the cars dangerously unsafe that they managed to create a dramatic explosion upon impact.
5. SUVs and Larger Vehicles Are Safer
The primary argument for choosing an SUV is its perceived safety. It seems logical, as larger vehicles should be more stable and harder to flip over. Many people opt for SUVs thinking they are safer, even though studies have repeatedly shown that SUVs are just as likely, if not more so, to be involved in accidents as smaller cars.
One study revealed that SUVs are actually more prone to rolling over than other types of vehicles. Their larger size and weight make them more susceptible to instability in high-speed situations, making them no safer – and potentially less safe – than compact cars. This increased risk of rollover essentially nullifies any other safety benefits they might offer.
The belief in SUVs' superior safety is likely a major factor behind their popularity, even though everyone knows they consume more fuel than more efficient cars. Additionally, SUVs are often thought to provide better insulation during the winter months, though it’s safe to say that most modern vehicles perform well in this area.
4. Fill Up Your Gas Tank in the Morning to Get More Value for Your Money
This idea might not seem completely unreasonable. Many drivers, particularly those who learned from older generations, believe that buying gas in the morning offers better value for money. This could also explain the long lines at gas stations during the early hours.
The commonly held belief is that in the morning, when it’s colder and the gas is denser, you’re getting more fuel. Although this may sound scientifically sound, it’s not accurate. Gasoline is stored in underground tanks, where the temperature remains stable. If the station is less busy, and the gas in the upper pipes isn’t circulating, there could be a tiny difference, but it’s far too insignificant to matter.
3. Owners of Red Cars Pay More for Insurance
Many people believe that insuring a red car costs more than other colors, with around 44 percent of Americans thinking this way. However, this is not true. The origin of this belief likely comes from the idea that red cars are more frequently involved in accidents, although there’s no proof to support this. If such statistical evidence existed, wouldn’t the government have banned red cars by now?
The color of your car has no impact on your insurance rates. What matters are factors such as your car's model, year, engine size, and make. While red cars may carry some stigma, they won’t make your premiums higher. So, don’t avoid red just because it’s thought to be less safe.
2. The Scheduled Tune-Up Myth
A common misconception is that cars need a “tune-up” at regular intervals to keep them running smoothly. While following the suggested maintenance schedule is a good practice, it’s likely that your car doesn’t actually need regular tune-ups.
This myth originates from a time when cars did need frequent tune-ups. In the past, parts wore out and needed frequent replacement, but with advancements in technology, that’s no longer the case. Many modern car parts are designed to last much longer, though some still require occasional inspections to ensure everything is functioning properly.
While routine maintenance and occasional checks are still important, your car probably doesn’t require the type of extensive work typically associated with a “tune-up” on a regular basis.
1. Getting Your Car Serviced at an Unauthorized Dealer Will Void the Warranty
Owning a car isn’t a one-time investment. To keep it in top condition, regular servicing is essential. However, there are many myths surrounding car servicing, one of which is that taking your vehicle to an unauthorized dealer will automatically void the warranty.
Although it’s unclear where this idea originates, in the United States, it is actually illegal for car manufacturers or dealers to claim that using unauthorized service centers will void your warranty. According to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, they cannot void your warranty for taking your car to a non-authorized shop. Additionally, many of these independent shops offer services at a significantly lower cost than authorized dealers, though it’s important to do your research and choose wisely. You can even perform the maintenance yourself, provided you know what you’re doing.
