When it comes to cars, many drivers have adopted certain “facts” over the years, but how many of these are actually true? From oil changes to tire replacements and fuel-saving tips, a lot of what we’ve been told about car maintenance might not be as accurate as we think.
For example, while it’s been commonly believed that you should change your oil every 3,000 miles, newer cars often last much longer between oil changes. Similarly, myths about tire pressure and fuel additives are often misleading. Let’s explore and set the record straight on some of the most common car misconceptions.
Off-Brand Gasoline Won’t Damage Your Car
Many drivers are concerned that using off-brand gasoline could harm their cars, but this is a misconception. In fact, all gasoline, regardless of the brand, must meet strict regulatory standards, ensuring it’s safe for use in your vehicle.
While top-tier gasoline does contain extra additives and detergents that may help keep your engine cleaner, using regular off-brand fuel won’t damage your engine. Just be sure to fill up at a reputable station with a high fuel turnover, which helps keep the gasoline fresh and free from contaminants. Your car will run just fine on off-brand fuel.
Convertibles Are Just as Safe as Other Cars
There’s a common belief that convertibles are less safe than other vehicles, but that’s not the case. Thanks to advancements in automotive design, modern convertibles are equipped with reinforced structures and safety features such as roll bars, reinforced windshields, and side airbags, ensuring passengers are protected.
These innovations make convertibles just as safe as hardtop cars, allowing drivers and passengers to enjoy the open-air experience without compromising safety. So, you can confidently drop the top and enjoy the breeze while knowing you’re still well-protected.
Nitrogen in Tires Doesn’t Boost Everyday Performance
The idea that filling tires with nitrogen significantly improves performance is largely a myth. While nitrogen can maintain tire pressure longer due to its slower rate of leakage, the performance difference for everyday drivers is minimal.
Regular air, which is 78% nitrogen anyway, works perfectly fine for most vehicles. Unless you’re a race car driver or have specific needs, there’s no real advantage to using nitrogen, and it doesn’t justify the extra cost. The most important factor for tire performance is keeping them properly inflated, regardless of whether you use air or nitrogen.
Refueling at Night Doesn’t Save You Money
A popular myth is that refueling during the day is less efficient because gas expands in the heat, making it less dense. However, this misconception is largely unfounded.
Gas stations store fuel underground, where temperatures are stable, meaning the time of day has little effect on fuel density. Whether you fill up in the morning, noon, or night, you’re getting the same amount of fuel for the same price. The key to saving money on gas is not the time of day, but rather keeping an eye on your fuel levels and refueling before you run too low.
Switching Lanes Doesn’t Make You Faster
Many drivers believe that switching lanes in traffic will get them to their destination faster, but studies show that the time saved is minimal. In fact, constantly changing lanes can lead to increased stress, traffic congestion, and a higher risk of accidents.
In most cases, staying in your lane and maintaining a steady speed is the best strategy. Instead of trying to gain a few seconds, focus on staying calm, reducing stress, and improving your safety. The truth is, patience in traffic often pays off more than lane hopping.
Manual Cars Are Not Necessarily More Fuel Efficient
While manual cars used to be considered more fuel-efficient, modern automatic transmissions have significantly closed that gap. Thanks to advancements like continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) and dual-clutch systems, many automatics now match or even surpass the fuel economy of manual cars.
These modern systems are optimized to shift at the most efficient points, making them just as competitive in terms of fuel efficiency. While manuals offer more control and are often more enjoyable to drive for enthusiasts, automatics have become just as capable, if not better, when it comes to saving fuel.
Electric Cars Are Not a Greater Fire Risk
The myth that electric cars (EVs) are more prone to catching fire than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles is unfounded. While some high-profile incidents of EV fires have made headlines, studies have shown that electric cars are actually involved in fewer fires than their gasoline counterparts.
The advanced battery technology in EVs is built with multiple layers of protection, including robust thermal management systems, designed to prevent overheating and fires. While no vehicle is entirely risk-free, the fire risk associated with EVs is comparable to, or even lower than, that of traditional cars.
Hubcaps Are More Than Just Decoration
While hubcaps may seem like a purely aesthetic addition to your car, they actually serve practical purposes. Hubcaps help protect the wheel lug nuts from dirt, moisture, and debris, preventing rust and corrosion that can cause damage over time.
Additionally, they can enhance the aerodynamics of your vehicle, contributing to a small improvement in fuel efficiency. Hubcaps also keep brake dust from accumulating on your wheels, reducing the need for constant cleaning. So, while they certainly add to the appearance, hubcaps also play an important role in maintaining the functionality of your wheels.
Resting Your Hand on the Gearstick Doesn’t Improve Control
Although resting your hand on the gearstick might feel like it gives you better control over your vehicle, it can actually do more harm than good. Constant pressure on the gearstick can lead to unnecessary wear and tear on the transmission components, which can eventually result in costly repairs.
For optimal control and to avoid damage, it’s best to keep both hands on the steering wheel and only use the gearstick when necessary for shifting. This habit not only preserves the life of your transmission but also improves overall driving safety.
Don’t Keep the Clutch Pressed When Not Accelerating
A common misconception among manual car drivers is that keeping the clutch pressed when not accelerating offers better control. However, this habit, known as “riding the clutch,” can cause unnecessary wear on the clutch release bearing, ultimately shortening its lifespan.
To avoid this, keep your foot off the clutch pedal unless you’re shifting gears. When not in use, let the clutch pedal rest. This simple adjustment will help extend the life of the pedal and your car’s transmission, saving you from costly repairs down the line.
Driving with the Tailgate Down Doesn’t Save Gas
The idea that leaving the tailgate down on a truck improves fuel efficiency is a myth. In reality, it can increase drag, which reduces fuel economy. While the thought behind it is that removing the tailgate improves aerodynamics, modern trucks are designed with airflow in mind, and keeping the tailgate up actually creates a more streamlined flow.
For better fuel efficiency and to reduce drag, always keep your tailgate closed while driving. This small adjustment helps maintain your truck’s aerodynamics and ensures you’re getting the best performance and fuel economy possible.
Pulling the E-Brake Quickly Won’t Damage Your Car
There’s a common belief that pulling the emergency brake too fast can damage your car, but modern vehicles are designed with robust e-brake systems that can handle quick pulls.
While it’s best to avoid unnecessary force, using the emergency brake in an urgent situation, even quickly, won’t harm the car. The real concern is forgetting to release the e-brake before driving, which can lead to mechanical issues. Just make sure to disengage it before hitting the road, and you’re good to go!
Engines Don’t Need to Warm Up in Cold Weather
The myth that you need to let your car idle for several minutes in cold weather is outdated. While older engines benefited from a warm-up period, modern engines are designed to operate efficiently almost immediately. Idling for too long wastes fuel and increases emissions.
Instead, it’s best to start your car, wait just 30 seconds, and then drive gently until the engine reaches its optimal temperature. This method not only helps your car warm up faster but also saves fuel and reduces environmental impact. Your car—and the environment—will thank you!
Red Cars Don’t Cost More to Insure
The idea that red cars are more expensive to insure is a common misconception. Insurance premiums are determined by factors like the car’s make, model, engine size, safety features, driving history, and the driver’s profile, not the color.
While certain types of vehicles, like sports cars, may come with higher insurance rates due to their higher risk of accidents, the color of your car doesn’t influence your premium. So, if you’re set on that bold red car, don’t worry—your insurance costs won’t be affected by its color.
Dish Soap Isn’t Safe for Car Washing
While dish soap might seem like a quick solution for washing your car, it’s not ideal for your vehicle’s paint. Dish soap is designed to remove grease, which includes stripping away the protective wax and polish on your car’s surface.
This can leave your car’s paint more vulnerable to scratches, oxidation, and environmental damage. For the best results, use a car-specific cleaner that’s formulated to gently clean without removing protective coatings. By using the right products, your car will not only look cleaner but will also stay protected for longer, keeping its finish in great condition.
Car Sun Shades Are Not a Gimmick
Car sun shades often get dismissed as unnecessary, but they are actually quite effective in protecting your vehicle. A quality sun shade can significantly reduce heat buildup inside the car, making it much more comfortable to enter on hot days.
More importantly, it protects your dashboard, upholstery, and other interior surfaces from harmful UV rays that cause fading and cracking over time. Using a sun shade regularly can help maintain the longevity of your car’s interior, keeping it looking newer for longer and improving your overall driving comfort. It’s a small investment with long-term benefits.
Overdrive Doesn’t Turbo-Charge Your Car
Despite what you might see in movies, shifting into overdrive doesn’t give your car a sudden power boost. Overdrive is a gear setting designed to improve fuel efficiency by lowering the engine’s RPMs, particularly during highway driving.
This helps save fuel and reduces engine wear, making long drives more economical. While it’s ideal for smooth, steady driving, overdrive isn’t about speed or turbo-charging your car. So, while it’s great for cruising, don’t expect any high-speed performance boosts when you engage it—just better fuel efficiency.
Dual Climate Control is Practical, Not a Luxury
While dual climate control might seem like an unnecessary luxury, it actually serves a very practical purpose. This feature allows the driver and passenger to set different temperatures in their areas, avoiding those annoying arguments about car temperature.
Whether one person prefers it cooler while the other enjoys warmth, dual climate control ensures everyone can ride comfortably. It’s a simple way to improve the overall driving experience, especially on long trips. So, rather than just being a luxury, dual climate control enhances comfort and makes it a valuable feature in modern cars.
Bigger Engines Aren’t Always Better
It’s a common belief that bigger engines are always better, but that’s not necessarily true. While larger engines can provide more power and torque, modern smaller engines equipped with turbocharging and advanced technology can deliver impressive performance while being more fuel-efficient.
In fact, bigger engines tend to consume more fuel and may not be necessary for daily driving needs. So, don’t focus solely on engine size when choosing a car—smaller engines can offer great power and efficiency, making them a smart choice for many drivers. Performance isn’t just about engine size; it’s about technology and balance.
Jump-Starting Doesn’t Fix a Dead Battery
While jump-starting a car can help revive a dead battery temporarily, it’s not a long-term solution. Jump-starting can provide just enough power to start the car and possibly drive it to a service location, but it doesn’t fully recharge the battery or address the root cause of the issue.
If your battery is frequently dying, it’s likely time for a replacement. Always follow proper jump-starting procedures to protect your vehicle’s electrical system, and make sure to diagnose the underlying problem to prevent future battery failures.
Vegetable Oil Isn’t a Simple Diesel Substitute
While the idea of using vegetable oil as a fuel for diesel engines seems eco-friendly, it’s not a straightforward swap. Vegetable oil must be processed into biodiesel to be used as a fuel, and not all diesel engines are compatible with biodiesel without modifications.
Pouring unprocessed vegetable oil into your tank can lead to serious engine damage and may void your warranty. Although it sounds like a clever solution, it’s best to stick with diesel or certified biodiesel to ensure your engine stays in good working order and to avoid costly repairs.
Oil Changes Aren’t Always Needed at 3,000 Miles
The 3,000-mile oil change rule is outdated, thanks to advances in engine technology and modern oil formulations. Many newer cars can go between 5,000 to 10,000 miles—or more—between oil changes, depending on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
This old rule likely comes from earlier vehicles with different oil technologies. To ensure you’re maintaining your car properly, always refer to the owner’s manual for the correct oil change interval specific to your vehicle. Keeping track of your car’s maintenance schedule will help keep your engine running smoothly without unnecessary oil changes.
Airbags Aren’t a Substitute for Seatbelts
Airbags are a crucial safety feature, but they’re not designed to replace seatbelts. In fact, airbags and seatbelts work together to protect you during a crash. While airbags cushion the impact, seatbelts keep you securely in place, preventing you from being thrown around or even ejected from the vehicle.
Without wearing a seatbelt, an airbag could actually cause injury, as it’s not designed to hold you in position. So, for optimal safety, always buckle up. Remember, both airbags and seatbelts are essential to keeping you safe on the road.
Using a Phone While Pumping Gas Isn’t Dangerous
The myth that using a phone while pumping gas can cause a fire has been around for years, but it’s unfounded. While static electricity and sparks from electrical devices have the potential to ignite fuel vapors, modern phones don’t emit enough electromagnetic energy to cause such an event.
In fact, there have been no verified cases of cell phones causing gas pump fires. However, it’s still important to stay alert and focus on fueling your vehicle, as other factors like spills or accidents are more of a risk. So, feel free to use your phone, but stay mindful.
Paying Cash Doesn’t Always Get You a Better Deal
It’s a common belief that paying cash for a car automatically earns you a better deal at the dealership. However, in many cases, dealerships make more money through financing deals, and they might even offer better incentives for financed purchases.
While paying cash can avoid interest and simplify the transaction, it doesn’t guarantee a better price. The key to getting the best deal lies in being informed about the market and negotiating effectively, regardless of whether you’re paying in cash or financing the purchase. Always shop around and know your options.
Low Tire Pressure Doesn’t Improve Traction
It’s a common misconception that slightly deflating your tires can improve traction. In reality, underinflated tires can cause more harm than good. While they might provide more surface contact, they negatively affect handling, fuel efficiency, and tire wear.
Low tire pressure can also cause tires to overheat, leading to blowouts, and it increases rolling resistance, making your engine work harder. For the best traction and safety, always follow the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure. Properly inflated tires will ensure a safer and more efficient driving experience.
Driving Barefoot Is Not Illegal
Contrary to popular belief, it is not illegal to drive barefoot. There are no laws specifically prohibiting driving without shoes. However, driving barefoot can be risky.
Without proper footwear, you might not have enough grip on the pedals, which could affect your control over the vehicle, and increase the chances of injury. For optimal safety and control, it’s always best to drive with shoes on. While you won’t be fined for driving barefoot, keeping a comfortable pair of shoes in your car is a smart idea for both safety and convenience.
Concrete Floors Don’t Ruin Car Batteries
The myth that storing a car battery on a concrete floor drains its charge or causes damage is outdated. This belief originated when older batteries had wooden casings that could absorb moisture from the concrete, which affected their performance.
However, modern car batteries are housed in plastic cases that are not impacted by concrete. Storing a battery on a concrete surface has no effect on its performance or lifespan, so there’s no need to worry about placing it on the floor. Your battery will remain safe and functional.
Men Don’t Drive Better Than Women
The stereotype that men are better drivers than women is outdated and baseless. Driving skills and safety records are not determined by gender. In fact, statistics show that women are generally involved in fewer accidents than men.
Factors such as experience, driving habits, and following traffic rules are far more important in determining a driver’s ability than gender. So the next time someone perpetuates this myth, remind them that good driving is about skill, caution, and responsible behavior on the road—nothing to do with whether you’re male or female.
Replace Tires Before 2/32 of an Inch
While it’s true that the legal minimum tread depth for tires is 2/32 of an inch, waiting until this point is not ideal for safety. Experts recommend replacing tires when the tread depth reaches 4/32 of an inch, especially for better grip and handling in wet conditions.
Tires with deeper treads provide better traction, reducing the risk of hydroplaning and improving overall vehicle control. Keep an eye on your tire tread using a penny or tread depth gauge to ensure your tires are in optimal condition for safe driving.
Low Mileage Cars Aren’t Always Better
While low mileage can seem like a sign of a well-maintained vehicle, it’s not the only factor that determines a car’s condition. Cars that sit unused for long periods may develop issues like dry rot, rust, or mechanical problems due to lack of use.
On the other hand, a well-maintained higher-mileage car with regular servicing and care can often be in better condition than a low-mileage car that hasn’t been properly cared for. When buying a car, it’s important to consider both mileage and how well the car has been maintained over the years.
Turning Off the AC Button Doesn’t Save Much Fuel
The myth that turning off your AC button saves fuel is only partially true. While using the AC does consume some engine power, modern vehicles are designed to minimize its impact on fuel efficiency.
In fact, driving with the windows down can actually create drag, which may reduce your fuel economy more than using the AC. To find the best balance, use the AC when necessary, but don’t worry too much about turning it off. A comfortable driving experience won’t drastically affect your gas mileage if you manage it wisely.
Smaller Cars Don’t Always Save Fuel
While smaller cars are often associated with better fuel efficiency due to their lighter weight, size alone isn’t the deciding factor. Advances in engine technology have enabled larger vehicles to achieve comparable or even better fuel economy than some smaller cars.
Fuel efficiency is influenced by several variables, including engine technology, aerodynamics, and driving habits. To determine a vehicle’s true fuel efficiency, it’s important to consider specific models and their ratings rather than assuming that smaller cars are always the most economical choice at the pump.
Dirty Cars Don’t Improve Fuel Efficiency
The myth that a dirty car improves fuel efficiency by making it more aerodynamic is just that—a myth. While golf balls use dimples to reduce drag, dirt on your car’s surface actually increases air resistance, making the engine work harder.
This added drag can lower your fuel efficiency rather than enhance it. Keeping your car clean not only maintains its appearance but also helps optimize its aerodynamics, ultimately supporting better fuel economy. So, wash your car regularly for both performance and aesthetic reasons.
SUVs Aren’t All Off-Road Vehicles
While SUVs were originally designed with off-road capability in mind, many modern models are more focused on comfort, space, and urban driving. Today’s SUVs, especially those aimed at city dwellers, are built for highway cruising and handling light dirt roads, not for tackling rugged terrain.
While they might offer higher ground clearance and some off-road features, they aren’t equipped to handle extreme off-road conditions unless specifically designed for that purpose. If you’re seeking serious off-road performance, you’ll need to look for a specialized SUV or vehicle with off-road modifications.
Spraying Air Freshener Doesn’t Solve the Problem
While spraying air freshener into your car’s vents might make it smell better temporarily, it’s not a long-term solution. The real source of unpleasant odors often lies deeper in the HVAC system, where grime, bacteria, or mold can accumulate.
Simply masking the odor with sprays can also damage the vents and rubber seals over time. To truly eliminate odors, it’s important to clean the air ducts and replace the cabin air filter. This way, you’ll not only restore a fresh smell but also improve your car’s air quality and avoid recurring problems.
The Return Trip Feels Shorter – Here’s Why
Have you ever noticed that the return trip always feels faster than the way there? This is a psychological phenomenon known as the “return trip effect.” On your way to a new destination, your brain is processing new information, making the journey feel longer.
However, on the way back, the familiarity of the route makes time feel like it passes more quickly. While the distance and time on the odometer are the same, your brain’s perception of the trip is what makes it feel shorter when you’re retracing your steps.
Don’t Overlook Testing Your Coolant
While it’s tempting to think that as long as your car isn’t overheating, your coolant is fine, that’s not always the case. Coolant can lose its effectiveness over time, becoming acidic or contaminated, which can lead to corrosion in the engine and cooling system.
Regularly testing your coolant ensures it’s still up to the task, preventing potential issues like overheating and engine damage. It’s a small maintenance step that can save you big repairs down the road. So, don’t take your coolant for granted—test it periodically to keep your engine running smoothly.
Hybrids Can Be Just as Fast as Gasoline Cars
The idea that hybrids are slower than gasoline-powered cars is a misconception. Modern hybrid vehicles are equipped with both electric motors and combustion engines that work together to deliver impressive performance.
Many hybrids use their electric motors to provide an additional power boost, often making them as fast, if not faster, than traditional gasoline cars. The instant torque from electric motors offers quick acceleration, especially off the line. So, don’t let the hybrid label fool you—they’re fully capable of keeping up with traffic and delivering a dynamic driving experience.
Never Ignore a Coolant Leak, No Matter How Small
Even a minor coolant leak should never be ignored, as it can quickly lead to serious engine problems. Coolant is essential for maintaining the right temperature in your engine, and running low on coolant can cause overheating.
While the leak may seem insignificant, it can result in costly issues like a blown head gasket or a cracked engine block if left unaddressed. It’s important to address any coolant leaks promptly to prevent a small problem from escalating into a major, expensive repair. If you notice a leak, have it fixed as soon as possible to avoid long-term damage.
