25 Common Car Myths That Most People Still Believe

When it comes to cars, there are countless myths that have been passed down through generations. From the type of gas you should use to the color of your car affecting insurance rates, these myths have become ingrained in our beliefs about cars. However, many of these myths are simply not true. In this article, we will debunk 25 common car myths that most people still believe, and provide you with the real facts behind these misconceptions.

One of the most popular car myths is that red cars are more likely to get pulled over for speeding. In reality, the color of your car has no impact on your likelihood of getting a speeding ticket. The speed at which you are driving and your driving behavior are the primary factors that determine whether you get pulled over, not the color of your car.

Many people believe that using premium gas will improve the performance of their car. However, unless your car specifically requires premium gas, using regular unleaded gas will not harm your engine or affect its performance. Premium gas is simply a waste of money if it is not required by your vehicle’s manufacturer.

It is a common belief that you should let your car warm up for several minutes before driving in cold weather. However, modern cars are designed to be driven shortly after starting, even in cold temperatures. idling your car for an extended period of time can actually cause unnecessary wear and tear on your engine.

While all-season tires are designed to provide adequate performance in a variety of conditions, they are not as effective as winter tires in snowy or icy conditions. If you live in an area with harsh winters, it is worth investing in a set of winter tires to ensure your safety while driving in cold weather.

Many people believe that using a cell phone while pumping gas can cause an explosion. However, there is no evidence to support this claim. The real risk of using a cell phone while pumping gas is the potential for distraction, which could lead to accidental spills or other unsafe behaviors.

After a long drive, it is a common practice to let your car’s engine idle to help it cool down. However, idling your car for an extended period of time after driving does not effectively cool down the engine. In fact, turning off your engine and allowing it to cool down naturally is a more efficient way to prevent overheating.

Some people believe that driving with the windows down is more fuel-efficient than using the air conditioning in their car. However, at higher speeds, the drag caused by open windows can actually decrease fuel efficiency more than running the air conditioning. At lower speeds, using the windows down may be more efficient, but at higher speeds, it’s better to use the AC.

Contrary to popular belief, the color of your car does not affect your insurance rates. Insurance companies take into account the make, model, age, and use of your car, as well as your driving record and other personal factors. The color of your car has no impact on your insurance premiums.

Some people believe that letting your fuel tank get low can cause damage to your car’s fuel system. However, modern cars are designed to operate with low fuel levels and have systems in place to prevent damage from occurring. While it’s not a good practice to constantly run on low fuel, it won’t cause immediate harm to your car.

It used to be common practice to change your car’s oil every 3,000 miles, but with advancements in oil and engine technology, many cars can now go much longer between oil changes. Check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended oil change interval, as it may be significantly longer than 3,000 miles.

While it is ideal to replace all four tires at the same time, it is not always necessary. If only one or two tires are worn or damaged, you can usually get away with replacing only those tires. Just make sure they are the same brand, model, and size as the existing tires to maintain balanced handling and performance.

Many people believe that premium aftermarket parts are always better than OEM (original equipment manufacturer) parts. While aftermarket parts may offer performance upgrades, OEM parts are designed specifically for your car and are guaranteed to fit and function properly. When it comes to critical components, OEM parts are often the safer choice.

It used to be standard practice to drive with your hands at 10 and 2 o’clock on the steering wheel. However, modern vehicles are equipped with airbags, and driving in this position can be dangerous in the event of a deployment. The recommended hand position now is 9 and 3 o’clock, which provides better control and reduces the risk of injury from the airbag.

The tire pressure listed on the sidewall of your tires is actually the maximum pressure that the tire can hold, not the optimal pressure for your specific vehicle. To find the correct tire pressure for your car, check the sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb or the owner’s manual.

There are different types of engine oil with different viscosities and additives designed for specific engines and driving conditions. Using the wrong type of oil can lead to poor engine performance and reduced longevity. Always use the oil recommended by your car’s manufacturer for the best results.

While it is important to regularly replace your car’s fluids, the 30,000-mile rule is not universal for all fluids. Different fluids have different replacement intervals, so it’s best to consult your owner’s manual for specific guidelines on when each fluid should be changed.

Although sports cars are often associated with higher insurance premiums, the actual cost of insurance depends on a variety of factors including the car’s make and model, safety features, and the driver’s history. It is possible to find sports cars with reasonable insurance rates, especially if the driver has a clean record.

The frequency of air filter changes depends on your driving conditions and the type of air filter you have. If you drive in dusty or dirty conditions, you may need to change your air filter more frequently. Check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended interval for air filter changes.

A common misconception during an emergency stop is that pumping the brake pedal will help you stop faster. However, modern cars are equipped with anti-lock braking systems (ABS), which automatically pulse the brakes during emergency stops to prevent skidding. It is best to apply continuous pressure to the brake pedal to allow the ABS to do its job.

While it is important to replace your timing belt at regular intervals to prevent it from breaking, the 5-year rule is not universal for all cars. Most manufacturers recommend replacing the timing belt between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, so be sure to check your owner’s manual for the specific interval for your car.

In foggy conditions, many people believe that turning off their headlights can improve visibility. However, headlights help other drivers see you, so it is crucial to keep them on in foggy conditions. Use low-beam headlights (not high-beams) and consider using fog lights if your car is equipped with them.

The frequency of brake pad replacement depends on various factors including your driving habits and the type of brake pads you have. Some pads can last up to 60,000 miles, while others may need replacing sooner. Be sure to have your brakes inspected regularly and follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.

Overinflating your tires to the maximum pressure listed on the sidewall can actually decrease traction, cause uneven tire wear, and make your ride uncomfortable. It is best to inflate your tires to the pressure recommended by your car’s manufacturer for optimal performance and fuel efficiency.

While it used to be true that manual transmission cars got better gas mileage than automatics, modern automatic transmissions have caught up in terms of fuel efficiency. Some automatics now even surpass manuals in gas mileage due to advancements in transmission technology.

Some people believe that adding more detergent to your fuel system cleaner will provide better results. However, using too much detergent can actually harm your engine and fuel system. Always follow the instructions on the cleaner’s label and use the recommended amount for your tank size.