When it comes to cars, there are numerous myths advanced to explain certain phenomena or promote certain practices. Most car owners usually believe these myths without actually having facts to back them up. Usually, there is tiny truth nestled in these allegories which range from car care practices to fuel myths as well as insurance myths. As an avid car owner, it’s vital to understand the difference between myth and reality as it could save you a great deal of money without compromising your vehicle. Below we at My Car Needs This has highlighted the common myths in the automotive industry, and you need to stop believing.
1. You should replace all your tires at the same time.
While this myth may seem to make sense, it’s unnecessary and not justifiable. Replacing a single tire because it’s either worn out or is punctured does not break any rule. As long as the tire you are replacing is the same brand, model, and size as the rest in the vehicle, there is really no need of replacing the full set. Moreover, it’s costly to replace all the four tires at a go.
2. Premium fuel enhances your car’s performance
This is the most myth surrounding a car’s performance. A car’s performance is dependent on several things such as suspension, tires, carburetor, and exhaust system, among others, but fuel is not among the factors. Contrary to the usual perception, premium fuel doesn’t mean that its purer or cleaner than the regular gas. Premium fuel is quite expensive and ideal for certain cars that require high-octane level fuel that is less combustible but does not enhance performance in any way. Thus, next time to go to fuel, don’t waste your money on premium fuel, thinking that it will enhance the performance of your car.
3. When changing the oil filter, ensure to also change the coolant fluid as well as the air filters.
Most motorists would want to change the oil together with the coolant fluid as well as the air filters. However, an oil change doesn’t necessitate that you change the air filters and the coolant fluid. Mechanics may recommend that you change the coolant fluid, air filters, and oil at the same time, their motive may be to earn additional money for the extra work done. Nevertheless, you can still check the car’s manual to see the recommended timing of replacing these essential commodities instead of getting ripped off by replacing them frequently.
4. You don’t need to change your oil
For first-time car owners, changing the oil may seem like additional expenses as they fail to see the value of oil in the overall car performance. Oil is a vital component of a vehicle’s engine as it performs crucial functions such as lubrication, cleans the engine from sludge and also is used as a varnish. Therefore, failing to change the engine oil after the recommended mileage will damage the engine causing it to wear and fail. To ensure that you are on the safe side, you should certainly stop believing this myth and change your engine oil frequently according to the manufacturer’s recommended mileage usually 10,000 miles.
5. Your car insurance will cover everything
This is the most common myth regarding car insurance. If for instance, you are involved in an accident, the insurance company will not cover the entire cost of the damage. Most insurance companies are fault-based meaning that you have to prove that the other motorist caused the accident even before the compensation process starts. It’s the nature of insurance companies to pay as little as possible, and therefore you must be prepared for this when paying the annual premiums.
6. Always warm your car before driving in the cold
For motorists, warming the car’s engine before driving in a cold morning may mean improved performance. However, this perception does not hold any value, and it’s actually damaging to your car. This is because leaving your car engine idle pumps extra fuel into the combustion chamber, making it hard for the engine oil to dissolve into the cylinder walls. The minimum time recommended to let the engine idle is only 30 seconds as the gasoline is enough to warm up the engine entirely. If you are used to letting your car engine idle, especially in cold mornings, you may want to stop to avoid damaging your precious engine.
Conclusion
The myths discussed above have been around for a long time and have been passed from generation to generation. Some of them are quite damaging, and therefore you should stop believing in them lest you damage your car.
