What are the most common car myths we hear from our customers?
Did you fall for any of these?
Myth #1 – You need to let your car warm up before leaving the driveway
This myth makes sense when you consider that some oils and parts don’t perform at full capacity until the car is warm.
But, keep in mind that an idling car is slow to heat up because it isn’t running at full power. In fact, there are parts of your car that can’t start to warm up until you get moving – think of your wheel bearings or your transmission.
This means that sitting in an idling car is usually a waste of time. You are better off warming up your car as you drive – just be gentle for the first few kilometers!
Myth #2 – Tyres should be inflated to the pressure displayed on the tyre’s sidewall
If you frequent our blog, you will know that keeping your tyre pressure in check will aid your car’s braking, handling and fuel efficiency. But make sure you are filling your tyres correctly!
The pressure shown on the sidewall of your tyre is actually the maximum pressure that the tyre can hold safely – not the recommended pressure for your car. This figure can usually be found in the glove box, on a doorjamb sticker or on the door of the fuel-filler.
Myth #3 – Auto transmissions burn more fuel than manual cars
This was true once upon a time when automatic transmissions were new to the market.
However, car technology has advanced significantly since then. Features like cruise control and continuously variable transmission, which offers a limitless range of gear ratios, have bridged the gap between manuals and automatics. In some cases, automatic cars are even more fuel efficient than their manual counterparts.
In summary, although this myth may still apply when you pick and choose your vehicles, it is no longer accurate as a blanket fact.
Myth #4 – Premium fuel will improve the performance of my car
Putting standard fuel into a car that requires premium fuel will result in reduced performance and engine damage. But it doesn’t work the other way around.
Premium fuel isn’t cleaner or purer than standard fuels – it simply is less combustible. This makes a difference when you are using a high performance engine, since standard fuel is more likely to burn up prematurely and damage the engine. In your Corolla, on the other hand, the effect of using premium fuel will be negligible.
When it comes to fuel, keep it simple. Always adhere to the manufacturer guidelines.
Myth #5 – Keep your doors unlocked while driving to make a rescue easier in the event of an accident
This myth makes sense after the fact. But unlocked doors are far more likely to open in a crash, threatening greater injury to you and your passengers. Some insurers also void your policy after theft if your doors were unlocked – and locked doors decrease the likelihood of theft in the first place. In summary, we recommend putting your immediate safety first by keeping your doors locked in place.
Don’t worry if you believed some of these myths – they are called common car myths for a reason!
