We’ve all grown up hearing recommendations and warnings about our vehicles from older drivers – but with today’s technology and the improvements being made all the time to the driving experience, they’re no longer all tried-and-true.
Cars and trucks are complex machines, and every vehicle has something unique going on under the hood. So we’re debunking eight automotive myths that most people still believe.
1. Premium Fuel Means Premium Performance
This gas may be more expensive, but it’s not purer or cleaner than regular gas. Premium fuel is necessary for certain types of vehicles, as it is less combustible for more powerful engines, but according to the Federal Trade Commission, regular gas will work just fine. So why pay more money for something you don’t need?
2. Hybrid Vehicles Are Slower
While this may once have been true with earlier models, hybrid vehicle technology has evolved quite a bit over the years. As a result, most hybrid vehicles are now just as powerful as their gas-powered counterparts while also being lightweight and more fuel-efficient.
3. Vehicles Must Be Warmed Up in Cold Weather
If you’ve grown up in snowy winters, you have inevitably heard this before, and it’s false! The best way to warm up the engine in modern vehicles is to start it just 30 seconds before driving off. “Warming up” a vehicle before driving doesn’t generate any heat and, according to a study by Honda, causes your engine’s moving parts to wear down faster. Less idle time also decreases fuel costs and reduces emissions.
4. Oil Changes Should Be Performed Every 3,000 Miles
While older vehicles require more frequent oil changes, the new guidelines only require a change every 5,000-10,000 miles, depending on the oil and filter you’re using. Frequent oil changes are a needless expense and an added strain on the environment.
5. AWD is Invincible to the Elements
All-wheel-drive does have its benefits when driving in inclement weather. However, according to a recent MotorTrend article, poor tire choices, aged suspension components, minimal traction, and extreme ice can render an AWD vehicle useless.
6. Electric Vehicles Are More Likely to Catch on Fire
Vehicle mishaps and sensational news stories certainly don’t help make this case, but electric vehicles pose no greater risk of fire than gasoline-powered vehicles. Fires can happen to both vehicles in the right (or wrong) conditions.
7. Larger Vehicles Are Safer
While it is true that a heavier vehicle provides better protection in multicar crashes, larger vehicles are not always the safer option. The safety of passengers depends on the quality of material used in manufacturing and the specific safety features associated with the vehicle, so the size of the vehicle is not a factor.
8. Insuring Red Vehicles Cost More
A 2016 study by Insurance.com found there is some truth to this, in that certain vehicle models do get pulled over more frequently. However, this number has nothing to do with the color of a vehicle. In many cases, insurance agencies may not even ask for the color of your vehicle, only the year, make, model, etc.
There are so many vehicle-related myths we’re told and it can sometimes be difficult to separate fact from fiction. So keep these common automotive myths in mind to make smarter – and more informed – car care choices.