Myths can circulate very quickly from person to person, especially if you tend to believe everything you hear. Car myths are no exception. However, some of these need to be debunked in order for drivers and car owners to become more responsible users. Here are some common myths that you may be surprised to know aren't real.
1. Bigger cars are safer to drive.
Some people want to drive big cars like SUVs and pick-up trucks because they have more space to fight the impact of a collision. However, despite their larger size, SUVs and trucks actually have lesser safety regulations as compared to small cars. Small cars have extensive safety requirements including the materials used, seat belt and airbag functions, and brakes.
2. You need to change your oil every 3,000 miles.
Back in the day, people would have needed to follow this tip. However, today's automotive technology doesn't require as much maintenance. In fact, changing your oil is recommended for cars that reach around 10,000 miles. As the owner, you may also decide when the best time to change your oil is. If you regularly use your car, you may get oil changes every four to six months.
3. Expensive gasoline is better gasoline.
Yet another popular myth, this is more of a marketing scheme from oil companies. Just think about different products you find in malls. Some are more expensive than others, but ultimately, they serve the same purpose. Your car won't become faster, run smoother, or save fuel just by buying expensive gas.
4. Your car needs a warm up before running.
Even in winter, cars don't exactly need warming up. The same process happens whether your boot up your car and wait a few minutes or just let it run right after ignition. Cars aren't like people, after all.
5. Red cars have a higher insurance cost.
The color has nothing to do with the insurance cost. Rather, this myth stems from the popularity of red sports cars. Of course, sports cars are more expensive to insure, and since they are typically red, the connection was mistakenly attributed to the color. The model and features of the car are more likely to affect insurance price.
6. Using a mobile phone while refilling gas will make your car explode.
Police have found no significant connection between spontaneous combustion in gas stations and mobile phone use. So next time someone tells you to drop the phone while getting gas, you can just tell them that it's a myth.
7. Firing a bullet right into the gas tank will make a car burst into flames.
This one was debunked by Myth Busters. It turns out, shooting a car's gas tank doesn't cause an explosion like we normally see in the movies. The bullet just passes right into the tank and gets submerged in fuel. An explosion is only possible if there's a nearby source of ignition such as a lit cigarette.
Which of these myths do you believe?