10 Most Common Misconceptions About Cars

June 10, 2019Fun Facts and Lists
Julie Grace

Originally from The Golden City, Julie has explored the ins and outs of moving and has written all the tips down.

When it comes to comparing old and new four-wheelers, modern cars frequently receive harsh criticism, particularly from lovers of classic automobiles. But how can you discover the misconceptions about cars if you aren’t an automotive expert? We’ll help you sort facts from fiction by presenting some myths regarding contemporary automobiles.

#1 You Have to Use Premium Fuel for Better Car Performance

Even though this gas may cost more, that doesn’t guarantee it’s more pure or clean than the usual one you buy at the pump. It is used for specific vehicles that require fuel that is not as flammable, but it has no effect on your everyday car. By consulting your owner’s handbook, you can determine whether your car needs a premium option. Use premium if the engine of your car needs a higher octane level. Do not waste your money if not!

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Will You Get Better Fuel if You Fill up the Tank in the Morning?

Some individuals believe that because gasoline is denser in the morning’s colder air, filling up the tank in the morning will result in you getting more fuel than usual. It does get denser during colder weather. However, kerosene is kept in temperature-controlled, underground tanks. Therefore, regardless of when you go to a gas station, you will always receive the same quality of gas.

This being said, don’t let this misconception ruin your moving day preparation by making one of the relocation mistakes and not being present when professional movers come to your home just because you had to rush to a gas station early in the morning.

car panel with the odometer showing mileage and speed
No need to leave your home early to get to the gas station

#2 Driving With the Truck’s Tailgate Down Is More Fuel Efficient

When hiring a reliable USA auto transport company to move your four-wheeler to another state, it’s best to learn how to prepare it for shipping. One of the steps you should definitely take is to decide whether the truck’s tailgate should be down or not. According to some tests conducted by Popular Mechanics, the truck had higher drag when the tailgate was down as opposed to up. However, they discovered that mesh tailgate replacements were similar to driving without a tailgate or with the hardback top and the tailgate up.

A packed automobile ready for a car shipping company
Another myth is that keeping a tailgate down will improve the drive

#3 Replace All Tires at Once

Although this may seem pretty reasonable, it is not necessary. You do not have to spend the money to replace all four tires just because one has to be replaced. You are good to go as long as the tires are the same size, model, and brand. If you get stuck, follow some of the simple instructions to change a tire:

  • Get a tire repair kit,
  • Park in a safe place,
  • Turn on the lights,
  • Take out the loosened nuts,
  • Put on the reserved tire,
  • Put the lug nuts back.

If your four-wheeler doesn’t have all-wheel drive, only this pertains to you. It is advised that you change the whole set of your tires at once in that situation. This could be quite helpful when relocating from a small town to a big city, as finding a reliable mechanic is certainly not easy.

Should a Dealer Do the Maintenance of Cars in Order to Keep the Warranty?

You can take your vehicle to any respectable independent repair shop as long as you adhere to the maintenance plan and keep track of all the paperwork. After all, if you can tell that the clutch is bad, you shouldn’t wait until you get to your dealer. Instead, take your four-wheeler to a reliable mechanic who can solve your problem, even if it is only to change a tail light.

#4 You Don’t Need Winter Tires

In colder climates, tires with higher traction on the road are indeed the ideal choice. When it comes to light snow, your all-season tires might perform admirably, but if the roads are heavily covered, you’ll require winter tires to navigate them securely, especially if there’s still driving stress caused by relocating to a different city.

In the video below, you can check how to put on winter tires effortlessly.

YouTube video

#5 You Have to Change Oil Every 3,000 Miles

Like most myths, the rule that recommends getting your oil changed every 3,000 miles once held true. Oil changes used to be more frequently required for older automobiles, but this isn’t the case today. Actually, many modern automobiles may travel up to 10,000 miles before needing new oil.

However, as engine oil ages over time and eventually stops lubricating your engine, it is not best to push your car to the limit. It would be wiser to refer to your owner’s manual for the recommended timetable for your particular model.

Pay close attention to the lessons in your driving school, because driving is only one part of being a car owner.
You do not need to replace the oil that often

#6 It’s Best to Warm up the Vehicle Before Driving It

It’s tempting to leave your car running while it warms up inside during the winter. This unhealthy practice damages your four-wheeler in addition to wasting gas. Idling excessively in cold weather accelerates the wear and tear on your engine’s moving parts, necessitating more regular maintenance.

So, if you’re planning to ship vehicles during the winter, it would be better to learn how to open a frozen door, as this can be extremely helpful if temperatures drop significantly.

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#7 Cranking up the A/C Is More Beneficial Than Cracking up the Windows

This misconception is caused by the idea that rolled-down windows reduce fuel economy more owing to drag and that air conditioning is preferable. It may sound pleasant for those who prefer air conditioning, but it actually uses more gas than rolling down the windows. However, if the heat is making you unhappy inside your car, we still advise utilizing your A/C to stay cool and awake.

car on the street
One of the myths is that A/C is better than just opening the windows

#8 Automatic Four-Wheelers Aren’t Efficient

Don’t worry if you can’t drive a stick. Thanks to improvements in contemporary models of four-wheelers and additional gears, automatics can be equally effective as manuals. The initial hybrid automobile was considerably slower than a regular car or compact. Over the past ten years, technology has advanced significantly with regard to hybrid models and, more recently, electric models.

The majority of hybrid powertrains are extremely more power-efficient and lighter to help reduce vehicle weight while yet being just as potent as their gas-powered counterparts. Let’s check other top misconceptions about self-driving cars.

Driver Assistance Technologies Will Gradually Advance to Completely Autonomous Vehicles

You’ll hear people mention this repeatedly as one of the common misconceptions about electric cars because it’s really alluring. If we look at the past ten years as well as the present, we notice that each modern automobile model comes equipped with greater computing power. There are also increased electronic safety and aid functions, such as intelligent cruise control, auto-parking, lane warning, and emergency braking. However, there is a clear break in this evolution – all the driver aid technologies currently in use only function for very brief periods of time and in a very small number of contexts.

Automatic Transmissions Use More Power Than Manual Transmissions

This myth was indeed true once. When automated transmissions first came out, manual transmissions offered superior efficiency (if you knew how to operate one correctly). The efficiency of automatic gearboxes today is on par with that of manual transmissions. Automatic transmissions can actually be more fuel-efficient than manual gearboxes, depending on the model.

Autonomous Four-Wheelers Are Managed Using Conventional Computer Algorithms, the If-Then Rules

When considering automatic automobiles, we frequently make the mistake of visualizing them as being managed by enormous programs made up of millions of intricate rules that detail how the vehicle must behave in every conceivable circumstance. However, an automatic vehicle is not bound by any such rules. In fact, the “theory of driving” that automatic car programmers use to create their algorithms does not have to be incredibly complex.

Automatics Are More Likely to Catch on Fire if There's a Crash

This myth is not at all helped by the negative press and reputation of Tesla vehicle accidents, but that issue appears to be unique to the firm. Electric vehicles are produced by many other automakers, and from them, we may understand the reality. In general, electric automobiles like the Nissan Leaf, Chevy Volt, and Kia Niro EV don’t pose a greater fire danger than cars that run on gas. Under the appropriate, or rather incorrect, circumstances, both gasoline-powered and electric-powered models are susceptible to fires.

#9 Purchasing a Used Car Is Always Risky

Car loses value over time in terms of money. Buying an automobile is not an investment, whether it is new or old. Any car will always have a lower resale value than what you originally paid for it (excluding classic automobiles).

Is It Really Better to Buy a New Vehicle Over the Used One?

A used car won’t cost you too much money if you choose one wisely. If maintained well, it can run smoothly and with only a few hitches. Although buying a modern automobile might be attractive, some people will advise you against doing so because secondhand cars are more cost-effective overall. If you’re still not sure what to do, check the table with some of the most important pros and cons for both new and secondhand automobiles.

New vehicles - Pros New vehicles - Cons Used Vehicles - Pros Used Vehicles - Cons
The latest features Not new forever Cheaper to insure Higher mileage
Free roadside assistance Expensive to buy Lower prices Fewer consumer protections
Warranty protection and reliability Quick to depreciate Available warranties Limited selection

#10 It’s Not Worth Hiring Professional Car Shipping Services

When you’re organizing a move and wonder how automobile shipping works, many people would tell you to just do it yourself since it will be more affordable and convenient for the relocation budget. However, if you book reliable long-distance moving services, you can count on getting a quote for four-wheeler shipping costs.

Shipping your car to a new destination isn’t as easy as it may seem. Imagine people who are relocating from the West Coast to the East Coast – driving could be pretty dangerous. So, ensure you consider the benefits of shipping cars in the USA as a task on your to-do list before making the final decision.

Choose the Most Suitable Services

When you find reputable movers, you’ll have to decide whether enclosed auto transport is the best solution for you or whether an open carrier is more convenient. If you’re changing home and transporting an automobile for the first time, probably the greatest solution is to ask a reliable car shipping company for advice on which shipping services to use. After knowing this, you should also decide whether door-to-door auto transport or the terminal-to-terminal car shipping option is more suitable for your four-wheeler.

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Learn All About Misconceptions About Cars and Have the Best Experience With Your Four-Wheeler

When you want to get yourself another four-wheeler, or even if you’re a first-time automobile buyer, you definitely need some help figuring out all the myths and misconceptions that are out there. Even though many people think all they have to do is finance the purchase, be sure you’re getting the best possible option for your needs, and don’t let any wrong information step in the way.

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