Just because you believe something is true, doesn’t mean it is. Fact checking what you already know will prevent you from making decisions based on false information. Plus, you prevent spreading the misconceptions and contributing to the problem. Start now and debunk the 12 common beliefs about cars.
Table of Contents
1. A Porsche Is the Fastest Car
False.
A Porsche owner says, “No, my car doesn’t tear through the street. The car is fancy, but I bet you cut corners faster than I can. I don’t even think it’s a proper sports car!” A BMW M3 is faster than a Porsche Turbo. If you’re a speed junkie, it’s best to research before dropping a pretty penny on a Porsche.
2. German Cars Are Unreliable
False.
To this statement, a rally driver commented, “It’s a misconception for Americans to think German cars are unreliable. German and Japanese cars are the best.” According to research, German cars are very reliable, especially for those who want speed and comfort. With proper maintenance, these cars last a long time.
3. You Should Warm Up Your Car Before Starting It in the Morning
False.
“Grab your bags, and I’ll start warming up the car” is a phrase used in many households. But we are far from the 1930s, and modern cars can run without warm-ups. We no longer do this because of the vast quality improvements in the production of car oil.
4. Don’t Run Your Fuel Tank Close To Empty, as It Can Damage the Engine
True.
Fuel prices have soared significantly. It could be tempting not to fuel your car for a while and run it to the ground. But did you know that driving with less fuel could damage the fuel tank and harm your car engine? An online user affirms this by saying, “I ran my car on empty sometimes, and slowly but surely, sediment built up at the bottom of my fuel tank.”
5. Older Cars Are Safer Because They’re Made With Thicker Steel
False.
Older cars being safer because of thicker steel is a myth. The steel will not protect you in case of an accident. Today, cars come with airbags, collapsible steering columns, crumple zones, and, um, did we mention, pop-up hoods? All of these components can keep you safe in case of an accident.
6. A Land Cruiser Is a Jeep
False.
A man in love with his cruiser said, “Occasionally, people call my Toyota Land Cruiser a keep. No way!” another user added to the joke by saying, “The same people call video game consoles Playstations.” A Jeep is sturdier than a Land Cruiser as it does well in rugged terrains.
7. Higher Octane Fuel Cleans Your Engine
False.
There is no evidence to prove that your engine will be any cleaner when you fill it with high-octane fuel now and again. Messing around with high-octane fuel can cause compressions in your engine. Ideally, go with the fuel type your manufacturer recommends.
8. A Rotary Engine Is Hard To Fix
False.
A car enthusiast and former mechanic affirms,” The rotary engine is easier to fix than a cylindrical engine.” A rotary engine doesn’t have valves, pistons, or other complicated parts. You only replace the rotor tips, which will help keep your engine in tip-top condition.
9. Only Your Manufacturer Can Service Your Car
False.
“When I bought my first car, someone told me that maintenance is only done at the service center, but after a while, I figured it didn’t make sense to keep going back,” said a car enthusiast. You can service your car anywhere, provided you keep your maintenance receipts if you need them when you want to sell your vehicle.
10. Larger Cars Are Safer for Passengers
False.
The safety of passengers only depends on the safety features that are present in the car. If a small vehicle has the proper safety features, passengers are safe. Cars with more seating capacity aren’t automatically safer.
11. Fuel Up in the Morning for Dense Fuel
False.
Based on the expansion and contraction of liquids, this myth is inaccurate. Remember, fuel tanks are usually underground; thus, fuel doesn’t face minimum expansion and contraction due to temperature. It doesn’t matter what time of the day you fuel; the amount of fuel you’ll get is the same.
12. Hatchbacks Run Like an SUV With Premium Fuel
False.
“I gave into this when I bought my hatchback, thinking with premium fuel, it would run like an SUV. It was a rude awakening.” True to this statement, cars don’t run better on premium fuel. If your vehicle doesn’t require a specific fuel type, using it will not improve performance. Premium fuel is not superior fuel, no matter how expensive it is.
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