Throughout the history of the car and its use there has always been a great deal of advice, stories and long held beliefs passed down from one generation of drivers to the next. Some of these thoughts come from years that have passed when cars weren’t as sophisticated and others came about from marketing campaigns, personal experience, or just plain old misunderstanding. While automotive technology has evolved substantially over the years, a lot of these old ideas are still floating around among car owners, mechanics and all over social media and are believed without question.

These common misconceptions could result in additional costs, decreased performance of the vehicle, and even preventable mechanical issues. Learning the workings of today’s vehicles will give drivers the ability to make informed choices and not follow outdated advice. With ever more advanced engineering, smarter electronics and more efficient powertrains, it’s more important than ever to sort fact from fiction when buying a car.

There are several automotive myths that are somewhat true, but then again, information that is relevant to the older cars may not be so relevant for the newer ones. Drivers can get to know their cars better, and these widely held misconceptions can be examined. This guide investigates 10 of the most prevalent myths surrounding cars, and why they stick around, as well as the truth behind each of them that will help you save money, stay safe, and keep your car running well.

1. Premium Fuel Improves Performance in All Cars

Most motorists think that the high cost of premium gas translates into better performance in their cars, but this is not actually the case. This notion has been around for years, so that many car owners end up paying more for their vehicles even when they aren’t in need of higher-octane gasoline. Actually, premium car fuel is formulated for particular kinds of engines which require extra engine knocking resistance. Knowing the fuel that your car needs will save you money and keep your engine running.

Premium Fuel Facts:

• High octane will not allow the engine to knock.
• Specific to the motor type.
• Most vehicles will fit a standard fuel suit.
• Be sure to use manufacturer’s fuel recommendation.
• There is only minimal benefit to paying extra cost.

Higher octane gas will help vehicles with high compression or turbocharged engines, which are specially designed to use higher-octane gasoline. In this instance, the use of the recommended high specification fuel assures the engine to perform to its expected performance, efficiency, and reliability. Most every-day passenger vehicles, however, are designed to use normal fuel and will perform well using it.

The best resource for determining the proper fuel is the vehicle’s owner’s manual. Changing to premium fuel if the manufacturer suggests to use regular gasoline the change will not usually result in higher HP, better fuel mileage, or longer engine life. Fuel selection, whether by manufacturer recommendations, will provide you with optimal performance and avoid needless fuel costs.

2. Change Oil Every 3,000 Miles

One of the most popular auto maintenance myths is “Change oil every 3000 miles”. “Change oil after 3000 miles” is a mantra that has been handed down through the ages. This is based on what was done to older engines to keep them running properly and on how to service the oil. It used to be a crucial part of car care, but today’s car technology has made oil change intervals much longer. Today’s vehicles are designed to operate efficiently with far less frequent oil replacements.

Modern Oil Maintenance:

• No longer universal the old advice.
• Synthetic oils do not deteriorate as quickly.
• Newer engines will need less adjustments.
• Schedule manufacturer maintenance according to manufacturer’s maintenance plan.
• Oil monitors enhance service timings.

The durability of oil has improved significantly from years of engine development and lubricant technology. The older conventional oils were not as resistant to heat, contaminating chemicals or breaking down as are modern synthetic oils and permit engines to be properly lubricated for much greater distances. Nowadays, many manufacturers suggest oil changes between 7,500 and 10,000 miles or even more miles depending on the driving conditions.

Drivers should not use old mileage rules but should use the maintenance guidelines provided by the vehicle manufacturer instead! Many modern vehicles also have an intelligent oil life monitoring system, which can determine service intervals based on the actual driving conditions. The following recommendations not only help to reduce maintenance costs, but also minimise waste, and provide the right care at the right time for the engine.

3. Idle Your Car is the Best Way to Warm Your Car

These drivers think idling for a few minutes prior to driving is the safest strategy to warm up the engine during cold weather. This was a habit developed because carbureted engines needed a bit more time to make the proper air-fuel ratio so they could run smoothly. Nowadays, however, an advanced fuel injection system is applied to modern motor vehicles, and extended idling is no longer necessary. For that reason, this long-established tradition no longer has to be followed by most vehicles plying today’s roads.

Engine Warm-Up Facts:

• Modern engines warm-up rapidly.
• Adopting new fuel injection methods to replace the old ones.
• Extended idling is a waste of fuel.
• Efficient driving is the result of gentle driving.
• Don’t take off quickly at first.

Instead of relying on the driver to make adjustments, electronic fuel injection systems automatically do all the work, ensuring efficient fuel delivery even in cold weather. Extended idle only wastes fuel, raises emissions and slows down the time to get to normal operating temperature. Unnecessary idling is a way of achieving less than optimal performance overall without giving the engine any real mechanical advantages.

It’s better to start the engine, wait several seconds for the oil to circulate properly, and then drive smoothly. Gently accelerating the vehicle helps the engine, transmission and other moving parts warm up more efficiently than idling. This helps protect the engine, while also improving fuel economy and overall performance, by running the engine moderately only after it has reached full operating temperature.

4. The Police Pull Over More Red Cars Than Any Other Color

It’s been a long-standing myth that red cars are ticketed for speeding more often than cars of other shades. Many at first think that red may be more noticeable due to its brightness and attention grabbing nature. This concept has been reiterated many times and is now one of the most popular car myths out there. But there’s little actual research to back up the notion that color affects traffic law enforcement.

Traffic Stop Reality:

• Tickets are based on the vehicle’s license plate number, not its colour.
• Drivers are most important.
• Traffic Laws are applicable to both.
• Sports cars make a statement.
• Stay safe and avoid tickets.

Studies by insurance companies and traffic police have not been able to establish any correlation between color and the number of citations issued. The error may have occurred as many sports cars are red and are perceived as being related to fast driving. In fact, it is the driver’s conduct, rather than the color of the car, that usually determines whether or not the vehicle is targeted in traffic stops.

The most common offenses police patrol for include speeding, reckless driving, distracted driving and traffic law violations. The color of a car does not affect the likelihood of being cited. The colour of a car makes little difference in getting a citation. Driving responsibly is the best way to avoid undue attention and to make it a safe trip on the road.

5. Manuals are Faster

For many years, manual transmissions have been known to achieve greater fuel economy than automatic transmissions. In older automatic transmissions, there would be fewer gears and less efficiency, thus resulting in a greater fuel economy advantage for the manual transmission. This once-upon-a-time distinction is now virtually gone with the improvements in transmission technology. Today’s automatic systems provide an outstanding level of efficiency and increased convenience for the driver.

Transmission Efficiency Facts:

• Older manuals resulted in greater fuel savings.
• Modern automatics improved greatly.
• The use of several gears allows for higher efficiency.
• Technology perfects the performance of the engines.
• Model differences in fuel economy.

Automatics today are sophisticated engineering devices with eight, nine or even ten forward gears, CVTs and advanced dual clutch systems. These technologies enable the engine to operate in its most efficient zone, but provide smooth acceleration and accurate gear changes. In many cases the modern automatic transmission can shift gears quicker and with greater accuracy than human beings.

Consequently, a growing number of automatic vehicles are now as fuel-efficient as comparable manual vehicles. Manual transmissions are still popular with car enthusiasts for the amount of control they offer, but the benefit of better fuel economy is no longer guaranteed. Traditional misconceptions about fuel savings should not be the deciding factor in choosing between manual and automatic transmissions; it should be based on driving style and how the vehicle will be used.

6. Your Air Filter Replacement will Improve Your Gas Mileage

Having a clean engine air filter is important to ensure the engine air flow is correct and to keep dust and debris away from engine components. Many drivers think that replacing the air filter will automatically increase their fuel economy, and this is why it’s so important. The concept was popular during the days of carbureted engines, when diminutive air flow could cause significantly different engine performance. But this isn’t the case with modern fuel-injected cars.

Air Filter Facts:

• Clean Filters = Healthy engine.
• Fuel injection modifies air flow.
• Clogged filters result in poor performance.
• Mileage increases tend to be small.
• Replace the filters per schedule.

Older carbureted engines were very sensitive to airflow and the use of a clean filter may make a significant difference to the performance. Modern cars are fitted with electronic sensors and fuel injection systems that can vary the amount of fuel delivered to the engine to account for the normal changes in air flow. Due to this technology, a moderately dirty air filter will not significantly affect overall fuel economy.

If your air filter is so clogged that your engine is suffering from a loss of performance or if it is making it difficult to press the gas pedal, it’s time to replace it. But replacement of the air filter isn’t expected to produce substantial gains in fuel efficiency. It is best to stick with the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule to ensure the engine continues to run efficiently without having to provide more maintenance than is needed.

7. If the Engine is Too Big, It Won’t Run

Bigger engines equaled more power, towing ability and faster acceleration for many years. Many people thought that bigger engines were always better, as they generally have more horsepower and torque. In recent years, however, because of advances in automotive engineering, this common notion has been turned upside down. These days, with modern technology, smaller engines can achieve amazing performance, efficiency and emissions.

Modern Engine Technology:

• It isn’t all about the engine.
• Turbocharging is a method of producing more power.
• Smaller engines are more efficient.
• The technology improves the overall performance.
• Select engine types to suit requirements.

Turbocharging, direct fuel injection, variable valve timing and sophisticated engine management systems have enhanced the performance of smaller engines. Modern turbocharged 4-cylinder engines are now capable of delivering the same or more horsepower than older engines of larger sizes. Such enhancements enable producers to optimize power output while also decreasing fuel consumption and emissions.

When choosing an engine, it isn’t just about the size, it’s about the right fit for the job. While larger engines continue to be useful for demanding loads, heavy towing, and hauling, that isn’t the only way to achieve good performance. The modern automotive engineer has illustrated that intelligent design and sophisticated technology can offer a great mix of power, efficiency, and the day-to-day usability.

8. What All-Wheel Drive Really Means for Your Safety

All-wheel drive is a deal because it helps your car grip the road better by sending power to all four wheels when the road gets slippery. This makes a lot of people think that all-wheel drive means they are completely safe when the weather is bad. That is not true. All-wheel drive does help with traction. It cannot make the road less slippery or make your tires grip better.

Here are some things to know about All-Wheel Drive:

• All-wheel drive helps your car move better on roads.
• Your tires are what really determine how well your car grips the road.
• Braking is still very important no matter what kind of car you have.
• You still need to be careful when the weather’s bad.
• Driving safely is the way to prevent accidents.

Even with all-wheel drive your car can still slip and slide if you drive too fast. When you need to stop all-wheel drive does not help you stop any faster. What really matters is your tires. How well you drive. So all-wheel drive is helpful. It is not a substitute for good driving and taking care of your car.

9. You Do Not Have to Go to the Dealership for Maintenance

A lot of people think that they have to take their car to the dealership for every oil change and check-up to keep their warranty valid. That is not true. You can take your car to any repair shop and it will not void your warranty. What matters is that the shop follows the manufacturers schedule and uses the parts.

Here are some things to know about Warranties:

• You do not have to go to the dealership for maintenance.
• Any qualified shop can do the work.
• Make sure to follow the manufacturers schedule.
• Keep track of all your maintenance records.
• Use parts and fluids that meet the manufacturers standards.

You can get your oil changed tires rotated and brakes checked at any repair shop. Just make sure they do the work right and keep a record of it. That way if you ever need to make a warranty claim you will have all the paperwork you need. What matters is that you take care of your car not where you take it.

10. Electric Vehicles Are Actually Good for the Environment

There is a lot of talk about vehicles and whether they are really good for the environment. Some people say that making the batteries for vehicles creates a lot of pollution so they are not as green as they seem. That is only part of the story. While it is true that making batteries requires a lot of energy and resources electric vehicles are still a lot cleaner than gas-powered cars.

Here are some things to know about Vehicles:

• Making batteries does create some pollution.
• Electric vehicles have a lower carbon footprint over their whole lifetime.
• They produce a lot pollution when they are being driven.
• Recycling batteries is getting better all the time.
• Using energy makes electric vehicles even cleaner.

Even though electric vehicles might produce more pollution when they are being made they make up for it by producing a lot less pollution when they are being driven. As we get better, at making batteries and using renewable energy electric vehicles will just get cleaner and cleaner. So electric vehicles are a part of creating a cleaner and more sustainable future.