10 Biggest Automotive Myths
Myth #1: When my brakes squeak it is probably caused by brake dust. Fact: Brake Dust never causes squeaks. Brake dust is a natural result of braking caused by the brake pad (or brake shoe) wearing against the rotor (or drum) as you brake. A fraction of the brake pad and rotor wear away with each stop, which is what forms brake dust.
Myth #2: Where I live emissions testing is not required, so why do I need a catalytic converter? Fact: If your vehicle had a catalytic converter on it when you purchased most likely you need one on your vehicle. Catalytic Converters are also required by the Federal Government. They are located on the exhaust of your car or truck and its main purpose is to remove unburned air and fuel mixture leftover from your engine before it is released into the air. Catalytic Converters are a good tool to help to environment clean but also they also are used to give valuable information on how well your engine is running.
Myth #3: With cars being so reliable now, routine maintenance isn’t necessary. Fact: It is always less expensive to replace a worn part than to let the part fail and pay for larger and more serious damage because of it. It is always recommended to do regular maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer of the vehicle. It may save you money in the short term to ignore these checkups but in the long run you will save more and your car will run better. Also, it is always known that part failure will occur at the worst time and at the worst place and end up costing you more had you just done simple routine maintenance on your vehicle.
Myth #4: More Octane the best Gasoline. Fact: Each vehicle has a recommended octane level. It does not help your car or truck if you put in higher level octane gasoline, actually it can sometimes do more harm than good. Octane rating is the resistance of gasoline to detonation. Most high performance vehicles have higher compression ratios which makes then more likely to have detonation. Because of this they require higher octane gas. If your vehicle has a lower compression ratio higher octane fuels were not designed to be used with your engine. Be sure to find out the recommended octane level for you vehicle and stay with that octane ranking.
Myth #5: Manufactures warranty is only valid if your vehicle is serviced by the dealer. Fact: It is against the law for the dealer to require you to have your vehicle serviced at his location. However, you must follow the recommended service schedule the manufacturer has provided in order to not void the warranty. If you chose to have maintenance provided by any facility besides the dealers, make sure you keep all documentation to show that routine maintenance has been performed.
Myth #6: Performance Mufflers are only for going fast. Fact: In order to improve gas mileage and increase power the restrictions on your engine must be made more efficient. One of the best ways to accomplish this is to get a high performance exhaust system. With larger diameter exhaust piping and a free flowing muffler you will experience greatly improve gas mileage, more power, and even lower engine temperatures. Also, your exhaust sound will be greatly improved and that is always good.
Myth #7: Using gasoline with additives like Techron keeps my engine clean. Fact: No matter what gasoline is used, carbon build up will occur over time on the valves and injectors. The combustion process leaves these deposits on and in the engine and the small amount of additives in the gasoline can not properly clean them out. It is recommended that a thorough cleaning of the fuel system be done periodically. This helps remove the build up on the valves and injectors in your engine which will help with efficiency.
Myth #8: Idling is more efficient than restarting your engine. Fact: New Hybrid vehicles that stop the engine while at stop lights prove this myth incorrect. If the engine of a vehicle is warm it takes no additional fuel to start. Before direct fuel injection and new automotive innovations this might have been the case, but with new more developed vehicles restarting your engine takes no more gas than idling.
Myth #9: Oil does not need to be changed, just topped off. Fact: Automotive Oil will, over time, break down and degrade. Also, the oil is designed, not only to lubricate, but also to capture and suspend any impurities and contaminates it comes in contact with. Used oil is black because of these trapped contaminates and impurities, which is why your oil needs to be drained from your car’s engine. The best way to ensure a long life for your car?s engine is regular changing of fluids and the oil filter.
Myth #10: Let the engine idle to warm up on cold days. Fact: Engines run best at their design temperatures. To get to the ideal temperature sooner, start the engine and drive at moderate speeds. Your engine will be okay, modern oils flow fine in cold weather.
Myth #11: The higher the coolant/antifreeze ratio to water the better. Fact: Coolant / antifreeze works best at a 50/50 ratio. Coolant is purchased as a concentrate and should have an equal amount of water added to perform best. Antifreeze/Coolant (Ethylene glycol) needs to be mixed with water to obtain the necessary properties used for cooling the engine. Neither fluid on its own has a low enough freezing point or a high enough boiling point. Coolant like all other fluids breaks down as well as retains impurities and becomes less effective over time. The engine and radiator should be flushed and refilled with fresh coolant periodically.
