Common Car Myths

Most people that you meet day-to-day don’t know a lot about the internal workings of their car. As such, we tend to take everyone else’s word for it when it comes to basic car facts. Of course, the downside of this is that these facts—despite being generally accepted and willingly perpetuated—might very well end up being completely false. Here are the most common car myths that just won’t seem to die.

Red cars are more likely to get pulled over

Your car color has no effect on your chances of receiving a speeding ticket; only your individual driving habits will determine that. No matter the color of your vehicle, if you speed, you run the risk of being pulled over. But what about the rumor that red cars have higher insurance rates? This is also false. Factors insurance companies consider when determining rates include the make, model, and year of your vehicle; your personal driving history; and your credit history–not the color of your car. Some insurance companies don’t even ask the color of your vehicle when applying.

Cranking Up the Air Conditioning is Better Than Cracking the Windows

This myth is so commonly held that Mythbusters tackled it on the popular Discovery show. There is some basis in the myth, however, because rolling down the windows causes more wind resistance, making your vehicle less aerodynamic. Still, Mythbusters and other experts have found that cranking up the A/C actually leads to a slight decrease in a vehicle’s fuel economy, even though using the air conditioner is generally recommended to help keep drivers alert.

You Should Change Your Oil Every 3,000 Miles

The rule that you should get an oil change every 3,000 miles exists because, like most myths, it was once the truth. Older cars did require more frequent oil changes, but this simply isn’t the case anymore. Many modern cars can actually go as far as 10,000 miles without needing new oil. We don’t recommend pushing your car to the limits, however, since engine oil gets grimy over time and will stop lubricating your engine altogether. You’re better off checking your owner’s manual for your specific model’s recommendations and sticking to that recommended schedule.

Premium Fuel Makes Your Car Run Better

It seems like a no-brainer. More expensive fuel should make your run-of-the-mill SUV run like a high-performance coupe, right? Actually, no. Premium gas isn’t any cleaner or purer than regular – it’s just less combustible, which is necessary for cars with more powerful engines. Using a higher octane gas for your non-premium car offers no benefit whatsoever, so unless you enjoy wasting money at the pump, stick with regular.

Let Your Car Warm Up Before Your Drive

In the winter months, it’s tempting to let your car idle to allow both the engine and cabin to warm up. Not only does this bad habit waste gas, but it’s also bad for your car. Unnecessary idling in cold weather causes your engine’s moving parts to wear down faster, resulting in the need for more frequent repairs.

About Spirit West Rapid Refinish

Spirit West Rapid Refinish, established in 2011, was formed to focus on providing quality service for customers who are paying out of pocket for automobile repairs and streamline the workflow volume.

We take great pride with teamwork and our commitment to making sure our team receives training on the latest innovative state-of-the-art equipment and collision repair techniques.

We are proud to say our team is family, and we treat our customers like family too. Whether you need minor collision repair services, bumper repair or vehicle paint, give us a call today (636) 386-8060 to see how we can restore your vehicle to its original factory finish or stop by the shop 14643 Manchester Rd, Manchester, MO 63011 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm closed 12pm-1pm daily.