Busting Car Myths!

Facts and figures about cars float around all the time–but do you know which ones are fact and which are fiction? Taking care of your car is essential in benefiting your car’s longevity and your own safety. I’m here to bust some common myths you probably thought were harmless!

– Myth: Louder exhaust indicates a more powerful engine.

• Truth: This is not necessarily true. Smaller engines can definitely still produce a loud sound, but in reality are not more powerful. Your car’s exhaust system has two main functions: to quiet the noise of combustion and to ensure your car’s fuel efficiency. So, the noise it omits is not the perfect indicator of the type of engine behind it or its power.

– Myth: Jump starting your car recharges the battery.

• Truth: This is one of the most common myths I hear floating around! And, this is sometimes true. In some cases, your battery might have died for many other reasons and you’ll need a replacement all together. However, jump starting your car is usually an easy fix for your battery, but it is never instant. Once your jump works, don’t shut off your engine! Drive around for at least 15 minutes to let your battery recharge. Sometimes hours of driving may be necessary to recharge–if it can hold a charge at all.

– Myth: Topping off brake fluid (if it’s low), fixes the problem.

• Truth: There are many reasons why you could have low brake fluid, so topping it off is not always a magical fix. Low brake fluid could mean your brakes are worn out or you might have a leak. So it is best to get this checked instead of taking matters into your own hands!

– Myth: Coolant rarely needs to be changed.

• Truth: This depends on your definition of rarely. A good rule of thumb is to replace your coolant about every five years. The purpose of coolant is to control fluids and various engine parts’ temperatures in all weather conditions, so this is definitely an aspect of your car you don’t want to just brush off.

– Myth: Oil should be changed every 3,000 miles.

• Truth: I see so many different numbers floating around about this ALL the time. Intervals in which you should change your oil vary from car to car. Check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation. That is the number you should listen to. Regardless of the number, you want to make sure you’re changing your oil at regular, reasonable intervals.