Even for non-car enthusiasts, there are plenty of things people need to know when buying a car, while owning one, and when the time comes to sell it as well. Though it may not seem all that interesting for some, cars are complicated and some basic knowledge is needed to make sure everything goes swimmingly.
However, there are plenty of total myths regarding cars the world over, and a lot of people still believe them, no matter how ridiculous they may be. Stuff that has been thrown around about either cars in general, a certain component's functionality, or capabilities. While some of these are true, and they should be considered, some of them are just total nonsense.
10 True - Increased Remote Range
Pretty much every car on the road nowadays has remote central locking. Press a button on the key fob, the doors lock or unlock. In some cases, the key fob will let you start the engine, or maybe even move the car several feet backwards or forwards. There are even some really nice looking ones that we'd love to collect.
One major myth regarding remote central locking that has been thrown around is that if someone holds the key fob against their head, the range of the key will be increased, allowing for someone to be further away and still use all of the key fob's functionalities. Believe it or not, this is actually true. While it's not exactly good for you, thanks to the fluids in your body, this myth is actually true.
9 Nonsense - Engine Oil Intervals
Ages ago, people believed that the engine oil had to be changed about every 3000 miles or so. Back in the day, engine oil wasn't quite so advanced, and it did have a tendency to curdle, almost like some dairy products do.
But, engine oil nowadays is completely different from what it was ages ago, and it's best to go with the oil interval that your manufacturer recommends. In any case, unless you own a rotary-powered vehicle, changing oil every 3,100 miles isn't necessary.
8 True - You Can Put Any Brand Of Fuel In Your Car
Some people are wary of going to "off-brand" gas stations and filling up their cars there, because they're afraid that the gas is lower quality and could potentially cause damage to your car. Even though it might not seem like it, you can actually fill up at any gas station you encounter. If you drive one of these gas guzzlers, you'll have to do that quite often.
Sure, established gas station brands will have more "refined" fuels with more enhancements to make them better for the environment (as much as possible), but the fact is, the fuel at the "off-brand" gas stations has to comply with the same regulations. As long as it's the correct type of fuel, you can fill up wherever you want.
7 Nonsense - Manual Transmissions Are More Efficient
This myth is made even more interesting by the fact that it used to be true. When automatic transmissions were first introduced, and up until very recently, they tended to use more fuel than stick shift cars.
However, over the years, various advancements have been made and the automatic transmission has been perfected. It significantly improves performance in fast cars, and it now uses less fuel than a manual. It's one of the many reasons why manual transmissions are, unfortunately, on their way out.
6 True - F1 Cars Can Drive Upside Down
This statement might seem preposterous, but it's actually true. Modern Formula 1 cars are some of the most advanced four-wheeled vehicles on the planet, and that allows them to theoretically achieve feats like this.
The science behind it is that the downforce, which is the weight of the air traveling over the car at speed, has to be the same as the car's weight when stationary. Formula 1 cars are very light, and the downforce matches their dry weight, meaning they could theoretically drive upside down. We're still waiting for someone brave enough to put that to the test. And a facility where they can do it.
5 Nonsense - Jet Fuel Will Make A Car Faster
A myth so well-known, it was even parodied by Family Guy. In theory, because kerosene fuels much more powerful engines, it should make your car go a lot faster. It sounds intriguing, and some people might want to do it.
But, whatever you do, do not put jet fuel in your car under any circumstances! Internal combustion engines used in cars are not designed to take kerosene, the fuel won't combust and the car will just simply stall. It could also lead to severe engine damage.
4 True - EVs Are Less Likely To Catch Fire
Electric cars are the talk of the town at the moment, and while most people have grown to accept them and even like them, there are a few skeptics left that are still unsure about some aspects regarding EVs. One of those is an increased fire risk.
Though the Internet has seen its fair share of electric car fires, some studies show that an EV is actually less likely to spontaneously combust in an accident when compared to an ICE-powered vehicle.
3 Nonsense - The Car Should Warm Up In The Snow
A lot of people believe that they should let the car warm up for an extended period of time before driving it in the snow. While it's true that an ice-cold engine won't perform well and that will decrease its livelihood, this is also nonsense.
The truth is, the car shouldn't warm-up for more than 30 seconds in the snow. Letting the car idle for too long overloads the combustion chamber, and if the engine isn't getting any gasoline, the oil will not dissolve, which could lead to disaster. Let the car run for 30 seconds, and then you can be on your way.
2 True - Some Colors Attract Thieves More Than Others
Having a car stolen can happen to anyone, and it's completely rational that one day, you might find that your car is no longer on your driveway. However, as it turns out, if the car is a bright, flashy color, it's less likely to attract thieves.
Presumably, because they attract less attention, most grand theft auto incidents involve black, silver, or gray-colored cars. That's an interesting statistic, considering that most cars on the road nowadays are painted in those exact colors, but if it's bright and vibrant, you're safe.
1 Nonsense - Korean Cars Are Still Bad
This one is more for the car enthusiasts, but especially in the present day, it's total nonsense. Some 20 years ago, Korean cars were the laughingstock of the automotive world, but in the last couple of years, things have changed dramatically.
The Genesis GV70 and Kia Stinger GT (pictured) are prime examples. The GV70 is the Genesis luxury brand's entry into the highly competitive compact crossover market, and it looks like a serious challenger. Meanwhile, the Stinger GT presents a very compelling alternative to the likes of the BMW M340i and Mercedes-AMG C43 and E53.