Common myths about the car driving

There are various myths among car owners. These myths complicate our car choice and operation. Let's talk about some of the most common prejudices the drivers have.

1.    Hybrid cars are too slow

The first models of hybrid cars were too slow, which had a negative impact on their performance. Such cars had significant speed limits, and they were limited maximum to 6 miles per hour. Today, however, hybrid cars are not inferior to other types of cars in terms of power, and, thus, they are popular among buyers. 

2.    Six-cylinder engines are more powerful than eight-cylinder ones

There is a tendency to equip even the business sedans and sports coupes with small four-and six-cylinder engines. According to the car manufacturers, such six-cylinder engines are even more powerful than the eight-cylinder ones. This power is provided by a turbocharger, which improves the dynamic characteristics of the motor. However, in reality, the eight-cylinder engines are much better than the six-cylinder turbocharged engines in their dynamic performance. Their power curve is such that it provides excellent traction already from the bottom, while the turbo engine with six cylinders will give the peak power only at high speeds.

3.    All-wheel drive is effective on wet roads

The all-wheel drive improves the vehicle's cross-country performance, making the car manageable on a snow-covered road. Many car owners are confident that on a wet road all-wheel drive provides maximum traction, increasing the safety of driving. However, in reality, on a wet road not the all-wheel drive is important, but the prevention of the aquaplaning effect, which leads to the drift of the car. Quality rubber able to take moisture from the contact spot helps to prevent the appearance of aquaplaning. Therefore, it is much more important to monitor the condition of the rubber than to rely on the all-wheel drive.

4.    New cars are always better than used ones

All of us want to buy a new car from the salon, which will have a guarantee. Moreover, we will always be confident in the technical condition of the car. However, in fact, the quality of the car assembly has deteriorated in recent years. Therefore, sometimes the reliability of the old cars is much better than that of new ones.

Buying a new car, we usually buy cars of economy class, which are equipped at a minimum. The assembly quality will also be worse than that of premium cars. Therefore, it is much easier and more profitable to buy a used high-quality car than a new car of the budget segment.  Such cars can be better equipped, and it will be much more reliable than the inexpensive foreign car.

5.    Automatic gearbox does not require maintenance

Nowadays automatic transmission is very popular and gradually replaces the standard mechanical gearboxes. Many car owners are sure that such units do not require maintenance, and the oil in the box does not need to be changed throughout the life of the unit. However, in reality, the automatic transmission will require timely maintenance, including regular oil change. Such work should be carried out every 30 thousand miles.

Every 185 000 miles the automatic transmission will require opening and overhaul. Such service work should be performed only by specialists with experience. This overhaul will guarantee the smooth operation of the car for many years.

6.    Crossovers easily flip over

In the past, indeed, many full-size SUVs did not have good handling. Thus, it was possible to turn over, and the severity of such accidents was invariably high. Today, there are much more stringent safety standards, so in terms of security, the use of such cars has no difference from the use of classic sedans.

Many drivers have different prejudices and myths about the cars and their operation. Knowing where the truth and the lie are, the car owner will be able to choose the right car and solve possible problems in its operation.