At our McCafferty Hyundai sales department, we've heard a lot of concerns from people who want to take care of their car. And while that's good, some common myths mean that you could be doing more than you really need to! Here are some of the biggest myths we've heard at our dealership – and some facts to set them straight.
1. Car tires will explode if inflated past the maximum number.
Yes, the idea of a tire
exploding on you is frightening, but that "max pressure" number
actually refers to the tire's ability to carry a load, and in most cases you'll
want the pressure of the tire to meet or slightly exceed that number. Having a
pressure that's too low can reduce performance – and the actual burst
pressure of any quality tire is significantly higher than the max pressure number.
2. Downshifting is for slowing a vehicle.
No, it's not – that's what the brakes are for, and they do it much better, much faster, and with less wear and tear on your vehicle.
3. All-season tires offer better gripping on wetter roads.
Actually, all-season tires
are for all seasons, so they're actually not as good on wet roads, though they
do help in the summer. If you're not expecting to face a lot of rain, talk with
our McCafferty Hyundai sales department about summer tires instead; they're
much better for the rain.
4. Vehicles should have an even weight distribution to be efficient.
That's not really necessary. If a vehicle is significantly heavier on one end, then the manufacturer increases the strength of that area to compensate. Unless you're looking for extreme performance, efficiency drops from weight distribution aren't something you need to worry about.
5. A greater distance between axles makes a vehicle more stable.
This is technically true, but it's only one of many factors involved in stability – and a minor one, at that.
6. All-wheel drive helps you dodge things better.
All-wheel drive (AWD) systems do help you accelerate, but they're not meant to help you avoid hazards on the roadway. They’re most useful when you're going straight, not maneuvering for turns and dodges.
7. You should be able to see the flanks of your vehicle in your side mirrors.
This one is very wrong. - You shouldn't see the sides of your vehicle from your normal driving position. If you do, then your mirrors are adjusted incorrectly, and you should fix them as soon as you can.
8. Large-diameter, low-profile tires improve handling.
Actually, tires like these are good at improving steering response, which many drivers confuse with improved handling. Handling is improved much more by tire width and the pattern of the grip. Feel free to talk to one of our McCafferty Hyundai sales representatives here in Langhorne if you want to know more about the right tread pattern for your needs.
9. Anti-lock brakes shorten stopping distance.
While they can be used this way, the main purpose of the anti-lock brake (ABS) system is to help you steer around problems, not stop the vehicle entirely. It can help to shorten stopping distance, but this is an improper use of the system and shouldn't be your first resort (unless the situation you're in demands otherwise).
10. Using the air conditioning improves fuel economy.
It's surprising how many people believe this. In reality, air conditioning slightly reduces your overall fuel economy. It's not a significant amount, though, so you should use it when it's necessary. The right interior temperature in your car can help to keep you awake and alert, decreasing your chances of a collision.
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