There are so many myths associated with automobiles.  You’ve probably heard dozens of them.  Some of them are likely true but a lot of them aren’t.  Here’s ten to consider:

1. Bigger engines keep you safer during crashes – This one is just not true but you hear it all the time.  It doesn’t matter what size engine you have during a crash.  The engine may be pushed toward the driver regardless of it’s size.  The real factor in whether an engine gets pushed into the passenger compartment is the design of the support structures around the engine.

2. All gas is created equal – Not really.  While the basic gas formula is similar between brands, each gas company adds their own secret brand of detergent to keep internal engine components clean.  Just take a look at the advertising at your local gas station if you have any doubt about this.

3. SUVs are safer than cars – Maybe. SUVs are often held to different standards since they are technically trucks in the eyes of the law.  As a result, SUVs may be safer than ordinary cars, it depends on the SUV and when it was built.

4. Hard tops are safer than convertibles – This was the case long ago, but not anymore. Vehicle safety is front and center among manufacturers today and convertibles are now just as safe as hard-tops.

5. Leather seats make for the best interior – Well, that depends. Leather is a lovely material and has a nice rich smell to it but they need to be maintained and overtime, they can wear out.  It’s a matter of choice.

6. Increasing speed limits causes more wrecks – People usually attribute speed with accidents. This is the case sometimes, but not always. Studies show that most crashes tend to happen more in lower speed zones than they do in the higher ones.

7. AWD vehicles are superior in the snow – While all-wheel drive will help you maintain control in some low traction areas, it can’t help you stop any faster! Honestly, the best way to deal with snow is by putting good snow tires on your car during the winter months

8. Wider tires perform better – Yes, a wider tire will help an race car handle better, but for ordinary cars, there is little effect. Unless you specifically want wider tires, more narrow ones are cheaper to buy and use less gasoline.

9. Modifying your car will void the factory warranty – It depends, many manufacturers will give you a hard time if you mess with the engine and engine control systems.  Generally speaking, anything involving the interior or tires is fine, though.

10. Every 3000 miles, you need to change your oil – This used to be true but not anymore.  Today’s vehicles are designed with much longer oil change intervals, up to 10,000 miles is not uncommon.

Article Source: Lynch Chrysler