9 Surprising Automotive Myths

No one remembers where they first heard them but somehow many people will arrive at the same misconceptions and myths about cars and driving. Let's clear a few things up:

1. Myth: All-wheel drive will help you dodge objects in the road and go faster around corners.
Truth: AWD is great at helping a vehicle accelerate, but even the most advanced systems do little to help a driver avoid road hazards or grip the pavement in corners. How a vehicle responds in emergency or racetrack-type maneuvers is determined mainly by the tires, suspension, vehicle weight and weight location. The bottom line: AWD can help a vehicle climb a snowy hill or accelerate out of a turn, but it can't help it corner or make a turn any quicker.

2.  Myth: You must be able to see the flanks of your own car in your outside mirrors in order to have a reference.
Truth: Your outside mirrors are improperly adjusted if you can see the sides of the car. Correctly adjusted, the three mirrors form a panoramic view much like one created with three slightly overlapping photos: The images on the inside edges of the outside mirrors slightly overlap the images on the outboard edges of the inside mirror. Properly adjusted mirrors reduce blind spots and reduce the need to look over your shoulder, which is a lot like closing your eyes while driving.

3. Myth: Large-diameter wheels fitted with low-profile tires improve handling.
Truth: Tall wheels with short sidewall tires are more about show than go. The original purpose of large-diameter wheels was to make room for larger brakes. Stylists and motorists liked the look of big wheels with short-sidewall tires and engineers took the opportunity to fit even bigger brakes. Also, low-profile tires tend to provide increased steering response, giving many the illusion of good handling. However, traction is determined largely by the composition of the tread rubber and, to a lesser extent, tire width. Pierre DuPasquier, former head of Michelin's race-tire program, said that if F1 lifted its current mandate of 13-inch diameter wheels, the size would grow to about 18 or 19 inches, "but certainly not 20 or above."

4. Myth: All-season tires offer more traction on wet roads.
Truth: A summer tire has more grip, both wet and dry, than an otherwise equivalent all-season tire. "All season" means the tire trades wet and dry grip to gain mobility in snow and below-freezing temperatures. If you live where it never or rarely snows, there's no reason to have an all-season tire.

5. Myth: Engine oil must be changed every 3,000 miles.
Truth: Many years ago this myth held some truth, but current improvements in oil change things. Depending on your driving habits, modern engine oil will effectively lubricate your engine for 10,000 or more miles. Stretching beyond the 3,000-mile interval is also environmentally sound. Several automakers are installing systems that determine exactly when your oil needs changing. If your vehicle lacks such a system, check your owner's manual for the recommended change interval. More frequent oil changes are called for if most of your drives are less than 15 minutes or you drive less than 10,000 miles in a year or in dusty conditions.

 6. Myth: Downshifting a manual transmission car is done to slow down.
Truth: The purpose of downshifting is to be in the proper gear to accelerate out of the next corner. Brakes are much more efficient at slowing a vehicle, and they cost less to replace. Downshifting produces some deceleration force, but it's hard on the transmission, clutch and other components. Also, an improper downshift may cause a rear-drive car to spin out. (An exception: fully loaded 18-wheelers.)

7. Myth: The purpose of antilock braking systems (ABS) is to shorten stopping distance.
Truth: ABS was designed to give the driver the ability to steer around danger and not spin out while braking as hard as possible. It's true that most drivers can shorten braking distance with ABS because no skill and little training are needed to get the most from the system: Just stomp on the pedal and steer around the obstacle. A shorter stopping distance is a by-product, not the main purpose of ABS.

8. Myth: A tire may explode if you exceed the "max pressure" number on the sidewall.
Truth: The "max pressure" number found on the sidewall of a tire refers to its load-carrying capability, not its burst pressure. The burst pressure of the tire is far beyond the "max pressure" number. When the tire is inflated to its max pressure, it will carry the "max load" weight that appears nearby on the sidewall. Especially for ultralow-profile tires on sport-utility vehicles, the tire may need to be inflated to its max pressure to safely carry the weight of the vehicle and its contents. Always check your owner's manual for the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle.

9. Myth: You're a safe driver. It's the other guy who's the problem.
Truth: OK, so this isn't a mechanical myth, but it is the most pervasive myth of all. Studies show that the overwhelming majority of drivers classify themselves as "safe drivers" or rate themselves in the top 50 percent for their driving skill. It's those other, crazy drivers out there who cause problems, right? But the truth is, those other drivers probably don't classify you as an above-average driver, either. In reality, most of us fall into the below-average category at least some of the time.

What Does Your Air Freshener Say About You?

No one likes a smelly car, and everyone seems to have their own way of avoiding that scenario. Take a quick look at this list of what your choice in air freshener says about you!

Standard Pine Tree: You're a fan of the classics. You probably live life by the book and play by the rules, not that that's a bad thing or anything!

Novelty Air Freshener: You're a bit on the unique and quirky side. Passengers in your car are likely in for an interesting smelling journey. But way to keep things fresh!

Glade Air Freshener: You're very neat and tidy, perhaps a bit TOO neat sometimes. You probably carry around a bottle of hand sanitizer on your person at all times. It's your way or the highway, but hey, you know what you want and won't settle for less.

Fruit Air Freshener: Away with your forest-smelling fresheners, you like fruit and you want your car to show it!

Air Freshener Collector: Either your car smells really bad, your sense of smell is broken, or you're just too lazy to remove old ones. Regardless, you display 3 years worth of air fresheners as a badge of honor.

No Air Freshener: Congratulations, you probably take really good care of your car! Regular washes and vacuums keep your car in tip top shape. Either that or you just really don't care what people think about the smell of your car. If they don't like it they can get out, right?

4 Things They Don't Teach You In Driver's Ed

When it comes to the rules of the road, for most people it is common sense and maybe even second nature; drive the speed limit, wear your seatbelt, pass on the left, etc. But there are a handful of things they they don't teach you in Driver's Ed that could very well save your life. Take a look at this quick list we've put together:

1. Don't Be Afraid to Brake: Most car owners, young or old, are nervous about pushing their vehicles to their limits, even in emergency situations when an immediate stop is required. The logic behind this is flawed; it is either be careful on your brakes and hope for the best (even though your odds of crashing are increased), or slam on the brakes and greatly reduce your chances of crashing. Your car is designed and tested for these emergency conditions, don't be afraid to jam on the brakes like no tomorrow!

2. Train to Remain Calm: Overcorrection is one of the main causes of accidents on the road. If you find that your car has drifted a bit out of it's lane, remain calm, and gently veer back into your lane. Jerky movements, especially at high speeds, can send a car out of control and be very dangerous for other drivers.

3. Hands Lower on the Wheel: Airbags have come a long way in keeping us safe on the roads. While they are designed to keep us alive, they sometimes have a knack for collateral damage. Driving with your hands high up on the steering wheel (specifically at "12 o'lock", but even 10 and 2!) in the event of an accident can result in the airbag propelling your hand directly into your face. We don't have to explain how dangerous this can be. Studies show that in light of recent airbag technology, it is much safer to have your hands at 9 and 3, or possibly even 8 and 4!

4. Be Prepared to React: You can be the safest driver on the road, but that won't always prevent you from encountering some dangerous drivers out there. Odds are that most motorists will be faced with some sort of traffic accident at some point in their lifetime of driving; whether it be minor or major, train yourself to be ready to handle emergency situations. Stay alert, drive defensively, and know what to do in certain situations (IE. if a car is stopped ahead of you in your lane, press hard on the brakes and carefully guide your vehicle around the stopped car).

Happy driving, everybody!

Epic April Fool's Day Pranks

Pranksters rejoice, for it's April Fool's Day and the one time of year where you can pull of the best tricks and pranks on co-workers, family, and friends alike! Check out this list of great, easy ways you can trick the people in your life. 

 

1. Mix M&Ms with Skittles for a unsuspecting chocolate/fruit combination

2. Mayonnaise-filled donuts, anyone?

3. Apply clear nail polish to bar soap for a frustrating lather-proof bar

4. Airhorn door-stopper is bound to get a few scares

5. If you've got the patience, a hallway full of cups of water can be quite the pain to maneuver

6. Carmel-covered onions

7. How about a fresh batch of brownies?

Top 5 Apps For Your Car

We've come a long way since using a book of maps to get around on road trips, and we're thankful for that. Technology has opened a lot of convenient doors for users of all walks of life. Whether you're driving across the country or down the street, here are a list of some handy apps that can make your drive easier and more fun.

Carticipate- This app can help you find people heading in the same direction as you to help coordinate carpooling. Save the environment at the same time as you save money, and perhaps make a friend or two along the way!

iGasup- Ever wondered where exactly is the cheapest gas in your area? Wonder no longer; this app can help you compare the gas prices at all the stations near you to help you get the most for your buck.

Trapster- You'd never knowingly speed, would you? Of course not! But on the off-change that you're known to get a bit heavy-footed from time to time, download Trapster to help inform you of police speed traps before you reach them.

TripAlyzer- Trying to maximize fuel efficiency during your drive? Download this app to help keep track of stats and driving habits during your trip to help you save the most money at the pump.

Craftsman Garage Door App- This is arguably the coolest app on this list. Ever gotten to work or well on your way somewhere and wondered: Did I remember to close the garage? This app for the iPhone can help set your mind at ease (or let you know if you need to hightail it back) by letting you know if your garage door is open or closed. The app itself is free, however the technology needed to keep track of your garage door can cost about $200 at Sears. We're thinking that might be worth the peace of mind, though.

Spring Cleaning For Your Car

Clear Out The Trash 

When you're cleaning any car, much less a winter-weather-beaten one, start by removing all the junk you've been ignoring. Have a garbage bag and a "keep" box handy, because you'll want to hang on to some of the stuff. Be thorough: Get under and beside the seats and in the trunk. 

Vacuum the Inside 
You'll want to work from the top down, because gravity dictates that stuff stirred up works its way floorward. Also, yank out the salt-caked floor mats for a quick pass with the vacuum. Then use a house or shop vac and a rigid tool such as a screwdriver to work dirt out of the creases. 

Scrub Carpet and Upholstery 
This step is optional but worth the satisfying results. Grab a spray bottle of automotive-upholstery-and-carpet cleaner and a heavy-duty scrub brush to clean the soft parts of the interior. Spray the seats or anything cloth- covered; scrub, then wipe down. Repeat at least one more time, moving to the carpet for the same job. Being thorough with the carpet is important, as it can act like a filthy, salty, wet rag that accelerates rusting. When you're done, pull the drain plugs under the floor and let things air out for a few days. You'll be amazed at how much better the car smells. 

Power-Wash the Floor Mats 
The floor mats are without question the parts of the interior that take winter abuse the hardest. If you've got all-rubber floor mats, they won't take long to clean, but carpeted mats will likely take two passes with a power washer to get all the salt and dirt out. If you don't have a power washer, use one at a self-service car wash. Let the mats dry thoroughly before putting them back into the car or you could be begging for mold growth in the carpet. 

Swap Your Tires 
If you live in far-north climates, it makes sense to own sets of summer and winter tires. Make sure to swap them out in a timely manner. Leaving winter tires on too long will result in excess wear, because they soften with warmer temperatures. 

Tip: Old Tool, New Trick 
When cleaning out door and body drain holes, we’ve found that the best method is to repurpose a plug-installation tool used in tire repair. Cut up an old shop rag or sock and stick it into the slot of the tool just the way you would a tire plug. The setup makes dragging out dirt and plant matter very easy, and the fabric scrap is easily replaced when it gets grimy. 

Ditch Winter Windshield Wipers 
Wipers get beaten up pretty bad in the winter, and torn-up old wipers in a summer downpour will leave you blind. 

Lube the Hinges 
Hit each door, trunk, and hood hinge with white lithium grease to prevent squeaks and premature wear. 

Clean the Windows 
Ever notice how your windows fog up really bad during damp spring weather? Part of that has to do with how dirty the inside of your windscreen is, but you can take steps to prevent this. First, wash your windows with a good car-window cleaner; the ammonia in household stuff will make the fogging worse. Fog has a harder time clinging to a clean surface, and you can go a step further by wiping down the interior of the glass with an antifogging agent. 

Wash the Car 
This seems obvious, but there are some subtleties. As with the interior, you want to clean the car from the top down, rinsing ­frequently. Don't start at the rocker panels and move to the roof—it drags dirt around and scratches the clear coat. When the body is clean, spend a few dollars at your local automatic car wash and get the underbody flushed. This will dislodge the road salt that is doing its best to turn the unibody into Swiss cheese. 

Replace the Cabin Air Filter 
This filter keeps dirt, pollen, and plant matter from entering the ventilation system. It gets dirtiest during autumn, when falling leaves work their way into the cabin-intake system. 

Don't Forget the Trunk 
Add a bag of sand, gravel, or kitty litter to the trunk as ballast to improve traction in slippery conditions and to have something to throw under the tires when the car's stuck. But come spring, remove the bag and other winter gear to improve fuel economy and free up space. 

Wipe Down the Entry 
Scrub door sills to keep your pants clean, and dust off any nooks missed during a car wash. Rub door seals with mineral oil or use silicone spray to keep them supple. 

And While You're At It 
Since you're already poking around the car, take a few more minutes for regular upkeep. 

☐ Inspect tread depth. 
☐ Test your tire pressure—including the spare.
☐ Change the oil. 
☐ Add washer fluid.
☐ Clean the wheels and tires. 
☐ Dump a bottle of fuel-system cleaner into the gas tank.

What Is Your Car's Color Saying About You?

It has been said that your car's color can say a lot about your personality; whether you're simple and sophisticated, or artistic and bold, or elegant and under-spoken, it can be argued that your everyday vehicle can say a lot about you as a whole. So tell us, what does your car color say about you?

Black: Powerful, Classic, Elegant - You are a bold and powerful person, and likely your wardrobe matches your car's color in reflecting it. You are elegant in everything that you do and believe "you can't beat the classics".

White: Pure, Pristine, Direct - Likely you are a very clean, organized person. Your passengers would better hope they remember to grab their trash out of the car before they leave, otherwise they can expect an earful from you about maintaining your car's pristine state.

Pearl: Glamorous and Exciting - You aren't too flashy, but you aren't too boring either. You've got yourself together but you'd like to make sure everyone else knows there is a part of you that isn't afraid to cut loose every now and again.

Silver: Futuristic and Prestigious - You're a forward thinker. You tend to value the finer things in life. Regular colors are just a bit too plain for your personality.

Red: Sensual, Dynamic, and Outgoing - Always on the lookout for a good time. You probably tend to be a bit outspoken, but it is the reason why you are appreciated by the people around you. You're a true social butterfly.

Gray: Practical and Pragmatic - Cool, calm, and collected, you are. You're likely a very logical person and a great thinker. Not usually very quick to excite.

Blue: Calm and Faithful, yet Confident and Authoritative - There is a lot to be said about people who drive blue cars, however, most tend to be very calm and collected individuals. Do not confuse these people with pushovers, though, these types of people tend to be very opinionated and steadfast.

Orange: Unique, Artistic, and Complex - You are an artist. You are not afraid to let your freak flag fly and are probably not often concerned how you come off to other people. And why should you be? You're too busy being you to worry about other people's opinions, and that's a good thing!

Brown: Powerful, yet Down-To-Earth - You're a very "grounded" individual, pun intended. You are not fazed by over-the-top antics but rather appreciate the finer things in life. You are a very neutral person.

Yellow: Joyful, Humorous - You're that guy or gal in your circle of friends who is always making everyone laugh and is generally a hoot to be around. You've got a very sunny disposition that tends to brighten up the lives of those around you.

Green: Well-Balanced, Organic - Leading a life of indulgence and excesses is just not something you are concerned with. You would rather concern yourself with what you can do for other's around you. You are generally a very compassionate and self-aware person.

Gold: Intelligent and Warm - Contrary to most of gold's usual implications, you are a warm and intelligent person. You value attention but you are not in others' faces about it all the time. You crave comfort.