Cars have always been considered a luxury, but recently they've become a necessity, one for which many are willing to shell out a pretty penny. So, after buying one, owners wonder how to save money, where to find cheaper parts, how to avoid making mistakes with suppliers, and how to avoid breaking the bank. Today, we'll be talking about things we hear about every day – a car requires maintenance, repairs, and ultimately, money. It's like the article about perfect crimes – the ultimate marketing force!
10. Automatic transmission modes
Many women prefer automatic transmissions to manual ones. There are also men who need to be constantly on the phone, which is why they choose automatic transmissions. And here's the main myth: when stopped at traffic lights, in traffic jams, on hills, or before turning, you should shift the automatic transmission into "P" mode, as it's believed this will extend the life of the transmission and save fuel. You've probably seen drivers shift into "P" or "N" mode in traffic jams or around town, and the reverse lights turn on.
Experts say this isn't true, laughing at such arguments. A transmission is already a complex mechanism, and an automatic transmission is even more complex. And every time you shift gears, the car wears out faster. Its lifespan naturally decreases, and its "service life" is significantly reduced. If you were thinking of saving fuel by doing this, it's pointless—it doesn't affect costs in any way. And if you're simply tired of pressing the brake, it's better to apply the handbrake.
9. Oil change
They say that if your oil consumption is high, you don't need to change it. Is this statement true, and are they really just ripping us off when they say otherwise? Every 10,000 kilometers, you need to change the oil, you need to buy expensive brands, and you absolutely need to have it done at a service center. Can you imagine how much you could save if you stopped spending money on specific oils and other recommendations from so-called auto mechanics? And what do the experts who build engines, who power dozens of cars every day, say?
If the engine constantly "consumes" oil, there's no problem. It's not a problem with the car, not a breakdown, not a peculiarity. Oil needs to be topped up, but it also needs to be changed. As much as you might want to save money, you should think about the car itself. It cost you several thousand dollars, and in two or three years, you're unlikely to want to buy a new model. Adding oil keeps it clear, even transparent. But where does the rest go? The engine is loose, and the oil is lost along with the fuel, meaning there's dust, soot, and debris at the bottom. The filter will trap all that gunk, which could eventually cause the engine to seize.
8. Automobile "appetite"«
Sometimes when you're buying a car, you pay attention to the little details, right down to the registration document. While the fuel consumption figures are listed there, the car's actual fuel consumption far exceeds the figure stated in the document. Car dealership managers unanimously say, "A new car's fuel consumption is usually 250-300 grams higher, no more—that's what any service center trying to sell a car faster will tell you, but here's the reality. A new car's actual fuel consumption is several liters higher. The registration document shows the fuel consumption under ideal conditions—smooth roads, no traffic, etc."«
Don't rely on the car's specifications, as they are only an approximate figure. Weather conditions, the weight of the car with passengers, traffic lights, vehicle speed, and many other factors must be taken into account. The car is tested at the factory, then on a European-type highway, and the driver weighs no more than 60 kg. If your mother-in-law and wife, or your pregnant wife, are in the car, and there are potholes or traffic jams along the way, fuel consumption will increase by at least 2-3 liters. This rule is especially relevant for compact cars with low horsepower, since the greater the load, the less power, and therefore the higher the fuel consumption.
7. Overnight parking of the car
Some drivers want to buy a used car, but want the previous owners to keep it garaged. Parking outdoors overnight, especially on frosty nights, supposedly damages the car and eventually leads to breakdowns and short circuits. Parking on the street, near the house, etc., is bad, but a garage is a big plus. This is a misconception, according to experts. Mechanics say that boasting about keeping a car in a garage overnight isn't always a good idea. Why is this, and what explains this? A garage or any room where a car is stored is poorly ventilated. Poor air circulation leads to high humidity.
During freezing temperatures and when the snow melts, moisture doesn't have time to evaporate, causing it to settle on the car's metal. The result? That's right, corrosion. When a car is stored outside, it dries faster, gets air, and the moisture evaporates. The car's surface doesn't have time to become covered in moisture, and in such cases, corrosion is simply impossible. Well, maybe in small quantities. In winter, it's better to store your car outside—it will be frozen, rather than constantly heating up, thawing, and then freezing again.
6. Warming up the car before driving
Anyone who's driven a Kopeyka knows that the car needs to warm up for about 15 minutes to get it running smoothly. About 20 years ago, carburetors really did need time to warm up, otherwise the car would stall after a few minutes. But now, almost all drivers drive a Kopeyka. foreign cars, which don't require warming up at all. But men, out of habit, sit down, wait "half an hour" to start, and some even rev the engine, supposedly improving and speeding up the warm-up time. Is it really that bad, and should you get up 20 minutes earlier to start the engine, wait, and then drive?
Modern engines don't require a warm-up period. Take a taxi, for example, which has been parked for several hours and a passenger needs to get going. No one would warm up the car for 10 minutes. Once the engine is started, the oil rises from the bottom within 1.5 minutes and then enters the system. Mechanics claim that starting the engine doesn't require lightning-fast engine speed, meaning there's no need to rush. Simply maintain the RPM, gently press the gas pedal without burning fuel, and drive slowly to your destination.
5. Road surveillance cameras
A favorite topic for everyone, one that could be discussed forever. Some say they can be fooled, while others insist these artificial eyes record everything. For example, city driving should be limited to 50 km/h. No, a camera will record a violation if you go 61 km/h, because no one recognizes you below 60 km/h, so drivers try not to exceed the speed limit, but never go below 50 km/h. The city limit also prescribes a speed that is optimally comfortable in both winter and summer. Most people, of course, have received "letters of happiness" and paid fines.
Clever people have tried to laminate license plates, install laser discs on windshields, and even erase some of the numbers. But there's another way to fool the technology: driving faster than a surveillance camera can record. It's unsafe, but we can't help but mention this trick: when a car reaches 290 km/h, neither the camera nor the tracking system will detect you. More precisely, no one will recognize your license plates. This method works, but not every car can handle it.
4. Expensive fuel = more powerful car
Let's get back to the marketing ploys and salespeople trying to sell us more expensive fuel, oil, or brake fluid. After all, brand-name, expensive gasoline is more expensive because it's better, more convenient, and makes the car more responsive. You can hear such nonsense at every gas station, from short-sighted drivers who've already been fed the wrong idea. A car's environmental performance and performance are in no way affected by the gasoline you put in it.
Yes, diluted or "not straight from the pump" gasoline can harm your car, while regular gasoline will simply allow you to drive as usual. Gas stations and refineries can't make "special" gasoline that works miracles. They add friction modifiers, detergents, and that's all. Driving faster and more efficiently isn't about that. Yes, the engine will last longer, and there are benefits to using such products, but they don't affect power in any way. That's complete nonsense.
3. A breeze from the window is more cost-effective than an air conditioner
Opponents of temperature control and air conditioning systems often dismiss the idea of using conveniences for a comfortable ride. This is especially true for families with children who often travel to the seaside or to visit grandparents in hot weather. Air conditioning isn't beneficial, climate control is dangerous because it leads to colds, and it wastes a lot of fuel. Who's measured fuel consumption with the air conditioning on?
Fuel consumption per 100 km is a maximum of 0.5 liters higher than if you drove with the window open. Yes, having children in the car is just an open window, but in winter, to stay warm, you need to turn on the heater. Some say their car "goes" half a liter of gas per hour with the air conditioner on. Obviously, traffic jams and poor oil quality have a greater impact, since it's impossible to track the cause of high consumption within an hour. Few people realize that with the window open, the car has poor aerodynamics, which means an extra liter of fuel is wasted per hour!
2. Repairs only at a service station
They say that the professionals who know your car better than you work at service stations. They can tell you things you'd never know. It's like with someone else's child—doctors always know more about your child than their own mother. These are all myths and excuses. At service stations, the handymen and supposed professionals can only run diagnostics onboard the car's computer, use the tools you already have in your garage, and charge an exorbitant price for it. Yes, you'll save time, but not money.
You can change your oil, top it off, and replace your window regulators at home. You can even change your brake pads at home, without rushing. If you're handy, your head will tell you exactly how. The internet is full of information, videos, and resources, and if you have a friend or neighbor who's free, grab a drink and get to work. Installing tires? Replacing a camshaft? Changing coolant? You can do it all yourself, saving up to $300!
1. The spoiler improves the aerodynamics of the car.
All additional installations such as wings, spoilers, and side skirts can improve a car's aerodynamics, reduce fuel consumption, and increase acceleration. But to do this, you need to know the car's weight distribution and load so that the data matches the axle values. Do you know how to model air movement? Unlikely. Are you a race car driver? No. Aerodynamics are useful at high speeds, not on bumpy city roads or in traffic jams.
You can get the most out of it at speeds above 90 km/h, but that's only on the highway, and even then, you won't get the full experience. And if you have a VAZ, your car will only gain weight, consume more gas, and you'll have to renew your registration (it's not the same weight anymore). So, don't waste your time on nonsense; just love your car and take care of it.
Remember these simple rules and forget the myths that have been keeping you from living your life in peace. Don't speed, obey traffic rules, and enjoy the roar of the engine. And that was our top 10 myths about cars that drivers constantly spent money on.
Ten myths about winter driving that drivers still believe
It would seem that everything that could be said about winter driving has been said. Yet, despite this, the number of accidents in our country during the winter season increases sharply, especially during snowfall. What is the reason for this spike in accidents during the winter? It's all due to the poor quality of education in driving schools, which in recent years have existed only on paper, selling simple certificates of completion. Furthermore, there are numerous myths about winter driving that are absurd and even dangerous.
10. ABS will help you brake in any weather
ABS is an important system in cars. While it will certainly help you reduce your braking distance, that's all. Don't expect anything fantastic from ABS. And of course, the idea that this system can maintain traction is a myth. If you don't drive correctly on a slippery road, your car could lose traction and end up in a ditch. Therefore, if you hear someone claiming that ABS can prevent your car from skidding, be wary of their advice. This is a complete myth.
9. There is no need to clear snow from the top of the car.
Sound familiar? If you think you don't need to clear snow from roofs and hoods, you're wrong. This isn't for aesthetics, but for safety. You'll understand this when you need to stop suddenly in winter. After all, snow on the car body adds extra weight. As a result, stopping suddenly takes much longer.
8. Drivers who live in northern regions drive better in winter.
Don't believe those who claim that most drivers living in northern regions are much better winter drivers than those living in southern towns. This myth is based on the idea that there's more snow in northern regions. This is partly true. But the difference isn't as significant as you might think.
7. For better road grip in winter, you need to reduce the tire pressure.
Yes, lowering tire pressure increases tire width, which improves traction on snow-covered roads. For example, this can sometimes help in difficult, snow-covered areas. But most of the time, we drive in normal winter conditions, either in the city or on rural highways. On normal roads, lowering tire pressure is useless and, in some cases, even dangerous.
6. A rear-wheel drive car is unsafe in winter.
It must be admitted that driving a rear-wheel drive car in winter isn't exactly a pleasant experience. That is, unless you're a novice driver. If the car is equipped with high-quality winter tires and driven by a professional, a rear-wheel drive vehicle can perform wonders on winter roads and even gain an advantage over front-wheel drive vehicles.
5. Crossovers/SUVs are better in winter
True all-wheel drive (AWD) and increased ground clearance don't make SUVs magical winter vehicles. The laws of physics still apply. Any vehicle can easily lose traction if driven improperly or without caution. Stopping a crossover or SUV on a slippery road is even more difficult, as this class of vehicle weighs significantly more than traditional passenger cars.
4. In winter, there is no need to warm up the car.
Even though modern cars are equipped with various electronic technologies that monitor optimal engine performance, warming up the car in winter is still essential. However, it's not necessary to warm it up for the long periods required by cars 10 years ago. It's worth noting that many automakers don't recommend prolonged engine warm-ups, as idling puts unnecessary strain on the transmission and increases fuel consumption. However, this doesn't mean the car shouldn't be warmed up, especially in extreme cold. After all, any motor oil, regardless of its chemical composition, begins to thicken at sub-zero temperatures. Therefore, before hitting the road, it's essential to warm up the engine, at least for a few minutes.
3. No need to buy winter tires
Buying winter tires for your car is the best decision for any driver. Winter tires are much more effective at braking on slippery roads. If you think all-season tires are also cost-effective, you're mistaken. All-season tires are less effective in winter and wear out faster. Believe me, you'll save significantly more by purchasing a set of winter tires.
2. All-wheel drive will help you drive like a pro
Remember that no amount of vehicle safety or stability systems will help you become a professional driver. Everything depends solely on your driving skills. Of course, winter tires, all-wheel drive, and excellent driving skills give you a huge advantage on the road. But if your all-wheel drive vehicle has summer tires (or worn winter tires) and you're not a professional, all-wheel drive won't give you an advantage on winter roads.
1. A modern expensive car will help you in case of your mistakes
Unfortunately, this opinion is a myth. There's no car in the world that can decide for you what to do in a given situation. Control of the car rests entirely with the driver. Even if you own an expensive, latest-generation Range Rover with the most expensive options and the most expensive winter tires, that doesn't mean you shouldn't strictly maintain your distance on slippery roads, slow down when the road is icy, or make abrupt steering movements. Don't be so overconfident. The road is unforgiving.