Top 10 Driving Myths (Part 2 of 4)
Here are common misconceptions on driving perpetuated by history, the media and or just plain dumb analysis. This ranges from bad maintenance advice to mistaken safety tips. Here are 10 common myths to watch out for.
# 3: Keep your dashboard and tires shiny by frequently wiping them with protectant. Dashboards gather dust and tires lose their shine; it’s inevitable with use. Frequent use of various protectant available, however, can actually do more harm than good. Many dashboard cleaners leave a shiny glare and slippery surface, which are hardly the results you want to aid in safe driving.
Some experts even say these treatments cause the dashboard material to dry out or age faster. Also, tires become discolored as a side effect of their built-in chemicals — the waxes and antioxidants that form a protective coating against airborne elements. Aftermarket shiners can restore a tire’s color, but they strip the tire of its original protectants. This may results to cracks to form in the rubber. As an alternative, he suggests using soap and water with a good brush on the tires. We suggest simply wiping down the dashboard with a wet cloth.
# 4 - Drive cars with automatic transmissions around town in “3″ — or in “D” with the overdrive button off — and save “D” for the highway. The original idea was that drivers needed to lock out the highest gear for more responsive performance in stop-and-go driving. Most modern vehicles employ transmissions that are quick to kick down into a lower gear, so driving without the topmost gear around town only lowers gas mileage.
#5 - It’s best to shift an automatic transmission into Neutral while stopped in traffic. This myth stems from the idea that keeping the transmission in Drive while stepping on the brake wastes fuel and causes unnecessary wear on the driveline. In fact, actual engine wear and fuel loss are minimal.
Regularly shifting from Neutral and back into Drive when the light turns green, then immediately stepping on the gas, can wear — albeit slightly — on the transmission, driveline and engine mounts. Ultimately, these stoplight antics probably won’t amount to any measurable harm or good; they’re likely just a habit by folks who need to keep their hand busy with the gear selector. Our advice? Get a stick shift.