Debunking car myths

November 2011

Old wives tales and long-standing myths exist in the car industry and with the constant introduction of new technology, it is time to clear the air about what is and is not still true!

Myth #1: You can drive for kilometres with the 'empty' fuel light on.

True - but it shouldn’t become a regular occurrence. The fuel gauges that appear in cars are not linear - the indicator will remain on full for a while, slowly move to halfway, drop rapidly to a quarter and then gradually reach empty.

However, allowing your fuel tank to run low can cause sediment to collect in the bottom of the tank, blocking the fuel filter as well as causing the fuel pump to overheat, as it’s no longer submerged. An overheated fuel pump will add more to the cost of your car service!

Myth #2: You should warm up a car's engine before beginning your drive.

False - idling is not an effective way to warm up your new or used car, even in cold weather. The best way to do this is to drive the car. With today's modern engines, you need no more than 30 seconds of idling on winter days before driving away.