There are countless car myths that you can argue about at the regulars' table. Every driver knows them, everyone has something to say about them. Some of them are even dangerous.
But which ones are really true – and what comes from the realm of horsepower fables? The experts at the recently modernised ADAC test centre in Munich's Ridlerstraße explain the situation.
Car myth 1: Switching off the engine when driving downhill saves fuel
For heaven's sake! Switching off the engine downhill is life-threatening. As soon as an engine stops running, the steering wheel lock can engage, and the power steering and brake booster no longer work. Rolling downhill with the clutch disengaged is also not a good idea, as you don't have the engine brake available and the brakes may even overheat.
Car myth 2: Automatic cars need more fuel
The market for automatic transmissions has become confusing. From the automated manual transmission to the continuously variable CVT transmission and the classic torque converter to the modern dual-clutch transmissions, each system has its advantages and disadvantages. Depending on which system is used in which car, modern automatic systems can even help save fuel. So don't be guided by prejudices. The decisive question is much more whether you want to be comfortable and without a manual gearbox when driving.
Car myth 3: Air conditioning increases fuel consumption
That's right! The comfort of a running air conditioning system still consumes a noticeable amount of fuel. However, controlled air conditioning compressors have significantly reduced the additional costs for a cool car compared to previous years. The test showed an average additional consumption of around 10 to 15 percent. If you are driving in the city, you have to reckon with a fuel surcharge of around 20 percent (approx. 1 litre/100 kilometres). Outside built-up areas (with an average speed of 100 km/h), fuel consumption is lower by an additional six percent (approx. 0.3 litres/100 kilometres). In addition to air conditioning, there is another sensible and cost-neutral way to cool a car: open the windows and ventilate before you start your journey!
Car Myth 4: Premium Fuel Is Good for the Car
Expensive fuel types such as MaxxMotion, Synergy, Ultimate or V-Power promise a lot. The higher octane ratings of 100 provide greater knock resistance. As a result, there is less spontaneous ignition of the fuel. This, in turn, should have a positive effect on performance and consumption. But in reality, most engines are designed for a maximum of 98 octane, so the expensive super fuel is of no use. The effect of cleaning and other admixtures is also extremely difficult to verify. The ADAC says: It doesn't need it!
Car myth 5: Cars can only be repaired in an authorized workshop
Wrong! Of course, no one can force you to repair a vehicle in an authorized workshop. However, it may well be a condition for receiving a guarantee and warranty on newer models. So check the purchase or leasing contract here as a precaution!
Car myth 6: Electric cars are less safe in an accident and often burn
Because the topic of safety of electric vehicles is discussed again and again and in very different ways, the ADAC has carried out corresponding tests. A crash test comparison of the electrically powered VW e-up! with the normal VW up! has shown, for example, that both vehicles achieve a full 5 stars. None of the current electric cars has so far attracted negative attention in a crash test. Compared to conventionally powered cars, the safety of electric cars is often even better because of the optimized crash structure in the vehicle.
Also interesting: Can electric cars be extinguished at all?
Car myth 7: All-season tyres are a good alternative
The demand for all-season tires is rising continuously: In the meantime, the share of all passenger car tires is over 15 percent. However, ADAC tests show that all-season tyres are and remain a compromise that does not come close to the performance of good specialists for summer and winter. If you are absolutely dependent on your car every day, especially in winter, you should definitely change. The following applies: From O(ktober) to O(stern) is winter tire time!
Find out here: Are summer tyres allowed in mild winters?
Car myth 8: Classic cars are a good investment
In times of low interest rates, many people are interested in a classic car as an investment. Some models do indeed achieve considerable price increases – if they were bought at the right time and at a low price. However, there are also a number of classics that hardly move in price when you take into account the loss of purchasing power. In the case of a full cost calculation, vehicle tax, insurance, maintenance, tire replacement, garage rent, etc. must be taken into account. First and foremost, the fun of the hobby of classic cars should be in the foreground.
Car Myth 9: With a Cent Piece in Your Mouth You Can Trick the Alcohol Control
This is an unkillable tip from the automotive Stone Age! Modern alcohol meters do not use chemical reactions that can be fooled by copper in the mouth. And anyway: Drinking and driving never go together anyway!
Car myth 10: With all-wheel drive, you don't need winter tires
Especially in a snowy winter, all-wheel drive is a nice thing. When starting off or accelerating, you have higher traction and are comfortable on the road. However, all-wheel drive can never replace a winter tire. Because when braking in the cold or on snow, all-wheel drive does not help.
Car myth 11: If you step on the gas again before turning off the engine, lubricate the valves
Accelerate briefly before switching off the engine to lubricate valves, clean carburettors and make the next start easier: This is all sheer nonsense! Especially since hardly any car still has a carburetor...
Car myth 12: Stuttering brakes bring you to a stop faster
Forget the stutter brake and the hesitant tap on the pedal! From the experience of the ADAC driving safety centres, we know that many people still find it difficult to brake correctly. Today, the anti-lock braking system (ABS) is standard in practically all vehicles. This regulates the braking process until just before the blocking limit so that the car can still be steered during emergency braking. Therefore, in case of danger, the brakes must always be applied with full pedal pressure. The rest is done by the technology.
Car myth 13: In winter, a little petrol has to go into the diesel tank
No! Diesel must not be mixed with gasoline under any circumstances. Only older vehicle models built before 1997 – with explicit approval from the manufacturer – are exempt.
Further tips and information at the ADAC test centre, which is now open again from Monday to Friday (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) after renovation and modernisation. Tel. 089/519 51 88 and at adac.de/suedbayern-pruefzentrum.
Posting Komentar untuk "You should forget these nonsensical tips for saving fuel as soon as possible"