Yellow ‘Driving Glasses’ Improve Nighttime Vision. Can you go an extra 30 miles on empty? 2Pass deflates some common car myths that are full of nothing more than hot air.
Change the Oil Every 3,000 Miles
Verdict: MYTH Salty car mechanics and Jiffy Lube aren’t the only know-it-alls warning drivers to change their oil every 3,000 miles or else, but are modern cars that needy? Not necessarily, says Christie Hyde, a spokesperson for AAA. “Most modern cars can run 5,700 to 10,000 or more miles before you need to change your oil,” she says, “but it’s been ingrained in people’s heads, so [AAA] always advises drivers to pull out the owners’ manual and check the maintenance schedule to know for sure.” Thanks to new types of synthetic motor oils and innovations to car engines themselves, how frequently you need to change the oil has changed over time, says Hyde. Just keep in mind the harder your car has to work, the more upkeep it’s going to need. “If you’re mostly in traffic at low speeds—think severe conditions, dusty and rough terrain—you might want to change the oil more often,” Hyde says.
You Can Keep Driving a While on an Empty Tank
Verdict: RULE Can you really go a long distance on empty? Well, that depends on the car manufacturer, says Reed. “Some manufacturers are extremely cautious, like Toyota; the Toyota Prius will warn you when it still has two to three gallons, which is called being nannyish,” he says. The real answer can be found in your car manual, or by trying Reed’s clever trick. “Look in your manual and find out the size of your gas tank. If it holds 15 gallons, for example, wait until the fuel gauge reads empty, then fill it up. If it takes 12 gallons to fill it up, how many were left?” That’s how you’ll know what “empty” really means (3 gallons, in this case). “It’s about learning your car,” Reed says.
Yellow ‘Driving Glasses’ Improve Nighttime Vision
Verdict: MYTH You may have heard that yellow-tinted glasses can help improve vision at night by reducing glare from headlights, street lights, and lighted signs. But do they work? According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), any tinted glasses may make it harder for some people to see in the dark. Those yellow-tinted glasses may limit the amount of light getting to the driver’s eyes, which can make it difficult to see objects in already dark conditions.
Don’t Drive With Cruise Control in Wet Weather
Verdict: FACT While you may believe that driving at a consistent speed in rain or snow will increase your safety, driving with cruise control when the roads are wet may be more dangerous. The system’s sensors may be affected by the moisture, which means they may not be as reliable, says Edmunds. Additionally, you may not have the same traction as you would without cruise control. For example, when you take your foot off the gas to step on the brake, some of the car’s weight shifts to the front tires — providing a little more traction. With the cruise control on, you won’t have that shift and may not be able to gain traction as quickly as needed, according to Edmunds. Because cruise control is only disabled when you apply your brakes, it is best to turn it off before the roads are wet. Four-Wheel and All-Wheel Drive Help With Braking
Four-Wheel and All-Wheel Drive Help With Braking
Verdict: MYTH With so much talk about traction surrounding all-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles, it can be easy to think that these features will mean better braking. But as Consumer Reports notes, AWD and 4WD are designed to help with traction and acceleration. Neither AWD or 4WD are designed to improve a vehicle’s braking capabilities, and you’ll still need as much time and distance to stop as you would in a two-wheel-drive vehicle.
The Myth: Watch The Clock
“My mom told me to put my hands on the wheel at the 10 and 2 positions on the clock, but I’m more of a one-handed, 12 o’clock type of driver,” says Jennifer M. of New York, N.Y.
The Truth: Before power steering, you had to place your hands higher on the wheel to control the car. Hence, the famous 10 and 2 pieces of advice. But driving experts now suggest holding on at the 9 and 3 o’clock positions. “Positioning your hands at 9 and 3 allows the driver greater range of motion, and the ability to make potentially-lifesaving evasive maneuvers without ever having to take your hands off the wheel,” says Doug Herbert, multi-time top fuel drag racing champion and founder of the non-profit B.R.A.K.E.S Teen Pro-Active Driving School. You should also think about how far you are away from the steering column. “A driver’s arms should never be resting against an airbag because the forces of a deploying airbag or the gases exhausted by an airbag can cause injury,” says Russ Rader, senior vice president of communications at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Sit with your chest positioned at least 10 inches from the wheel for safety, says Rader.
The Myth: Use The “Mom Arm”
“My mom had to unlearn throwing her arm across the passenger seat when she slammed on the brakes,” says Colleen S. of Newburgh, Ind. “She said it was a tough habit to break. But I never got hurt!”
The Truth: In the pre-seat belt era, the instinct to protect your passenger found its outlet in the “mom arm” maneuver. Unfortunately, that move might only serve to injure the driver’s arm or the passenger’s face. Instead, “everyone in the car should be buckled up,” says Rader. Seatbelts save thousands of lives every year, according to the IIHS.
The Myth: There Are Times You Can Ignore Signs
“My uncle told us it’s OK to drive one block the wrong way on a one-way street,” says Amy L. of Minneapolis, Minn.
The Truth: That is never OK! Driving the wrong way on a one-way street can lead to a ticket and, worse, a head-on collision. “And if you’re lost or confused about where to turn to follow your GPS directions, pull safely to the side of the road to figure it out, rather than risk the consequences of a hasty decision or distraction while underway,” says Herbert. According to the NHTSA, distracted driving is anytime your hands are off the wheel, your eyes aren’t on the road, or you stop thinking about what you’re doing. So pull over safely if you’re lost or need directions.
The Myth: Speed Wisely
“My mom taught me that you’re safe from a ticket if you drive less than 10mph over the limit. Haven’t gotten one yet!” says Kate M. from Ithaca, N.Y.
The Truth: Anytime you’re driving over the speed limit, you risk getting a ticket. The speed limit posted is there to protect you, other motorists and pedestrians. And when the law is enforced, drivers slow down, which in turn saves lives, according to the IIHS. Remember, too, that fines and penalties may be higher in work zones and school zones.
The Myth: Always Be Prepared
“My dad taught me to keep a bucket of sand in the trunk in winter. When most cars had rear-wheel drive, the extra weight in the back of the car gave you better traction in snow. Plus, you could put the sand under the tires [for traction]—using the shovel that, of course, you also kept in the car,” says Eric T. of Portland, Maine.
The Truth: Carrying a well-stocked emergency kit is essential, but these days the most important item in it isn’t a shovel; it’s your cell phone. “If you have roadside assistance, give them a call and let the experts help you out!” says Herbert.