It's amazing how some things can get in people's heads, and even more amazing that these things don't always have a foundation. After all, sometimes we believe in complete nonsense, and even if it looks plausible, it's still not true. Even if it's outdated information that was relevant a long time ago, and faith in it lives on to this day. In general, myths have a lot of sources, and there is no use for them. Today we will be destroying car myths.
1. Old cars are stronger than new ones
Surprisingly, some people really believe that when a new and old car collides, the new one will suffer more because "it is made of plastic. Of course, this is full of nonsense. Any modern car is much stronger than the old one, because its design is much more accurately calculated, made of durable materials, and better assembled.
Modern machines are very tightly tested for compliance with safety standards. The most difficult test is the crash test. It accelerates the car to a certain speed (most often 64 km / h is the average speed of the accident in the city) and crashes into the wall (this is roughly speaking, in fact, crash tests are different.) At this time in the cabin are special stuffed with sensors dummies. Such tests were carried out for old cars, and if in a modern car the body is deformed in such a way as to protect the passengers who are trimmed with minor injuries and fright, the body of the old car just falls apart.
So why do people think that old cars are stronger? Firstly, they are not so pathetic, so when there are small collisions, for example, when parking, the damage to them is not so visible, and secondly, the new cars have a strong power structure, but the outer panels for the sake of economy in them are often made of plastic, and it is quite fragile.
Note: And it is better to see it once, of course. American Road Safety Insurance Institute conducted a crash test in which Chevrolet Malibu of 2009 and Chevrolet Bel Air of 1959 were pushed face to face. What came out of it - see for yourself.
2. Roll-on riding saves fuel
Many drivers somehow find it more economical to drive with the gear off. At first glance, it seems logical. After all, the engine speed drops to idle speed on the neutral. However, everything is not so simple. The fact is that when the car rolls off the hill with the gear turned on and thrown by a gas pedal, the wheels, having a connection with the engine, as if spinning it, there is an effect of engine braking.
At this point, the engine control unit, and in older cars, the economizer of forced idling, turns off the fuel supply to the engine, and the consumption drops almost to zero. But to maintain idle speed the engine needs 1.5 - 2.5 liters per hour (everything depends on the specific engine). So it turns out that neutral driving does not reduce, but even increases the consumption. Yes, moreover, it is not safe.
3. Branded fuel will increase power and clean the engine
With a high degree of probability, the branded and conventional fuel differ only ... price. At some gas stations they "pour" the same thing, but give it different names and charge different money for it. On the other hand, there may be differences at more decent gas stations, where different detergents are added to the "branded fuel". The effect of their work is very doubtful, and for the engine is much more important than the quality of fuel, not additives in it, so if the usual fuel is of good quality, there is no need to overpay for "branded", and if the usual - not so, the additives will not save the situation.
4. It is necessary to change oil every 4000 - 5000 km
The way the car will be serviced determines how it will serve. Here are some of the drivers who decide to change oil more often to extend the life of the engine. Only there is no sense in such excessive "care". The oil should be changed according to the manufacturer's recommendations and its condition. And the replacement just for the sake of replacement is money for the wind.