For those on the hunt for a used car or in need of car service in Omaha, NE, separating these car myths from truths is crucial to making a smart purchase and maintaining your vehicle for years to come. In a world of evolving automotive technology, what was true for your parents’ car might not be true for the one you’re driving today.
We’ll look at everything from what you put in your gas tank to how you treat your engine on a cold morning. Let’s shift gears and bust five common car myths that you should stop believing right now.
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1. Auto Start-Stop Wears Out Your Starter and Wastes Gas.
It’s a feature that has become increasingly common in modern vehicles, including many of the quality used cars in Omaha. You pull up to a stoplight, and your engine silently shuts off, only to spring back to life the moment you lift your foot off the brake. The immediate thought for many is, “This has to be putting extra wear on my starter and battery, and doesn’t restarting the engine use more gas than just idling?”
This is a complete misconception. Automakers have engineered modern auto start-stop systems with heavy-duty components designed to handle the increased demand. Vehicles with this technology are equipped with more robust starters and advanced batteries that can withstand the frequent cycling without premature failure.
Modern fuel-injected engines are incredibly efficient and use a minimal amount of gasoline to restart. When you’re sitting in traffic or waiting at a long red light, your car is burning fuel without going anywhere. The fuel saved by the engine shutting down, even for just a minute, far outweighs the tiny amount used to restart it.
Whether you’re considering a new or used car in Omaha, NE, don’t let this feature be a point of concern. It’s a well-designed technology that helps reduce emissions and save you money at the pump. For more information on modern features, check out our Vehicle Guides section.
2. Premium Fuel Improves Performance in All Cars
At the gas pump, you’re faced with a choice: regular, mid-grade, or premium. It’s easy to assume that “premium” means better, and that by paying a little extra, you’re giving your car a treat that will boost its performance and clean its engine. However, for the vast majority of cars on the road, using premium fuel is simply a waste of money.
The key difference between regular and premium gasoline is its octane rating. Premium fuel has a higher octane rating, which is crucial for high-performance engines, such as those with turbochargers or high compression ratios, as it prevents a phenomenon known as “engine knock” or pre-ignition, which can cause damage.
If your car’s manufacturer requires premium fuel, you should absolutely use it. But if your owner’s manual only recommends it, or specifies regular unleaded, you will see no significant benefit from using a higher-octane fuel. A standard engine is not designed to take advantage of the anti-knock properties of premium gas. You won’t get better gas mileage, more horsepower, or a cleaner engine.
If you’re ever unsure about what fuel to use in your vehicle, or if you’re experiencing engine knocking, it’s always best to consult a professional. The experts at a trusted car repair center or service center in Omaha can diagnose any issues and provide the right advice. Sticking to the manufacturer’s recommendation is the most effective way to keep your car running smoothly without overspending. For more car care tips, check out our Car Care section.
3. You Should Change Your Oil Every 3,000 Miles
This is one of the most deeply ingrained pieces of automotive advice, and for a long time, it was true. For decades, the 3,000-mile oil change was the gold standard of vehicle maintenance. However, thanks to significant advancements in both engine technology and oil chemistry, you can save money on oil changes by changing less often.
Today’s engines are built with much tighter tolerances and run more efficiently than their older counterparts. At the same time, the development of synthetic and synthetic-blend motor oils has revolutionized lubrication. These modern oils are far more resistant to breakdown and can protect your engine for much longer periods. As a result, many newer cars can go 5,000, 7,500, 10,000, 15,000, even 20,000 miles between oil changes!
The best source of information for your specific vehicle is always the owner’s manual. The manufacturer will provide a recommended oil change interval based on normal driving conditions. Many modern cars are also equipped with an oil-life monitoring system that will alert you when it’s time for a change, taking into account your actual driving habits.
Of course, if you frequently drive in severe conditions—such as extreme temperatures, stop-and-go traffic, or dusty environments—you may need to change your oil more often. When it’s time for a change, seeking professional car service in Omaha is the best way to ensure the job is done right with the correct type of oil and at the right interval for your vehicle.
Adhering to the proper maintenance schedule is the best way to ensure the longevity of your engine. Learn more about vehicle ownership in our Ownership guides.
4. You Need to Warm Up Your Car for Several Minutes Before Driving
On a frosty Omaha morning, it seems like common sense to start your car and let it idle for several minutes to “warm up” before you start driving. The belief is that this allows the engine oil to heat up and circulate, providing better lubrication and reducing wear on the engine. While this was true for older cars, it’s no longer necessary for modern engines.
Today’s engines are designed to reach their optimal operating temperature quickly while under a light load. An engine warms up much more slowly when it’s idling, and during this time, it’s running in a fuel-rich state, which can lead to incomplete combustion. This can wash oil off the cylinder walls and contribute to carbon buildup over time.
The best practice for a cold start is to let the engine idle for about 30 seconds. This is more than enough time for the oil to circulate throughout the engine. After that, you can start driving, but it’s still important to do so gently for the first several minutes. Avoid hard acceleration or high RPMs until the temperature gauge starts to move into its normal range. This allows all the components of your car, including the engine and transmission, to warm up together.
So, next time you’re facing a cold Nebraska winter morning, save your fuel and reduce unnecessary emissions. A brief warm-up followed by gentle driving is the best way to care for your modern vehicle. To learn more about winter readiness, check out The Ultimate Guide to Winterizing Your Vehicle.
5. Electric Vehicles Are More Prone to Catching Fire
The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has been accompanied by a wave of new questions and concerns, and one of the most dramatic is the fear of battery fires. Media coverage of EV fires can be sensational, leading many to believe that these vehicles are more dangerous than their gasoline-powered counterparts. However, the data tells a very different story.
Statistically, electric vehicles are significantly less likely to catch fire than gasoline-powered cars. According to data from the National Transportation Safety Board, gasoline cars have a much higher rate of fires per 100,000 vehicles sold. While EV battery fires are a real phenomenon, they are far less common than fires in internal combustion engines.
Gasoline is an incredibly flammable substance, and gasoline-powered cars have complex fuel systems with many potential points of failure that can lead to a fire. While the lithium-ion batteries in EVs can catch fire if they are damaged or have a manufacturing defect, they are housed in protective casings and have sophisticated cooling and monitoring systems to prevent this from happening.
The nature of EV fires is different, and they do require specialized training for first responders to extinguish, which is one reason they garner so much media attention. But the likelihood of one occurring is very low. As EVs become more common on the roads, even for those looking for a used car in Omaha, NE, it’s important to base our understanding of their safety on data rather than on sensational headlines. Discover more about EVs in our Electric Vehicles section.
Car Myths: Debunked!
In the world of automotive care, knowledge is power. By letting go of these outdated myths, you can make smarter decisions for your vehicle, whether you’re a long-time owner or just starting your search for a used car in Omaha, NE. Proper maintenance and informed driving habits are the keys to a long and healthy life for your car.
If you have questions about your current vehicle or are looking for your next one, we’re here to help. At H+H, we’re committed to providing not just quality vehicles, but also the information you need to drive with confidence.
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