Auto repair myths

[Zenmervolt]

Post some of the most persistant automotive repair myths that you've seen or heard, preferably things that can apply to any car and aren't model specific.

Some of my own favorites:

1) If the lights come on, the battery has to be good, so it's not worth testing it with a multi-meter.

2) Nitrogen in your tires will give you a smoother ride.

3) Blue tinted bulbs help you see better.

4) If you have keyless entry and you lock your keys in the car, you can call a friend on your cell and have them use the spare remote to unlock your car if they point the remote at their phone and if you put your cell phone near the car.

Other entries?

ZV

 

[jhayx7]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

4) If you have keyless entry and you lock your keys in the car, you can call a friend on your cell and have them use the spare remote to unlock your car if they point the remote at their phone and if you put your cell phone near the car.

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAA!!!!!

 

[shortspanishguy]

5) Women can repair vehicles.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Obligatory "moar stickers = moar powar" entry.

- M4H

 

[BoomerD]

Other than grades, ALL oil is the same
ALL oil filters are the same.
Gasoline is gasoline, regardless of where you buy it.

Just buy the cheapest part you can. There's no difference between generic and "name brand."

 

[child of wonder]

Putting a cap on your exhaust pipe to make your 1989 Honda Civic sound like it's flatulent does not make you cool or improve your chances of mating.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: BoomerD
ALL oil filters are the same.

But FRAM filters are great!

I forgot this one: Teflon oil additives are a wonderful way to prolong engine life.

ZV

 

[MercenaryForHire]

X. Those numbers on the gas pumps are just for show, "octane" doesn't mean anything.

- M4H

 

[BoomerD]

Running premium in my Honda really improves the performance...

 

[Modular]

Originally posted by: child of wonder
Putting a cap on your exhaust pipe to make your 1989 Honda Civic sound like it's flatulent does not make you cool or improve your chances of mating.

You think this is correct?

 

[Zolty]

Blinker fluid needs changing every 15k miles, or until it turns a green color.

 

[spidey07]

A 60-150 dollar device can improve gas mileage 20-25%.

A fart-can muffler adds 30% more horespower.

 

[DivideBYZero]

A muscle car can only be American.

 

[jemcam]

The # 1 myth is "If a car frame is damaged, it's totalled and will never be the same".

Edit: I use the word "frame" loosely since most people who perpetuate this myth don't know the difference between unibody and full frame vehicles.

Either one can be repaired and/or have sections replaced safely.

 

[Vic]

AWD/4WD helps you brake in slippery conditions.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: BoomerD
Running premium in my Honda really improves the performance...

1. S2000
2. CBR



- M4H

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire

Originally posted by: BoomerD
Running premium in my Honda really improves the performance...

1. S2000
2. CBR



- M4H

I was just going to say that if the vehicle is designed such that the knock sensor can accomodate premium with the allowed timing adjustment range then putting premium in really will improve performance.

ZV

 

[Pacemaker]

Originally posted by: Vic
AWD/4WD helps you brake in slippery conditions.

I have never heard anyone say that, but it's really stupid. Just goes to show that people don't know what the acronyms mean.

 

[AdamK47]

J-B Weld is a perfectly good substitute if you can can't find that bolt.

 

[holden j caufield]

wait a second aren't oil filters different. Fram is supposed to suck and mobil 1 actually filters. I think the Bob the oil guy did a comparison test and oils are different

 

[IGBT]

..premium gas is special and necessary.

 

[ItTheCow]

Originally posted by: BoomerD
Other than grades, ALL oil is the same
ALL oil filters are the same.
Gasoline is gasoline, regardless of where you buy it.

Just buy the cheapest part you can. There's no difference between generic and "name brand."

Everyone, ignore this post.

 

[Trevelyan]

Originally posted by: holden j caufield
wait a second aren't oil filters different. Fram is supposed to suck and mobil 1 actually filters. I think the Bob the oil guy did a comparison test and oils are different

Yeah I don't agree with the guy that said all oil filters are the same.

EDIT: Plus, full synthetic oil is most certainly better for your engine than organic oil.

 

[RedArmy]

Originally posted by: ItTheCow

Originally posted by: BoomerD
Other than grades, ALL oil is the same
ALL oil filters are the same.
Gasoline is gasoline, regardless of where you buy it.

Just buy the cheapest part you can. There's no difference between generic and "name brand."

Everyone, ignore this post.

Yeah what the heck Boomer? All oil is different along with the filters. Fram is horrible compared to STP or any other brand. If that was sarcastic, my meter didn't pick it up.

 

[radioouman]

Originally posted by: Trevelyan

Originally posted by: holden j caufield
wait a second aren't oil filters different. Fram is supposed to suck and mobil 1 actually filters. I think the Bob the oil guy did a comparison test and oils are different

Yeah I don't agree with the guy that said all oil filters are the same.

EDIT: Plus, full synthetic oil is most certainly better for your engine than organic oil.

That is definitely a good myth.