Auto repair myths

[junkiefp]

Originally posted by: 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.

Hate to explain it to idiots but it does when you downshift...

 

[halik]

Turbos need replacement every X miles (the X veries, but it's always a set period of time).

Also any time I get free recall / warranty work done, they manage to find 5K worth of work that the car "needs". MB of manhattan tried to pull that one on me, except I had the car inspected 6 months early by MB of Ann Arbor.

 

[thomsbrain]

Originally posted by: 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.

this is a myth thread. he was posting a myth.

 

[halik]

Originally posted by: 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.

QFT, I heard that so so many times. Most of collision repairs nowadays go on the frame rack anyway, because you're bound to hit the unibody no matter what kinda accident it is.

 

[KK]

Originally posted by: 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.

it's not your meter that is broken, it your comprehesion that failing. Along with my spelling.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: 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.

Um... The thread is about automotive repair MYTHS. Boomer was pointing out that those are myths he's come across.

Reading comprehension people.

EDIT: Curse you and your fast posting thomsbrain!

ZV

 

[halik]

Originally posted by: 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.

Ignore this one as well - synthetic doesn't break down under temperate to gummy substance...your rod bearings and turbo will thank you.

 

[waggy]

red makes the car faster!

 

[hanoverphist]

Originally posted by: 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.

depends on the synthetic you use. in my dads harley, he uses a synthetic. when he took it in to get the heads redone, the mechanics told him he had the cleanest heads they had seen at 55k miles. hes never used anything but synthetic. ive seen engines that always had organic oils in them, and they arent anywhere near "clean" like his was and is, so id have to agree that synthetics help out.

 

[Aharami]

Originally posted by: 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.

yea synthetic > non-synthetic

 

[Jeff7]

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.

No, but it makes other lesser beings think you're cool, and it can improve chances of mating with them. Sadly enough.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: hanoverphist
depends on the synthetic you use. in my dads harley, he uses a synthetic. when he took it in to get the heads redone, the mechanics told him he had the cleanest heads they had seen at 55k miles. hes never used anything but synthetic. ive seen engines that always had organic oils in them, and they arent anywhere near "clean" like his was and is, so id have to agree that synthetics help out.

My general rule is that air-cooled or turbocharged means use synthetic because of the greater tolerance for high heat. ("Air-cooled" really means "Oil-cooled" and for turbocharged engines the turbine housing can really heat oil.) In naturally-aspirated applications there's no real need for synthetic since it would take decades before the difference showed itself. Probably half a million miles at least. Superchargers are a toss-up.

ZV

 

[hanoverphist]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

Originally posted by: hanoverphist
depends on the synthetic you use. in my dads harley, he uses a synthetic. when he took it in to get the heads redone, the mechanics told him he had the cleanest heads they had seen at 55k miles. hes never used anything but synthetic. ive seen engines that always had organic oils in them, and they arent anywhere near "clean" like his was and is, so id have to agree that synthetics help out.

My general rule is that air-cooled or turbocharged means use synthetic because of the greater tolerance for high heat. ("Air-cooled" really means "Oil-cooled" and for turbocharged engines the turbine housing can really heat oil.) In naturally-aspirated applications there's no real need for synthetic since it would take decades before the difference showed itself. Probably half a million miles at least. Superchargers are a toss-up.

ZV

being an industrial programmer and not a gearhead, i cant say either way without anecdotal evidence. we use synthetic oils in the big 125hp up to 400hp motors (electric) we use for water/ wastewater because they get almost twice the life out of them. thats about what i can say for sure. when you get into tolerances for heat and such, you lose me there. i know the mechanic said his engine had less wear on it than most bikes at 12k miles when he had his redone. he is a pro, so im going to take his word when he said it was due to him using synthetic and changing his oil regularly.

 

[Slickone]

Using the A/C will use up the freon (I've had females tell me this).

Interstate driving, A/C on and windows up uses more gas than A/C off and windows down.

 

[BoomerD]

Originally posted by: 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

That's 100% true, and I'm not intentionally picking on Hondas...but it's a common misconception that putting premium fuel in a car built for 87 octane will increase it's performance...("after all, that's why they call it PREMIUM")...and I've known a LOT of idiots over the years who still believe that...

Originally posted by: 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.

No fvcking sh*t...read the title of the original post...COMMON MYTHS...all of the ones I posted are just myths...not truths...
Apparently, not only is your sarcasm meter broken, but apparently,like several others here, your reading skills are FTL!

 

[IGBT]

Originally posted by: waggy
red makes the car faster!

..makes it easier for the cops to see.

 

[Ktulu]

Originally posted by: IGBT

Originally posted by: waggy
red makes the car faster!

..makes it easier for the cops to see.

If a cop can't tell a car just sped by because of its color, they needs to turn in their badge.

 

[Kelemvor]

Biggest myth of them all...

You should change your oil every 3000 miles. Of course the mechanics tell you that. You're paying them every time you have it done. Change the oil based on your manual, not on a mechanic.

 

[shortylickens]

Originally posted by: junkiefp

Originally posted by: 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.

Hate to explain it to idiots but it does when you downshift...

FTW!

Downshifting and/or engine braking in slippery conditions is much better than using the brake pedal.
And better control means less of a need to brake in the first place.
But the original point still holds true: Vehicles have 4 wheel brakes regardless of drive.

As for the halogen/blue lights I wish more people would get a clue. Those things dont help you see shiate.
I helped a guy change his headlights one night. We went driving around town and he was like: "Dude, these things suck!"
They look really cool and annoy the crap out of the other drivers. Give them up.
Spend the money on something that will help you, like a garfield toy with suction cup hands.

 

[OutHouse]

Originally posted by: AdamK47
J-B Weld is a perfectly good substitute if you can can't find that bolt.

hell yes it is. J-B weld is awesome stuff

 

[IGBT]

Originally posted by: Ktulu

Originally posted by: IGBT

Originally posted by: waggy
red makes the car faster!

..makes it easier for the cops to see.

If a cop can't tell a car just sped by because of its color, they needs to turn in their badge.

..human eye sight is most sensitive in the red spectrum. If you drive a red car you are a high profile target.

 

[OutHouse]

Originally posted by: 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

I remember hearing about that a month or so ago on the radio and i think the host actually got it to work. ill have to try it on my car.

 

[foghorn67]

Myth: Warming up the car will ensure everything is well lubricated on startup.
Exception: EXTREME cold weather.

Fact: Gasoline doesn't bond well with oil. It tends to wash it down. When you have a car at ambient temp, the fuel/air mixture is not optimal for a complete combustion, causing the gasoline to wash away the oil on the cylinder walls. Letting the car warm up at idle will take longer for the combustion chamber to warm up, increasing your wear on the cylinder walls more then simply driving it.
Putting the engine under load (driving) will bring the combustion chambers to optimal tempature faster.
Simply start the car, and drive it gently until it warms up.

 

[broon]

Tailgate down gives you better gas mileage.

 

[randomlinh]

Originally posted by: Kelemvor
Biggest myth of them all...

You should change your oil every 3000 miles. Of course the mechanics tell you that. You're paying them every time you have it done. Change the oil based on your manual, not on a mechanic.

I was wondering how long that would take to kick in. I just did a UOA on some penzoil platinum. 6500 miles and still good to go. I only change it because I'm paranoid and drive fairly hard. That and I autocross. Still not sure if it's worth going full syn still (granted PP is usually on sale for cheap after rebates)