5 Car Myths Debunked: A Must Know

Everyone has got an opinion when it comes to cars. I mean, there are tons of car myths you've heard out there that will probably not leave your head. However, swallowing these fallacies could cost you a fortune or even gamble your safety. So, for the record, here are a few of them and why you shouldn't run with these myths.

1. Changing Your Oil Every 3 Months

Ask a typical Nigerian how often they carry out an oil change, and what you'll hear is "every 3 months." That's because they forget that how often you change your oil depends on how often you drive your car. You could do 10,000 kilometers in two months and need an oil change, and also do less than 4,000 kilometers in four months and still not need an oil change. So, as much as you think 3 months is ideal, don't keep bad oil too long in your engine if you know you use your car very often. Do well to change your car oil every 7,500 kilometers at least.

2. Warming Up Your Car for at Least 10 Minutes

It is relatively true that you have to warm your car for a few minutes to enhance oil circulation. However, this is only applicable to old cars with old engines. Modern engines are now designed to be driven almost immediately after starting. Letting your car idle too long in the name of warming it up will only waste your fuel and time.

3. Driving Without AC Saves Fuel

This has to be the funniest of them all. What? Driving without your AC saves more fuel? No nau! First off, driving at higher speeds with your AC turned on actually helps your car save fuel. Having your windows open at high speeds only gives room for significant drag, hence the air resistance that slows down your car, causing it to consume more fuel. So please, egbon, wind up your windows and turn on your AC when driving on a highway.

4. All SUVs Are Suitable Off-Road

I hate to burst your bubble, but not all SUVs are designed to perform well in rugged terrains. Yes, in many ways, they're somewhere in between regular cars and proper off-road vehicles in terms of off-road capabilities. However, no be all SUVs o. Over time, manufacturers started focusing more on passenger comfort than on off-road abilities. This doesn't include the likes of the Ford Raptor, Toyota Hilux, or Mercedes-Benz G-Class. These ones are crazy rugged in all orbs.

5. The Bigger the Engine, the Better the Performance

This one na cold zobo, lol. Or haven't you heard the saying "small body, big engine"? Ehen nau! A bigger engine doesn't always mean better performance, and sometimes a small turbocharged engine can outperform even a large one. This is possible due to a few factors, including aerodynamics, weight distribution, and even the car's design. All these are important factors to consider in terms of engine strength.

Remember, when it comes to your car, it's best to rely only on trusted information from your car's manual or a certified mechanic. As much as myths and speculations are fun, facts are what really count.

Driving with AC takes more fuel. Very true. On short trips,traffic stops,idle..it does a lot coupled with our adulterated gas. Since I stopped using ac,b4 my car will stall on 7litres left,I would have driven almost 22km or more..but wt AC it won't get to 12km e go off.im the type that don't rush to change parts,till the part breaks or catch fire

I completely disagree with the first one!

You never mentioned about the lifespan of components that make up a graded oil.

It’s not about the miles, it’s about the the degradation of the oil itself. They do not have a life span that is dependent on miles.

That's true tho.
As expected, the lifespan of any motor oil is not solely subject to it's mileage, but rather its condition, quality, oxidation, heat, contamination and a few other factors.
Thank you for pointing this out and allowing us to clarify this important detail.