1. “Premium fuel makes your car faster.”
This is the #1 myth people still fall for.
Most cars on the road today are designed to run perfectly fine on regular 87–91 octane fuel (depending on region). Premium fuel doesn’t add horsepower, clean your engine, or make your car feel “stronger.”
Truth:
Premium fuel is only useful if your engine specifically requires it, usually turbocharged or high-compression engines. Using higher octane than needed won’t improve performance; it just hurts your wallet.
2. “You must change your oil every 5,000 km.”
This advice was true 20-30 years ago, not today.
Modern engines and synthetic oils last much longer. Many manufacturers recommend 10,000-15,000 km oil change intervals, and some even more.
Truth:
Follow the service interval in your owner’s manual, not what shops tell you. Most quick-lube centers push shorter intervals because it’s profitable not because your car needs it.
3. “Warm up your car for several minutes before driving.”
People still idle their car for 5–10 minutes, wasting fuel. Modern engines don’t need long warm-ups. In fact, idling for too long can cause carbon buildup and waste fuel.
Truth:
In modern cars, you only need:
• 15–30 seconds of idle
• Drive gently for the first few minutes
That warms up the engine faster and protects components better.
4. “Electric cars don’t need maintenance.”
EVs have fewer moving parts, yes. But that doesn’t mean they’re maintenance-free.
EV owners in 2025 still need to service:
• Tires (EVs wear them faster due to weight)
• Brake fluid
• Coolant for battery thermal management
• Suspension components
• Cabin filters
• Software updates
Truth:
EVs are lower maintenance, but not no maintenance. The total cost may still surprise people, especially with battery replacements or out-of-warranty electrical repairs.
5. “Manual cars are always more reliable.”
This myth comes from the golden era (90s-early 2000s) when manuals were simple and bulletproof.
But in 2025:
• Modern manuals use electronics
• Clutch kits are expensive
• Drivers abuse them unintentionally
• Automatics have become extremely reliable
Truth:
Manuals are great for engagement but not automatically “more reliable” anymore. A well-built torque converter automatic today can outlast many manuals if maintained properly.
Bonus Myth: “Turbo engines don’t last long.”
Old turbo engines? Yes they were fragile. Modern turbos? Completely different story.
With:
• Water-cooled turbos
• Better oils
• Stronger bearings
• Improved designs
A modern turbo engine can easily last 200,000+ km with proper maintenance.
Final Thoughts
A lot has changed in the automotive world, but car myths somehow live forever. In 2025, understanding how modern engines and systems really work can save you money and prevent unnecessary repair bills.
Which myth have YOU heard the most? Drop it in the comments or send it to GearNerd we’ll bust it in the next post.
