In the early 2000s, television’s greatest hit wasn’t reality TV or a series about warring kingdoms. It was Mythbusters, a science show popular for a very good reason; it gave people insight into things they wanted to know, but were too afraid to ask.
There are few subjects more surrounded by myth than cars. Unless you’re an enthusiast, most people know about as much about cars as they do about getting out of quicksand or landing a rocket on the moon.
It’s little wonder then, that when we hear a secret tip on keeping our cars running smoothly, we tend to believe it. But that doesn’t mean it’s true.
Mythbusters might be off the air, but we decided to pick up the mantle and dispel some of the greatest furphies about keeping your car running smoothly.
Myth 1: “Tyres need to all be replaced at the same time”
People dread replacing their tyres for a very simple reason – it’s costly. But the hit to your wallet will be even bigger if you think you need to replace them all at once.
If you’ve been falling for this very expensive myth – big mistake. As long as your new tyre is the same brand, model and size as the others, there is no need to replace all four. Getting the one you need is enough to get you back on the road.
Myth 2: “Car wash is basically the same as dishwashing liquid – just more expensive”
Ah, not quite. Dishwashing liquid is great at removing all the nasty stuff from our kitchenware, such as food, oil and grease that may accumulate. But do you know what else it’s great a removing? The waxer, polymers and silicon needed to protect your paint.
So next time you think your detergent is a great short-cut for car wash – think again. It’s worth the extra effort to find a pH-balanced car wash designed to enhance and clean your paintwork. Otherwise, you’ll quickly go from needing a car wash to needing a car paint repair.
Myth 3: “I need to warm up my car before driving in the cold”
It’s been chilly in Sydney and the Southern Highlands so this is one we’ve been hearing a lot of – but there is little truth to it. While warming your car up before driving on a cold morning might make it toastier for you and your passengers, it’s actually doing more harm than good to your car.
Heating up your car up puts extra fuel into the combustion chamber, which can get into the cylinder walls and wash the oil off them. Without this lubricating oil, internal components like piston rings can be damaged.
So while you think you’re warming up your car, what you’re really doing is straining your engine.
Myth 4: “You can’t protect a matte paint finish”
When it comes to car paint care protection is key, but many people think this isn’t possible when it comes to matte paint finish. This might have been the case when matte paint first made its way into the market but today, it’s definitely a myth that needs to be busted.
What is true, is that it is important to find a product that doesn’t use filler, silicones or wax in its protective layer, as this will increase the surface’s gloss rating. Instead, what you want is a liquid matte paint sealant. These are designed specifically for matte paint and will help keep your car paintwork cared for.
So there you have it. Next time you come across one of these myths, you’ll be able to do some myth busting of your own.
And if you have any other queries, feel free to ask your Bumpertek representative during your car paint repair.