Fact vs. Fiction: Safe Driving & Car Care

January 2, 2025

Whether you hear it from your friends, the internet or your “self-educated” uncle, everyone’s got an opinion about the safest ways to drive and the must-do’s that’ll keep your car in tip-top shape. But there’s no shortage of bad info floating around, and putting your faith in the wrong place can be detrimental — or even dangerous.

From common misconceptions to outdated habits, we’re here to clear the air.

Driving Myths That Can Put You at Risk

Staying safe behind the wheel starts with understanding the rules of the road and the ways you can prevent hazards from popping up.

The Myth

All-wheel drive makes you unstoppable in the snow.

AWD is great for getting you going in tough conditions. But if you lose traction, it doesn’t matter how many wheels are getting power. Slowing down, leaving space and installing winter tires are more effective (and economical) ways to protect yourself when the streets get snowy.

The Myth

You only need to wear a seat belt on long trips.

Crashes can — and do — happen anywhere. Even if you’re only headed a few blocks away, buckling up is always the smartest (and safest) choice. Besides, let’s be real — it only takes a couple of seconds to make it click.

The Myth

Hands-free devices eliminate distracted driving.

Sure, using hands-free tech is better than driving around scrolling Instagram. But even if your hands are on the wheel, your mind can still be somewhere else. Whenever possible, give yourself plenty of brain space to focus on the road.

The Myth

It’s okay to speed if you’re keeping up with traffic.

If the excuse didn’t work with your parents, it’s probably not going to work with the police. “Just because everyone else is doing it” doesn’t make speeding safe or legal. The faster you’re going, the slower your reaction time and the higher your risk for serious injury. Be sure to obey the speed limit — even when it feels like no one else is.

The Myth

It’s illegal to turn your dome light on at night.

This one’s a little trickier. No, driving with your interior light on is not illegal — your dad probably just told you it was so you’d leave it alone. This little white lie many people remember hearing is for good reason, though. The light can reflect off of the windshield and affect your eyes’ ability to see in the darkness, reducing overall visibility.

Car Care Truths That Can Keep You on the Road

Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your ride ready for the road. Not everyone has the know-how, though — and some old habits, rumors and opinions can actually do more harm than good.

The Myth

Premium gasoline is always better for your car.

We’ll spare you the specifics here, but the gist is this: Unless your gas cap or owner’s manual specifically calls for premium fuel, regular gas works just fine. A higher-octane gasoline won’t boost performance or fuel efficiency if your car isn’t designed for it.

The Myth

You should let your car warm up for a few minutes in the winter.

Modern engines don’t need much of a warm-up. About 30 seconds of driving gently will circulate and warm your oil sufficiently.

The Myth

You can tell when your tires need to be replaced just by looking at them.

Even when they’re dangerously worn, your tires might look fine on first inspection. Use the penny test or a tire tread gauge to check your tread depth regularly, just to make sure.

The Myth

You can delay or avoid an oil change by “topping off” your engine.

Topping off your oil doesn’t replace old, dirty oil or prevent sludge from building up. Plus, if your car leaks a significant amount of oil, it could be an early indicator of a bigger issue down the road. It’s better to address the root of a problem than to keep patching it up.

The Myth

If your car starts up, your battery is in good shape.

A car can start even if your battery is on its last legs. Getting your battery tested regularly, especially before the Midwest winter hits, is the best way to avoid getting stranded at an inconvenient time.

Whether you’re getting prepped for a road trip or looking to stay safe on your daily commute, knowing fact from fiction can make all the difference. The next time someone offers unsolicited advice about your driving habits, take it with a grain of salt — and refer them to this handy guide.