Is it just a myth that having a heavy key chain, loaded with keys is bad for your ignition? Apparently it does. The weight, combined with bouncing while you drive can wear out the tumblers inside the ignition and eventually lead to ignition switch failure. So, here is just one of the car myths busted. And, all this time, I thought my dad took the bottle opener off of my key ring because he didn’t want me to drink and drive. No key weight, other than the ignition key, will add years to your ignition switch. If your ignition key sticks when you try to turn the key, it’s probably a warning sign that your ignition switch is about to go out. So you should have it replaced before you get stranded. With my luck, this would happen at night when I’m alone. And every serial killer would come out of the woodwork to help this stranded damsel in distress, no doubt.
I’ve always heard that allowing your car to idle is not only bad for the environment, but also bad for the car. Again, this is apparently true. When you leave your car idling, the oil pressure from doing this may not be sending oil to every part of your engine. The problem is, while idling, your car’s engine is not operating at its peak temperature, resulting in incomplete fuel combustion, soot deposits on cylinder walls, oil contamination, and ultimately damaged components.
Fuel myths are also about to be busted here. If you see a gasoline tanker at the gas station you are planning to fill up at, keep on driving. As the tanks underground are being filled, the turbulence can stir up sediment. Sediment in your gas can clog fuel filters as well as your fuel injectors. This will cause poor performance and likely costly repairs. Also, it’s always good to find a gas station that you trust and stick to it. If you find any problems with your fuel filter or fuel injectors, at least you can pinpoint it to the station you always use. Some stations don’t have pump filters, making you more vulnerable to purchasing dirty gasoline. Other stations may not mix fuel and alcohol properly. Or worse, they may water down their product. So, using a well known, reputable service station is always your best bet.
Although a small chip in a windshield doesn’t seem like a big deal, it can become a larger crack, resulting in costly windshield replacement. Having the chip filled in with resin at a reputable windshield repair shop will cost very little out of pocket and save you much in the end. Commercials claim that filling the chip with resin will make the chip “disappear.” But it doesn’t, it’s just a hole with resin in it. But, at least when you’re going over bumps, it will keep it from cracking or cracking out further. Anyone ever say that to YOU? “Don’t CRACK OUT!” Or, “Don’t CRACK OUT FURTHER!”
Until next week…
Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist
Car Myths Busted – Comedy Defensive Driving