Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or someone who’s never peeked under a hood, chances are you’ve encountered at least one automotive myth or urban legend. These stories often stem from experienced folks like grandfathers or longtime mechanics. But does the prevalence of these tales mean they hold any truth? Well, for some, perhaps, but for others, not quite. In reality, the truth behind these myths tends to be more nuanced than simply true or false.
Myth: Nitrogen Is Better For Your Tires Than Air
There’s an old myth that nitrogen is actually better for your tires than air. And this one actually has some truth to it, though if it’s actually worth it might depend on the type of car owner you are. Using nitrogen instead of air results in far less deflation over time. It can also be better for your tire since air can contain more moisture than nitrogen. However, it’s also a lot more expensive.
Filling a tire up with nitrogen could run you upwards of $30 a pop. So, as long as you regularly check the air pressure in your tires, there isn’t a reason for most people to use nitrogen.
Myth: A Car Battery Lasts Upwards Of Five Years
This is kind of a surprising fact, but according to AAA, around 42% of people think that batteries are basically guaranteed to last up to five years. We’ve never actually thought about it, but the truth is that batteries usually last anywhere from three to five years, with fewer lasting longer than that. That number can also vary a lot depending on your driving habits and the climate where you live.
In short, most batteries aren’t going to make it to that five-year mark, and you should probably budget for the day when that battery finally succumbs to all those times you ran the radio without the car off.