Myth 1: It only takes a few miles for your car battery to recharge

Have you ever heard that it only takes a few miles of driving to recharge your battery after a jumpstart? Unfortunately, this isn’t true. It usually takes hours of driving to get your battery back to full charge. This is because the alternator, which is responsible for charging the battery, needs time to restore the battery’s energy. 

Additionally, if you generally only drive shorter distances, your battery might not have sufficient time to receive a full charge. This can lead to a gradual depletion of battery capacity over time, causing starting issues and reducing the battery’s overall lifespan. To keep your battery healthy, it is advisable to take longer drives periodically or use a battery charger to ensure a complete recharge.

Note: It can take even longer for your battery to recharge in extremely cold temperatures.

Myth 2: Proper tire pressure is shown on the tire’s sidewall

Believe it or not, the number you see on the side of your tire is not the recommended pressure for your specific vehicle. It’s actually the maximum safe pressure the tire can hold. 

To find the right tire pressure, you can check your owner’s manual, the sticker on your driver’s door jamb or sometimes on the fuel filler door. At least one of these should show you the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure to prolong your vehicle’s tire performance. 

Maintaining the proper air pressure in your tires will help improve braking, handing, tire wear and fuel efficiency. In other words, it will help improve your car’s overall performance in the long term.

Myth 3: Premium fuel makes my car run better

Although we’re conditioned to believe that “premium” anything is better than alternative options, premium fuel is, in fact, not better for your vehicle if its engine isn’t made to run on it. Premium fuel might be more expensive, but that doesn’t mean it’s purer or cleaner or necessarily better for your vehicle than regular gasoline.

Premium fuel typically has a higher octane rating than normal gasoline. The octane rating measures the fuel’s resistance to premature detonation, or “knocking.” Some engines, such as high-compression engines, are designed to utilize this specialized fuel to run at higher temperatures and pressures with minimal issues. 

Using premium fuel in a vehicle that doesn’t require it provides no added benefits. In fact, it’ll only increase how much you’re spending on fuel. Be sure to check your owner’s manual to confirm your vehicle’s gasoline needs.

METRO Stays Curious About Your Vehicle

At Metropolitan Garage, we want you to make informed decisions about your vehicle’s maintenance and performance. We especially want to help you avoid making decisions or neglecting things that could reduce performance and increase costs in the long term. 

Our team of experienced ASE Certified Mechanics take care to stay on top of the latest in vehicle knowledge and technology, so we can make the best recommendation for your vehicle — and your wallet. For an experienced, curious team of ASE technicians, call or click to make an appointment today.