By David Peel
- Cars’ gas tanks explode when struck by a bullet. Uh no. Only in the movies. You could shoot bullet through fuel tanks all day long and you will likely never see a fire.
- American cars are made in America. Actually, the leading producer of cars actually built in the United States is Toyota.
- Deloreans are fast. The Delorean was built in Ireland from 1981-1983 and was only offered with a PRV V6 with about 140 Horsepower. While the Lotus-engineered stainless steel car with the iconic gull wing doors was light, it was never a really fast sports car. In the Back to the Future movie, they dubbed in the sounds of other engines.
- Aluminum is not safe. Ford 150’s use of aluminum sounded to many as the opposite of “Built Ford Tough.” However, he Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that the Extended Super-cab F-150 outperformed its competitors who still used steel.
- Change oil every 3,000 miles. While changing oil is never a bad thing per se, advances and the use of synthetics routinely push the recommendation to 5,000-10,000 miles.
- Cell phones blow up gas stations. There are signs forbidding the use of cell phones at the gas pump, but there is no good evidence that there is a way for this to occur. Static electricity is more likely to blame but smoking while pumping gas is still stupid.
- Manual stick shifts are far more efficient than automatics. While car guys like me prefer standard transmissions, the modern automatics have caught up on efficiency (if not fun).
- Old large heavy cars were safer. Actually, the opposite is true. While the old “land yacht” might have survived a crash better without a dent, the modern car’s crumple zone decelerates the car more slowly, which minimizes loss of life. The car takes the hit, rather than you.
- Starting a car wastes more gas than idling. With fuel injection now standard, the gas that is being used to start the car is not lots more than used when idling. As a result, turning the car off, even for a minute’s wait, will actually save fuel.
- Smoke in the cabin after a crash indicates a fire. This is almost never true.
The smoke and powder from discharged airbags smell awful but is not indicative of an impending fire. While cars can and do burn, it is rarer than you would ever imagine.
Drive Carefully!
Peel seeks justice for those injured in tractor trailer and car accidents, medical malpractice, and disability. He often addresses churches, clubs and groups without charge. Peel may be reached through PeelLawFirm.com wherein other articles may be accessed
