Unless you have auto repair training, it can be challenging to separate the truth from fiction when it comes to caring for your car. Myths, such as filling your tank completely, might sound like good advice, but could be harmful in the long run. Here are some commonly believed myths about car care and the truth.  

Always Top Off Your Car at the Pump

Topping off your car sounds like a good practice. After all, it sounds as if you are getting the full amount of gas in your car that the fuel tank can handle. However, it is not necessarily a good practice for your car.  

When you top off your car, there are several things that happen, including damage to the charcoal filter. As more gas is added to the fuel tank, your car's evaporative system can start to feel overwhelmed. As pressure builds, the filter is charged with collecting those vapors that come from it.  

The filter is not meant to withstand that level of vapors, and as a result, it is not able to keep those vapors away from your engine. In addition to the filter being damaged, your engine could also be damaged.  

Your Tire's Air Pressure Is Listed on the Sidewall

Some car owners mistakenly believe that the recommended air pressure for the tires is on the sidewall. As a result, they often fill the tires according to that number. Unfortunately, the number is not what they think.  

The air pressure listed on the sidewall is the maximum the tire can hold before it becomes unstable. Whenever you are inflating your tires, you should always refer to your owner's manual. The manual has the actual air pressure that you should be aiming for.  

Your Car Needs to Warm Up on a Cold Day

There is some amount of truth to the belief that your car needs to warm up on a cold day. Warming up is essential to helping lubricants warm so that they flow freely throughout your car's components. However, leaving your car idling in the driveway for too long can only serve to waste fuel.  

Your car's engine does need some warming, but you can achieve this through actually driving it. You can warm it for a few minutes to get the lubricants circulating, but driving it after that point is important.  

Talk to your auto repair shop technician like one from G P Automotive to find other myths about car care and the truth. 

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