There are always different opinions about auto care, many of them can actually be harmful. Here are few of the most common misconceptions about auto care during the summertime. The summer heat can wreck serious havoc on your car. It affects everything from your gas consumption, your oil needs, your tires and brakes, and even your mood. Mixing the high temperatures with high speeds and hot pavement…not nice! These are some of the many reason why your car needs a good maintenance checkup as the hotter months take over. While you’re there, do you really need the antifreeze? Should you switch to a heavier oil? There are so many questions and stories about summer and your car that can be misleading. Huff Oil Group is here to debunk some of the most common summertime auto myths so you can cruise calmly in Fayetteville.

Summertime Myths…Debunked!

Is Blasting the Heat to the Max Really Going to Help Cool Down My Engine?

Yes, you will end up a sweaty mess, but your engine will be slightly cooler. This works because the heater uses the engine’s heat to warm the cabin. This means all that excess heat in the engine will be pulled inside the cabin, significantly cooling it down. Use this method if your car is overheating, but you must keep driving. If you find yourself constantly needing to use your heater to cool down your engine, there might be something wrong with your cooling system.

I Heard That I Need to Switch to Thicker Oil During the Summer

Some car manufacturers say you should, but don’t overdo it. First, you should start by consulting your owner’s manual for the viscosity recommendations for your car. Usually, cars come with a 5W-20 oil, which is thin. For a slightly thicker and summer accepted option, you should go for a 10W-30 oil. Thinner oil is preferred by modern cars because it reduces friction, which is great for performance and reducing fuel costs. Recent engines have been designed to run on thin oil, so engine parts are more compatible with the thinner option no matter the season. Unless you own an older car that requires thicker oil all around, there is no need to switch to a thicker version. If you’re really worried about switching your oil viscosity, get a synthetic oil change instead. Synthetic oil works just as well in the summer as it does in winter, and you don’t need to be worrying about getting a special oil for each season. Stick to AMSOIL’s Signature Series 5W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil and you’ll do just fine. To get AMSOIL synthetic oil, you can shop at their online store or call Huff Oil Group (910) 988-9328.

Are Black Cars Really Hotter in the Sun?

Unfortunately for you, black-car-owner, this story is true. After leaving a white and a black car under the sun for a few hours, it turns out that the black car’s cabin measured 130° F and the white one was only 113°F. Not only that, the white one cools down way faster than the black one. Find out more about this interesting experiment here.

Is Using Water as a Coolant for the Summer Enough?

Well, using water is fine in a pinch if you’ve got nothing else available and will be replacing it with antifreeze soon. If you're not going to replace it, then no, it’s not enough. The antifreeze comes equipped with antiwear and anticorrosion additives for the cooling system. You should be using a 50-50 mix of coolant and water during every season. Regardless of the coolant brand you use, this ratio is always true. Just be sure not to mix antifreeze brands! If you need to refill your coolant tank, AMSOIL’s Low Toxicity Antifreeze and Engine Coolant is a good idea.

Is It Better for My Fuel Consumption to Drive with the Windows Down Over the Summer?

It depends on which type of road you’re driving on. The air conditioner does participate in consuming more fuel, so if you’re going to be driving around town and it’s not terribly warm outside, you should keep your windows open. However, if you’re going to be driving on the freeway or on the open road, opening the windows will increase the aerodynamic drag and burn off more fuel.

Can I Just Use Old Tires with Less Tread Now That I Don’t Need Snow Tires?

Remember that summer brings rainy days, and tires with less tread perform poorly on wet roads. Unless you’re planning on staying home whenever it rains or parking until they dry off, then by all means keep your old tires. Otherwise, consider switching to some new ones with at least 4/32# minimum tread depth.

All You Need for a Synthetic Oil Change This Summer in Fayetteville

There are many auto and motor oil misconceptions floating around, it's all a question of finding out the truth so you can make a better decision for your car.  Keeping a perfectly lubricated engine brings benefits to every part of your vehicle, so be constant with your synthetic oil change intervals in Fayetteville. Don't forget to call Huff Oil Group at (910) 988-9328 whenever you need to purchase your AMSOIL supplies.