Common Automotive Myths Debunked for October’s Car Safety Month

The Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada is debunking common myths about vehicle maintenance and repair in light of October’s Car Safety Month.
“There are a lot of misconceptions that can cause consumers to delay or neglect maintenance altogether,” said Marc Brazeau, president, AIA Canada. “It is up to our industry to shed light on these common myths, and educate Canadians so we can make our roads safer.”
Some myths worth busting:
Myth #1:  Tire pressure only needs to be checked during an oil change.
Fact: Tire pressure should be measured at lease once per month. Properly inflated tires last longer, make your vehicle safer to drive and can improve your fuel efficiency by 3.3%. It’s especially important to monitor your tire pressure during seasonal changes because every 5°C change in temperature results in about a 7_kPa (1 psi) change in tire pressure.
Myth # 2:  Recommended tire pressure is listed on the tire.
Fact:  Using the tire pressure listed on the tire is a common mistake. The number on a tire’s sidewall shows its maximum pressure. Proper tire inflation pressure is determined by the carmaker as it relates to the specifications of the vehicle, so always refer to your vehicle’s owner manual or to the inflation sticker found on the driver’s door jamb.
Myth # 3: To maintain my warranty, I can only have my car serviced at a dealership. Fact: Any qualified service facility or skilled technician can perform maintenance. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule found in your vehicle’s owner manual, which will ensure your vehicle’s dependability and safety, protect the environment, and enhance and maintain your vehicle’s value.  Be sure to keep all receipts as proof of completion and have the service provider fill out the Maintenance Record.
Myth #4: Paint chips and nicks don’t affect my warranty. Fact: To keep your new vehicle’s paint and corrosion warranty valid, have dents, scratches and collision-damaged panels inspected and repaired immediately. If damage is ignored, rust can start to form. New cars have a minimum five-year rust perforation warranty. For leased vehicles, you must minimize the damage by chips and nicks to maintain your lease agreement.
Myth #5: Seatbelts are likely to injure or trap you in a crash. Fact: Research shows the odds of being ejected from your vehicle and being killed or seriously injured are far greater than those of being trapped inside by a seatbelt. Seatbelts reduce the risk of fatal injury to front seat passengers by 45% and reduce the risk of moderate-to-critical injury by 50%. Without the use of a safety belt, it’s likely that you will be knocked unconscious or severely injured in the event of an accident.
For more vehicle maintenance and safety tips or additional information on the Be Car Care Aware program, please visit www.becarcareaware.ca.