Reality: False. Vehicle heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems are engineered and tested to operate in even the most severe types of driving environments.
Belief: You can check your tire tread with a penny.
Reality: True. Simply pinch a penny between your thumb and forefinger so Lincoln's head is showing. Insert the penny into a tire-tread groove. If the tire covers any part of Lincoln's head, then your tires should have a safe amount of tread. Check several locations on each tire to test for uneven wear.
Belief: If you still have fuel in your gas tank when you refill it, use the same grade that is currently in the tank.
Reality: False. It will not harm your vehicle if you mix different grades of unleaded fuel.
Belief: Avoid keeping your vehicle at a constant speed during the first 500 miles of its life.
Reality: Maybe. Most new vehicles no longer require drivers to vary their speeds during the first 500 miles, known as the "break-in period." If your vehicle does require a break-in period, varying your speed by several miles per hour should do the trick.
Belief: Premium gasoline is best for your vehicle.
Reality: Maybe. Most cars are built to run on regular-grade fuel, so using premium fuel will not improve the car's performance. In fact, using premium fuel in a vehicle that was not designed for it can harm the vehicle's performance and fuel efficiency. Check your owner's manual for recommended fuel grade.
Belief: City dwellers dealing with narrow streets should not park with two wheels on the curb; it will destroy the vehicle's alignment.
Reality: True if done continuously. This practice can cause excessive wear or stress to tie rods and suspension bushings.
Belief: If the steering wheel shakes when you drive, something is wrong with your brakes.
Reality: Maybe. If the wheel shakes as you depress the brake pedal, it may mean your brake rotors are unbalanced. If the wheel shakes as you drive, it may be a wheel balance or steering-related issue.
For more information on vehicle maintenance or servicing, call or visit your local Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealership.
Media Release Date: 9/11/03
