A lot of driving “myths” get passed down from parents, friends, and old school instructors. Some turned out to be completely false, but many were actually rooted in good driving habits and real safety practices. Even with modern technology like ABS brakes, traction control, and driver assist systems, the basic wisdom behind these so called myths still holds true. Let’s take a deeper look at twelve old pieces of advice that are still worth following, with examples that prove why they matter today.
Keep Both Hands on the Wheel at All Times
Many drivers relax with one hand on the wheel or even cruise with a knee, but the advice to keep both hands on the wheel remains solid. Safety experts now recommend the “nine and three” position instead of “ten and two” due to airbags, but the principle is unchanged. Studies show that two handed drivers react faster in emergencies, cutting response time by fractions of a second that can mean the difference between a near miss and a collision. For example, the NHTSA reported that drivers who kept both hands on the wheel during evasive maneuvers were 40 percent more likely to regain control.
Do Not Ride the Brakes on Long Hills
Old advice about not resting your foot on the brake when descending hills has saved countless brake systems. Riding the brakes creates constant heat buildup that leads to brake fade, where the pads and rotors become too hot to work effectively. Truckers in particular know this lesson well. On Colorado’s steep mountain passes, brake failures are so common that runaway truck ramps line the roads. Using engine braking in a lower gear, combined with short firm applications of the brake, prevents overheating. This is a classic example of advice that is as relevant today as it was 50 years ago.
Keep a Safe Following Distance
The “three second rule” sounded like an instructor’s nag, but it is still one of the best ways to avoid rear end collisions. Modern traffic studies show that tailgating is a leading cause of accidents, and adaptive cruise control systems built into new vehicles are essentially designed to enforce the same principle automatically. In icy or wet conditions, experts recommend increasing the distance to six seconds or more. For example, Transport Canada found that more than 30 percent of multi vehicle collisions are caused by drivers following too closely—proof that this old rule is still lifesaving.
Do Not Drive on Empty
Parents used to warn that running on fumes would “suck dirt” into the engine. The truth is that fuel pumps sit at the bottom of the tank, so they always draw from the lowest point. That means sediment buildup over years can clog filters when fuel runs low. Worse, modern fuel pumps rely on gasoline to stay cool. Running near empty overheats them and can lead to pump failure, a repair that often costs $600 or more. AAA notes that many roadside breakdowns come from people who underestimated how far they could stretch that last gallon.
Check Tire Pressure Regularly
The advice to “kick the tires” might sound old fashioned, but modern studies prove that checking tire pressure monthly saves money and lives. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that properly inflated tires improve fuel economy by up to 3 percent, saving drivers hundreds of dollars a year. Underinflated tires also cause blowouts, which account for nearly 11,000 crashes annually in the U.S. according to the NHTSA. Checking with a reliable gauge instead of just eyeballing is the modern twist on this classic advice.
Use Your Signals Even If You Think No One Is Around
It might feel unnecessary to signal on an empty road, but this is one of those habits that pays off in the long run. Many collisions happen at intersections or driveways where another car suddenly appears. In some states, failure to signal is one of the most ticketed infractions. Using signals consistently also helps build muscle memory so you never forget in heavy traffic. In rural areas, signaling can warn pedestrians, cyclists, or farm vehicles you may not have noticed. This so called myth is really just common sense dressed as habit.
Lights On in the Rain Is Safer
Turning headlights on when it rains is more than about seeing the road—it is about being seen. Gray cars blend into gray skies, and rain spray reduces visibility for everyone. In fact, many states and provinces legally require headlights on when wipers are in use. Studies have shown that daytime running lights and headlights reduce multi vehicle accidents in poor weather by up to 10 percent. That little click of the headlight switch could be the reason another driver notices you in time.
Slow Down in Bad Weather
Everyone has heard the advice to slow down in the rain, snow, or fog. The posted speed limit is not a goal in all conditions—it is the maximum for ideal ones. Physics does not change because you are in a modern car with traction control. Road tests prove that stopping distance nearly doubles on wet pavement and can triple on ice. In Minnesota, highway patrol reports that almost 25 percent of winter crashes involve drivers “traveling too fast for conditions” even if they were under the speed limit. Slowing down is timeless advice that technology cannot replace.
Avoid Cruise Control in Heavy Rain or Snow
Cruise control is convenient on dry highways, but in wet or icy conditions it can become dangerous. If your tires hydroplane, cruise control may try to maintain speed or even accelerate when you need to slow down. By staying in manual control, you can instantly respond to slipping tires. This advice was hammered into drivers decades ago, and it remains correct even with modern adaptive cruise systems, many of which automatically disable themselves in slippery conditions. That is technology validating old wisdom.
Keep Emergency Supplies in the Car
Carrying extra gear might sound paranoid, but it has saved lives countless times. A basic kit with jumper cables, water, a flashlight, and a blanket can turn a stressful breakdown into an inconvenience rather than a disaster. In snowy regions, keeping kitty litter or sand helps gain traction if you are stuck. Stories of drivers stranded for hours during highway closures in winter storms prove how valuable this old advice is. Governments even publish recommended roadside kits, showing that what once sounded like overpreparedness is now considered standard.
Do Not Slam the Brakes on Ice
Old school drivers warned never to stomp on the brakes when sliding, and they were right. Locking the wheels leads to total loss of control. While ABS helps by pulsing the brakes automatically, the principle remains the same: brake gently and steer where you want the car to go. For cars without ABS, pumping the brakes is still the proper move. Countless winter driving schools teach this same lesson today, proving that this “myth” is actually physics at work.
Maintain Both Hands When Driving Through Puddles
The advice to hold on tight when driving through standing water may sound exaggerated, but hydroplaning is very real. Hitting a puddle at highway speed can jerk the wheel violently or send the car pulling sharply to one side. A firm two handed grip allows drivers to correct instantly. Insurance data shows thousands of claims each year from hydroplaning accidents, many caused by drivers who were not prepared for the sudden tug of the wheel. This bit of wisdom may be simple, but it is one of the smartest tips for wet weather.
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
Car loans are one of the most common ways people fund car purchases. Like any other kind of loan, car loans can have certain features that can be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage to the borrower. Understanding all essential facts about car loans and how they work to ensure that you get the best deal for your financial situation is essential. Here are 25 shocking facts about car loans that most drivers don’t realize:
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
