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Tires Are 'Worn' When You See a Dot in the Tread - Myth Debunked

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Sunday, November 30th 2025 at 10:12 GMT by SlashGear

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The Long‑Lasting Myths That Keep Stuck Around Your Vehicle

When you first step into the world of car ownership, the sheer volume of information can feel overwhelming. Advice pours in from roadside assistance companies, online forums, automotive blogs, and even the occasional friend who thinks they’ve “read enough manuals.” Over the years, a handful of myths have stuck around, gaining almost mythic status in their own right. These are the kinds of sayings you’ll hear at every garage, on every car‑care YouTube channel, and in every conversation about “the best way to keep your car running.”

SlashGear’s recent piece, “Most Annoying Long‑Lasting Car Myths,” takes a hard look at some of the most persistent myths, debunks them with data, and gives you the facts you need to make better decisions about maintenance and daily driving. Below is a comprehensive summary of the article, including key points, explanations, and the evidence that backs them up.

1. Tires Are “Worn” When You See a Dot in the Tread

The Myth
Every driver knows the “tread depth” mark on a tire – a small groove that shows how many millimeters of rubber are left. The myth says: “If that dot has worn all the way to the center of the tire, you’re done.” The implication is that any visible dot means you’re close to the end of the tire’s life and should replace the tire immediately.

Why It’s Wrong
The dots are purely decorative and meant to improve traction on wet roads. They’re not an indicator of tread wear. Tires can be worn down past the dot marks without any safety implications. In fact, a properly inflated tire will maintain the same tread depth regardless of the dot’s position. The actual wear indicator is the tread‑depth gauge – the “wear bars” stamped onto the tread, usually in the form of a small box or lines.

Bottom Line
Never base your replacement decision on the dot. Check the wear bars; if they’re at the bottom of the box, it’s time to replace the tire.

2. You Should Keep Your Gas Tank at Least 12 % Full

The Myth
“You should keep your tank at least 12 % full to avoid fuel line blockage and keep the fuel pump operating.” This is a long‑standing rule of thumb that many drivers take seriously.

Why It’s Wrong
Modern fuel pumps are designed to function with the tank partially empty. The idea that a “full” tank is necessary to protect the pump or to keep the lines clear is unfounded. A 12 % level equates to roughly 4–5 gallons in a typical 15‑gal tank, which is more than enough fuel to get you to the next station without risk of fuel line issues.

Bottom Line
Fuel pumps work fine when the tank is anywhere from a quarter to half full. The only real advantage of keeping the tank higher is convenience and peace of mind during long trips.

3. A Flat Tire Means You Shouldn’t Drive, Even a Few Miles

The Myth
If you get a flat, the instinct is to leave the car at the roadside and never get back on the road again.

Why It’s Wrong
If the tire has just a flat, you can safely drive a few miles at a reduced speed to get to a service station or a repair shop. The key is to maintain control and drive carefully; the risk of a blow‑out or catastrophic damage is minimal as long as you avoid aggressive braking or sharp turns.

Bottom Line
A minor flat can be managed safely. Just avoid sudden movements and plan your route to a nearby repair location.

4. All Cars Need the Same Oil Change Interval

The Myth
“Every vehicle needs an oil change every 5,000 miles.” This blanket rule was largely perpetuated by early OEM recommendations and then amplified by marketing.

Why It’s Wrong
Modern engines and synthetic oils have made the 5,000‑mile rule obsolete for many vehicles. OEMs now typically recommend intervals ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 miles, depending on the make, model, and type of oil used. The real determinant is the oil’s ability to remain clean and maintain its viscosity; the car’s onboard sensor systems can even alert you when a change is necessary.

Bottom Line
Check your owner’s manual for the specific recommendation. For many cars today, a 10,000‑mile interval is safe and economical.

5. Adding “Water‑Additives” to the Engine Improves Performance

The Myth
There are many products on the market that claim to “clean” the engine or boost horsepower by adding a water‑based additive to the fuel line.

Why It’s Wrong
The engine’s combustion chamber is a sealed environment. Adding water to the fuel stream can lead to phase separation, sludge, and corrosion. In most cases, the additive is ineffective and can actually damage the engine.

Bottom Line
Stick to OEM‑approved fuels and avoid water‑based additives unless your vehicle’s manufacturer specifically recommends them (very rare).

6. A Car That Has Been “Cold‑Started” Once Won’t Start Again

The Myth
You’ve heard this one: “If your car will start, it will always start.” The myth suggests that a failure to start one time guarantees future failures.

Why It’s Wrong
A car’s starting system is robust. A single cold start failure could be due to a battery issue, a faulty spark plug, a clogged fuel injector, or even a bad connection in the starter circuit. Most of these problems are temporary or repairable.

Bottom Line
Diagnose the specific cause of a failed start instead of assuming a permanent problem.

7. You Need to Keep the Engine’s Coolant at 100 %

The Myth
“The coolant should always be 100 %.” This is often cited to mean you should never add a 50 % coolant mixture.

Why It’s Wrong
Coolant is usually a 50/50 blend of antifreeze and water. A 100 % antifreeze solution is far too concentrated, can lead to overheating, and increases the risk of freezing in colder climates.

Bottom Line
Always follow the manufacturer’s specified ratio, typically 50 % antifreeze to 50 % water.

8. You Should Never Drive Your Car With a Full Tank

The Myth
Contrary to the “keep the tank full” myth, some drivers believe a full tank is dangerous because of fuel weight or safety concerns.

Why It’s Wrong
Fuel weight is a negligible factor in overall vehicle weight and has no safety implication. Additionally, the safety systems designed to manage fuel – such as fuel lines and pumps – are calibrated to operate with a full tank.

Bottom Line
There’s no risk associated with driving on a full tank.

What Should You Do Instead?

1. Read the Manual
   OEMs provide maintenance schedules tailored to the vehicle’s design and intended use.

2. Use On‑Board Diagnostics (OBD)
   Modern cars have sensors that detect when a component is reaching the end of its life.

3. Keep a Log
   Track oil changes, tire rotations, and other maintenance tasks in a log or an app.

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask
   Your trusted mechanic is your ally. They can clarify when a myth has a basis in fact or is simply folklore.

5. Stay Updated
   The automotive industry changes rapidly. New technologies such as direct‑fuel injection and hybrid systems come with new maintenance paradigms that may render old myths obsolete.

Final Thoughts

Car myths persist for a reason: they’re easy to remember, they sound plausible, and they’re often passed down from generation to generation. However, the real world of automotive maintenance is governed by data, engineering, and precise design. The best way to keep your vehicle reliable is to rely on manufacturer guidance, scientific evidence, and real‑world diagnostics rather than on popular sayings that may have survived past technological realities.

SlashGear’s article underscores that the most effective approach to car care is to question every myth, investigate the evidence, and then make informed decisions that suit the specific needs of your vehicle. By doing so, you’ll not only extend the life of your car but also avoid unnecessary repairs and expenses.