Eight motoring myth-busters every woman should know

Take note of these top tips, and enjoy some peace of mind on our roads.

1. Storage compartments: It’s a car, not an extension of the wardrobe

“The more weight you carry around, the more fuel you use, and the more it’s going to cost you,” said McMaster.

“Assign one day a week to empty out the contents of your car. Just think with what you save on wasted petrol, you could end up with enough money for a whole new wardrobe.”

2. Check your oil and water levels

“If your car runs out of oil, the engine will have no lubrication, seize up, and die, leaving you with a car that doesn’t work and a hefty mechanic’s bill,” he said.

“Checking your oil once a month can prevent this.”

Make sure your car has been stopped and your engine turned off for five minutes.

Then open the bonnet, pull out the dipstick from the engine, then wipe and replace it before pulling it out again.

The oil level should be between the minimum and maximum marks – if not, it’s time to top up.

3. Your air conditioner uses more fuel than opening the window

“[Have you] ever heard the common myth that having your air-con on uses more fuel than opening the window? At most speeds, if the car window is open, the coefficient drag is enough to make your car work harder, thus using more fuel,” said McMaster.

“In fact, it uses about the same amount of fuel as having your air-con turned on.”

4. Sit upright, close to the steering wheel

“Sitting in an upright position close to the steering wheel is not a wise position, as it inhibits the amount of movement that is required to safely manage the controls,” he said.

“Female drivers are prone to adopting this position, as they need to see the nose of the vehicle for accurate measurement of distances.”

McMaster suggested a “more reclined” position, with your arms at a comfortable V-shape, i.e. slightly extended, and not in an L-shape with your elbows tucked up against your sides.

5. Changing tyres or getting a flat

“Putting the gear lever into ‘Park’ won’t stop the vehicle from moving and falling off the jack, once lifted,” said McMaster.

“If you have passengers onboard, have them get out, and [then] apply the handbrake as tight as it will go.”

Switch off the engine, open the boot, and ensure that the spare wheel is at hand before undoing the wheel.

“I’ve seen many a [vehicle’s rear end] in the air, with its wheels off and the driver unable to get to the spare wheel in the boot,” he said.

The ‘biscuit wheel’ is an emergency wheel, and cannot be used indefinitely.

Have the flat tyre repaired immediately.

6. Test the fuel gauge

“This may sound a little bit silly, but the ‘E’ on your petrol gauge does not stand for ‘Enough’,” said McMaster.

“If you’re running on reserve, find the nearest petrol station and top up. Not only is it dangerous if you get caught without fuel, it’s not good for your engine either.”

7. Stockings do not make good fan belt replacements

“Unless you drive a 1969 Ford Escort, stockings do not make a good replacement for a fan belt,” he said.

Modern vehicles have a serpentine belt that drives all the moving components attached to the engine, and pantyhose stockings will not be able to drive these components.

McMaster suggested women take time to understand how this serpentine belt works.

8. Clutch riding

“Keeping your foot on the clutch while driving will not help you change gears more smoothly,” he said.

Doing so would cause the thrust bearing to be overworked by the constant pressure from the fingers of the pressure plate.

This will ruin the thrust bearing and cause premature clutch failure.

“Remember to get your vehicle serviced regularly,” said McMaster.

“It’s far more cost effective and less dangerous to maintain your vehicle, rather than waiting for a part to break and then replacing it. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about your vehicle and what is done during a service, and always use a reputable workshop.”