Car headlights at night

(Quiz) Which Driving “Facts” Are True—And Which Are Urban Legends?

Since 84 percent of Americans over the age of 16 have a driver’s license, it’s no surprise that most people get plenty of driving advice and theories. The only trouble is that some of it is based on outdated information. We rounded up some of the most common driving-related “facts” and asked experts give us the real deal. Take this quiz for a spin to see how savvy you really are.

By Nicole Cherie Jones

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  1. Teresa Lowe says,

    If a slower driver pulls to the shoulder to allow faster vehicles to pass, are they held responsible if they are in a collision.

  2. Merrill Gehman says,

    I Drive right , pass left. When finished passing move back right. Don’t hold up others or force them to pass you on the right. If someone catches up to you , your probably holding them up. Let others pass.

  3. L.A.Libe says,

    I have to remind myself when driving in Europe. Passing on the right is Illegal, a fineable offense. In Italy, semis are not permitted on the interstates on Sunday. Great idea!

  4. ARTHUR L. MANTZ says,

    IN MY OPINION 85% OF THE DRIVERS KNOW NOTHING ABOUT DRIVING? THEY ARE GIVEN A LICENSE JUST LIKE YOU GET A BIRTHDAY, AND THEY DON’T HAVE A CLUE?EVEN TALKING ON BLUE TOOTH, HAS YOUR MIND ELSE WHERE. IT ONLY TAKES ONE SECOND TO GET KILLED. AND I DON’T THINK PEOPLE REALIZE THAT. WE NEED TO HAVE TRAINING IN SCHOOL FOR THESE KIDS, (ALSO FOR A LOT OF ADOULTS)

  5. John from jersey says,

    The question of idling vs restart depends on how long you plan to idle and how many times you will restart . It doesn’t take into account the age of the vehicle or mileage which could make a difference. All in all a trick question. However I did enjoy the quiz.

  6. Rae says,

    I think the last question should be marked both if you are going to say it depends on the type of vehicle. Yes it does and considering I have a vehicle with a carburetor and one that is fuel injected, yes, it makes a difference.
    A carburetor will use more to restart instead of idle than a fuel injected vehicle. So don’t assume everyone drives fuel injected vehicles.

  7. Janice Bell says,

    Great Quiz everyone should take it u be surprise how many people fail. It very dangerous to drive without ? I believe ? high performance cars ? use high premium gas. Double blinking headlights is good ? to let oncoming car know theirs headlights not on which is not s good fit. Janice

    • Rae says,

      Something to think about, the higher octane gasoline is purchased less often than regular octane, which means it sits in the tank collecting condensation and sediment making it less suitable for your vehicle. Your best option, because it is used most often is regular gas and put in an additive if needed.

      • Teresa Lowe says,

        The ideal fuel is whatever octane is recommended by the manufacturer. In a newer vehicle with electronic timing it could really mess up your car.

    • Janice Bell says,

      Wonderful quiz everyone should take especially Everyone should never forget to fasten their ? belt including ur passengers will save ur life. Dashing your headlights also lets driver who coming towards u may not know their lights are not on when it should be way of letting them know to turn their head lights on.

  8. R. Wolff says,

    Premium Vs. Regular Gas, Premium gas is designed for high compression engines. Yes the octane is higher because of the additives which are added to make the fuel burn slower/cooler. Regular gas actually burns hotter and faster. Do Not think by adding a tank of premium will clean out your engine and make it work better, in fact it could foul up the ignition in the process. On the other hand Do Not add regular to a high compression engine you will have a good chance to burn out your ignition, ping, back fire etc. Use the factory specified octane and proper gas, premium or regular.

    • John says,

      While it’s generally true that Premium gasoline is formulated with higher concentrations of detergent and Fuel Injector additives, it’s the higher Octane rating of the base gasoline which differentiates it from regular gasoline-i.e. 93 Octane vs 87 Octane. Did you know that the Octane posting on the pump is actually the average of 2 Octane measurements- Research + Motor/2 determined by special laboratory engines run under 2 sets of conditions?

      I worked for Mobil Oil Corporation’s Technical Service Labs in the fuel and lubricant sections for approx 30 years.

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