5 Popular Urban Legends Involving Cars

Urban legends are a common phenomenon in all parts of the world. Everybody probably has a favorite urban legend associated with horrific, ghoulish characters, but for every part of your life, there is almost certainly a selection of urban legends. Driving is no exception, of course. Over the years, drivers and passengers alike have concocted a host of different myths and stories, which have grown to become established urban legends. We asked the team at Folger Subaru for their favourites and here are five of the most popular ones.

Carjackers and flyers

For many years now, worried motorists have been warned of the threat to their precious cars from gangs of roaming carjackers. Using a combination of cunning and audacity, these carjackers place flyers on the rear windshield of your car, hoping that you won't notice until you have started the engine. In a fit of irritation, you will leap out of the car to remove the flyer, allowing the carjacker to jump in and drive off. While there can be no guarantee that this has never happened to anybody, the reports that it is commonplace are not founded in evidence, though it makes good sense to ensure that you take the keys with you, even if you step away from the car for a few seconds.

Red cars and speeding tickets

Many drivers will theorize that there is strong evidence that red cars are given speeding tickets more often than any other colored car. There are a number of different theories why this is the case, ranging from 'the police like to ticket red cars' to 'red cars get stolen more often' but the fact is that there is no statistical evidence to support this theory. Of course, many super cars and sports cars are red, but as a percentage of the overall auto population, that probably isn't enough to sway the trend.

Sugar in the gas tank

There seems to be a popular misconception that sugar in the gas tank will ruin your car's engine. The theory suggests that the sugar dissolves in the gasoline and then melts into a sludge as it passes through the engine, clogging every nook and cranny in a sugary goo. In fact, the sugar doesn't dissolve in the gas tank at all. Small amounts would be controlled by the fuel filter, but larger amounts would simply fill up the gas tank and prevent fuel from reaching the engine. The reality is that the sugar would never really get anywhere near the engine, though a big deposit in the fuel tank would certainly be a nuisance.

Keys and cell phones

Common urban legend would lead you to believe that if your car is equipped with a remote keyless entry system, then any would-be thief can let him or herself into your car with a cell phone signal, playing the 'sound' transmitted by the keyless device. This might work if keyless systems did, indeed, use sound, but the fact is that they don't. They use a radio frequency signal that cannot be relayed by mobile phone, so you're quite safe, whatever anybody tells you.

Driving barefoot

Many people believe that if you decide to drive without wearing any shoes, then a traffic cop will be obliged to give you a ticket. In fact, there is not a single state in the United States where it is illegal to drive a car without footwear. The only exception could be Alabama, where it is illegal to ride a motorcycle without appropriate footwear, but then that's almost certainly common sense.

Do you know of any myths or urban legends? Let us hear them! Comment below.

ALL-NEW 2015 SUBARU WRX® STI® DEBUTS AT NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW IN DETROIT

• New platform offers a stiffer, more agile chassis for Subaru’s global performance flagship model
• Bold new sedan model with aero body design
• High-performance chassis with new Active Torque Vectoring
• 305 hp turbo BOXER engine; most powerful engine in the segment
• Driver Controlled Center Differential All-Wheel Drive
• STI Launch Edition limited to 1,000 available

 Brought to you by Folger Subaru

Click to View WRX STI Photo Gallery
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DETROIT, Jan 14, 2014 - Subaru of America, Inc. introduced the all-new 2015 WRX STI, Subaru’s iconic performance flagship model, at the North American International Auto Show. Subaru will offer a WRX STI Launch Edition, limited to 1,000 units and exclusively featuring WR Blue paint and gold BBS® forged alloy wheels and unique interior trim.

Powered by the legendary 305-horsepower 2.5-liter turbocharged BOXER engine, the 2015 WRX STI debuts a new four-door wide-body design, built on a stiffer chassis for even greater handling agility and precision. The WRX STI provides a rally-bred drivetrain and all-wheel drive handling that is unique to this model. Handling is enhanced with a stiffer chassis, firmer springs and faster steering (13.0:1 ratio).

New for the 2015 WRX STI, Active Torque Vectoring joins an arsenal of the model’s proven handling technologies that includes Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control, and a Brembo® Performance Brake System with Super Sport ABS.

The 2015 WRX STI carries its bold personality inside, where new Alcantara seating surfaces accented by red and black leather bolsters and red stitching set the tone for the upgraded and roomier cabin. A driver-focused interior remains integral to the WRX STI performance character, with the new model debuting a motorsports-inspired flat-bottom steering wheel and new whiplash-reducing performance-design front seats with height and tilt-adjustable head restraints. A wide array of new user technologies include, for the first time in a WRX STI, availability of a harman/kardon® premium audio system.

Iconic STI Design Exclusively in Sedan Form
A bolder front design makes the 2015 WRX STI look ready to devour the road. The “nose-cone” configuration combines the grille and bumper cap into one unit ahead of the hood, which for the 2015 model is made from aluminum to reduce weight over the front of the car. Narrower headlights, designed to evoke a raptor’s stare, flank the Subaru hexagonal grille. It’s a more powerful stare thanks to new standard LED low-beam headlights.

The special hood, fenders, doors and quarters, bumpers, headlights and taillight clusters convey the WRX STI identity. As on previous WRX STI models, a functional hood scoop supplies the intercooler with fresh air, and in the 2015 model it is set more deeply into the hood to provide better forward visibility.

Other new performance-oriented details include foglight surrounds with a carbon fiber-like pattern and front fender vents that feature a mesh screen. A full aerodynamic body package includes the large trunk spoiler that has been a WRX STI signature feature. A rear diffuser, LED taillights and LED center high-mount stop lamp (CHMSL) leave a distinctive signature.

New, Stiffer Chassis for Greater Handling Agility
The 2015 WRX STI body structure makes greater use of high-tensile steel than the previous model and features special stiffening elements at key locations. The stiffer chassis helps yield a super-quick steering response that was benchmarked against top-handling sports cars. The 13.0:1 steering ratio provides a quick 2.5 turns lock-to-lock compared to 14.5:1 and 2.8 for the standard WRX model.

As on previous WRX STI models, the 2015 version uses an exclusive inverted-strut front suspension system that provides higher levels of cornering agility. Aluminum front lower L-arms reduce unsprung vehicle weight. The STI-tuned suspension teams with standard 18-inch wheels and 245/40R18 summer performance tires, with the WRX STI Launch Edition and WRX STI Limited models featuring BBS® forged aluminum-alloy wheels.

305-hp Turbo BOXER Engine
The 2015 WRX STI is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged/intercooled 4-cylinder BOXER engine that employs the Dual Active Valve Control System (Dual AVCS). The engine, which is exclusive to the STI model, produces 305 horsepower (SAE) at 6,000 rpm and 290 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,000 rpm.

The WRX STI engine is teamed exclusively with a specially reinforced 6-speed manual transmission, which includes an STI short-throw shifter in the Launch Edition model. Incline Start Assist can momentarily prevent the car from rolling backward when being driven away from a stop on an incline.

The Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) powertrain management system allows the driver to tailor the car’s driving characteristics by choosing from among three selectable modes – “Intelligent,” “Sport” and “Sport Sharp” – using a rotary dial on the center console. SI-DRIVE alters vehicle performance characteristics by regulating the engine control module and by fine-tuning the electronic throttle control system.

Multi-Mode DCCD All-Wheel Drive with Three-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control
The 2015 WRX STI is exclusively equipped with the Multi-Mode Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD) version of Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. This sophisticated system uses planetary-type center differential gears with a nominal 41:59 torque split. A mechanical limited-slip type center differential augments an electronically controlled center differential to enhance torque transfer performance.

Sensor inputs that include steering angle, throttle position, RPM, lateral-g, yaw, brake, ABS and wheel speed govern torque transfer response. A helical-type limited-slip front differential and a TORSEN® torque-sensing limited-slip rear differential optimize side-to-side torque distribution.

The DCCD AWD system features three automatic modes, each using varying degrees of center differential locking to match different driving situations. In manual mode, the driver can select one of six center differential locking levels to suit the driving situation.


Active Torque Vectoring, an enhancement of the Multi-Mode Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) stability and traction control system, can apply brake pressure to the inside front wheel to facilitate more neutral cornering. The VDC system offers yet more driver choices, with three settings: “VDC Normal,” “Traction” and “Off.” Each provides respectively lesser degrees of system engagement, allowing the driver to tailor response for the driving situation. Active Torque Vectoring remains engaged for “Normal” and “Traction” modes.

Premium Cabin
A one-inch longer wheelbase than the previous WRX STI helps provide a roomier cabin in the new model. The windshield is more raked than before, with the A-pillar pulled forward nearly eight inches at the base for better forward visibility, aided by a lower dashboard and narrower A-pillars. Lower side sills and wider-opening doors make ingress/egress easier. Rear seat legroom is increased by nearly two inches, and trunk capacity is now 12 cu. ft., up from 11.3 cu. ft. in the previous WRX STI sedan. A standard 60/40-split fold-down rear seat extends versatility. New available Welcome Lighting responds to the driver approaching the car.

In the 2015 WRX STI, the driver grips a new flat-bottom, leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel that integrates switches for audio and Bluetooth control. The STI Design electroluminescent gauge panel gets a new 3.5-in. central LCD screen that displays various functions, including low-level warnings for oil and windshield washer fluid and the selected gear.

Rich-looking appointments and details abound, including soft-touch materials for the dashboard, door trim and center console armrest. A new multi-information central display with 4.3-in. LCD screen provides a multitude of vehicle system functions, including a standard rear camera display, a boost gauge display, audio (on non-navigation models), Bluetooth and climate control settings, and a VDC screen showing traction control operation. The display can also provide a vehicle self-check and maintenance reminder.

Standard features for the 2015 WRX STI include dual-zone automatic climate control and the All-Weather Package (dual-mode heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer). The new standard audio system combines AM/FM stereo with HD Radio®, a single-disc in-dash CD player, 6 speakers, MP3/WMA capability, Radio Data Broadcast System (RDBS), Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming, iPod® control capability, iTunes® Tagging, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio (subscription required), USB port and a 3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack. Numerous compartments located in and around the center console hold phones, USB drives and MP3 players.

An available touch-screen navigation system displays on a 6.1-inch LCD screen and offers voice controls. The WRX STI Limited model adds the luxury of leather-trimmed upholstery, an 8-way power driver’s seat, the harman/kardon premium audio system and a power moonroof that opens one inch farther than on the previous model.

Subaru Safety
Subaru’s renowned safety package uses the brand’s proven Ring-shaped Reinforcement Frame body structure, which has been shown to excel in the new small overlap test by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). In the cabin, a driver’s knee airbag is added to the roster of safety features that includes front side pelvis/torso airbags and side curtain airbags that offer front and rear outboard seat coverage.

Subaru produces a full line of all-wheel drive sedans, crossovers and SUVs, along with the rear-wheel drive BRZ sports car.

About Subaru of America, Inc.
Subaru of America, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of more than 600 dealers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill production plants and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. is the only U.S. automobile production plant to be designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. For additional information visit www.subaru.com.

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Ask a Technician: How can I improve my visibility while driving?

Brought to you by Folger Subaru

When driving your car, it is absolutely vital that your visibility is as clear as possible. Your ability to see the road and other road users could literally be the difference between life and death, so you cannot afford to take any chances. If you want to ensure that you have the best possible visibility, follow these five simple tips.

Check things out with a test drive. Why buy a car in the first place that has poor visibility? The test drive is the perfect opportunity to establish whether this is going to be a car that you can “really” drive or not. Put “all-round visibility” high on your list of buying criteria—if you are not convinced, don’t buy.

Get a parking camera. Many modern cars come with a parking camera as a standard or available option. This is particularly important if you are driving a car with a higher ride height, which can make it very difficult to see behind the car when parking. A parking camera can help save the driver from a neck injury, and will ensure that your car avoids a rear collision. You can often get a parking camera installed fairly economically your dealership if your car doesn’t have one.

Adjust your mirrors. You can correct the car’s blind spot by adjusting your side rear-view mirrors. The angle of the driver’s mirror should be set to fifteen degrees. You can do this by leaning your head so that it’s even with the side window and then adjusting the mirror until you can just see the side of your car. Do this for the other mirror as well while still keeping your head in the center of the car.

Use parking sensors. Parking sensors are a simple but very useful feature available on many cars. Radar sensors determine how close the rear of your car is to any potential hazards and sound an increasingly frantic noise the closer you get. Parking sensors increasingly appear as standard, but you could also ask your dealership technician to install them for you.

Develop good visibility habits. Your car is a dangerous machine, so treat it with respect and common sense. Ensure that you leave nothing in the rear window which can obscure your vision. Ensure that the dash is kept clear and, above all, ensure that the car’s windows are kept clean. Make sure that there is also washing fluid available so that you can remove any dirt from the windshield.

Good visibility is a critical part of road safety, so take steps to make sure you maintain excellent visibility whenever you are on the road. Give us a call at Folger Subaru for more information. We're here to help you get in to the best car and be safe while driving.

 

Understanding Winter Tire Pressure

A guide to winter tire pressure and what to do about it

When it comes to driving in the winter, some drivers assume that the only thing they need to worry about is keeping warm. However, the hazardous winter driving conditions present a number of different challenges, with traction being one of the most serious. Slushy, icy, wet roads present a serious hazard for drivers, and it is important to do everything you can to ensure that your car stays on the road safely. Your tire pressure is an important part of the puzzle.

Checking your tire pressure is one of the easiest auto maintenance tasks that you can carry out. Purchase a tire pressure gauge for a few dollars and you can check the tires at home. If your readings don’t match the manufacturer's guidelines, visit a gas station or our dealership to make the adjustments. Maintaining the right pressure helps ensure that your car handles well and that the tires wear evenly and ultimately last longer. Keeping the right tire pressure in winter becomes a little more complicated, however.

The colder weather causes the air temperature in your tires to drop. The drop in temperature means that the air inside the tire contracts, lowering the air pressure. If you start driving, the air in the tires warms up again, but lowers as soon as you stop. This makes it harder to keep the tire pressure within the recommended range. If you take the pressure before you start driving you will get a different result to one that you take after you have just driven a long way.

What does this mean? Well, if you suffer relative extremes in temperature during the winter (cold nights and warmer, sunny days), then the time of day that you adjust your tire pressure could have different results. Set in the afternoon, when it is warmer, and you may find that the pressure is not suitable when you leave for work in the morning.

There are three things that you can do to help combat this:

• Take the outside temperature into account. If you are adjusting pressure when it is warmer, then you need to account for the decrease in temperature overnight. Increase the tire pressure during a particularly cold spell.
• Check the pressure more often. Try to check the pressure every few days, particularly during extremes of temperature.
• Use the manufacturer's recommended pressure. This is the pressure when the tire is cold.

 Keeping your tire pressure correct during the winter could save you money and keep you safe.

 

 

Brought to you by Folger Subaru. Give us a call (866) 306-3293 or Schedule Your Service online now!