5 Common Car Myths to Stop Believing

November 13, 2020 · 3 min read

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We've all grown up hearing at least some of these recommendations from older drivers - but with advancements in technology and improvements to the various features of vehicles, they're no longer tried-and-true fact. Read on for 5 of the common car myths that no longer apply:

Manual Transmissions Offer Better Gas Mileage

This myth persists because it once was true back when automatic transmissions were new, but this is no longer the case. Advances in technology, particularly with options like continuously variable transmission (CVT), offer a broader range of gear ratios, which is where manuals once had the edge. Today, automatic vehicles offer the same (or even better) fuel economy than their manual counterparts. Which one you end up buying all depends on your personal driving preference!

Cranking Up the Air Conditioning is Better Than Cracking the Windows

This myth is so commonly held that Mythbusters tackled it on the popular Discovery show. There is some basis in the myth, however, because rolling down the windows causes more wind resistance, making your vehicle less aerodynamic. Still, Mythbusters and other experts have found that cranking up the A/C actually leads to a slight decrease in a vehicle's fuel economy, even though using the air conditioner is generally recommended to help keep drivers alert.

You Should Change Your Oil Every 3,000 Miles

The rule that you should get an oil change every 3,000 miles exists because, like most myths, it was once the truth. Older cars did require more frequent oil changes, but this simply isn't the case anymore. Many modern cars can actually go as far as 10,000 miles without needing new oil. We don't recommend pushing your car to the limits, however, since engine oil gets grimy over time and will stop lubricating your engine altogether. You're better off checking your owner's manual for your specific model's recommendations and sticking to that recommended schedule.

Premium Fuel Makes Your Car Run Better

It seems like a no-brainer. More expensive fuel should make your run-of-the-mill SUV run like a high-performance coupe, right? Actually, no. Premium gas isn't any cleaner or purer than regular - it's just less combustible, which is necessary for cars with more powerful engines. Using a higher octane gas for your non-premium car offers no benefit whatsoever, so unless you enjoy wasting money at the pump, stick with regular.

Let Your Car Warm Up Before Your Drive

In the winter months, it's tempting to let your car idle to allow both the engine and cabin to warm up. Not only does this bad habit waste gas, but it's also bad for your car. Unnecessary idling in cold weather causes your engine's moving parts to wear down faster, resulting in the need for more frequent repairs.

With so many car-related myths out there, it is difficult to separate fact from fiction. Keep these common car myths in mind so you can make smarter choices when it comes to car care.

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A Buyer's Guide to the 2021 Honda Odyssey

Every detail comes together in the new 2021 Honda Odyssey to give you an outstanding driving experience. With modern conveniences and advanced safety systems, this minivan can handle both play, recreation, and tasks! Read on to find out more about the impressive 2021 Honda Odyssey. Easy Accessibility This minivan holds up to 8 passengers and provides up to 158 cubic feet of cargo. All 8 passengers can easily reach their seats with power-sliding rear doors and Magic Slide® 2nd-row seats making the third row readily accessible. Let your Odyssey do the work by using your remote key fob up to 50 feet away to turn on the tri-zone climate, start the engine, and open the rear sliding doors so everyone can quickly hop in. Don't worry about debris from shoes or spilled snacks with the available HondaVAC®. Use this handy feature to reach every seat from front to back with its long-reach hose, and then clean up is a cinch with the easily-emptied dust bin. Access the vacuum and rear cargo with a gentle kick of your foot under the rear bumper. This move will automatically raise the hands-free power liftgate letting you stow your gear and fold down the third row Magic Seat® into the cargo floor. 2021 Honda Odyssey Trim Levels The 2021 Odyssey is offered in 5 impeccable models: the LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite. Every Odyssey trim includes the Honda Sensing® Suite standard, a state-of-the-art set of safety features to protect you from bumper to bumper. These safety technologies keep your eyes on the road with a series of visual and audible warnings and alerts to assist with timely braking, unintentional lane drifting, gap time between you and the vehicle ahead, and road sign detection to ensure you are always following posted safety laws. Be In-the-Know Keeping everyone happy will be a breeze with the conveniences Honda has designed. The available 4G Wi-Fi Hotspot makes it easy to stay connected while the front and rear USB ports make sure all devices are charged and ready for the drive. The front seat's 8-inch digital infotainment center connects seamlessly with your Apple CarPlay® and Android AutoTM compatible smartphone to easily access music, podcasts, messages, phone calls, and navigation. Hoping to keep eyes on the road, Honda has created CabinWatch® and CabinTalk® to minimize the number of times you need to turn around to see what's going on in the back seats. CabinWatch® uses multiple cameras to allow you to keep an eye on things, even in the dark, while CabinTalk® utilizes the 11 speakers to let you reach the rear occupants. The 2021 Odyssey has all the bells and whistles to make every drive comfortable and safe. Call or stop by Priority Honda Roanoke today to take a look at this incredible vehicle! Whether around town or on the road, the Odyssey has got you covered - schedule a test drive today to enjoy the experience for yourself!

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5 Reasons Drivers Love the 2021 Honda Civic

Drivers are raving about the new 2021 Honda Civic this year. It has an extremely comfortable cabin, intelligent safety technology, a distinctly bold and sporty design - read on to find out more about this beauty! 1. Comfortable and Spacious Cabin Your 2021 Civic can seat up to five passengers with ample space left over. It also has available 60/40 split-fold back seating, so you can extend your trunk in a few different ways in order to maximize storage and seating space in this sedan. In the EX-L and Touring trims, you get standard leather-trimmed seating, while on the Sport trim and higher, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob come standard. For even more comfort and luxury, you also get available heated front seats to keep you cozy on chilly winter drives. On the impressive Touring trim, you even get standard heated rear outboard seats so the kids can't complain! Additionally, your 2021 Civic has a driver's seat with available eight-way power adjustment, so you can easily find the perfect driving position for you. 2. Start Your Engine from Afar and Stay Warm in the Winter! Are you tired of getting into an ice-cold car every morning after spending precious time scraping the snow and ice off of your windshield? With the 2021 Civic, these problems are in the rearview mirror. You have access to the available remote engine start function on your keys. This way, you can press a button and your car's engine will start so you can turn up the heat and defrost your windows before you ever leave your house. 3. High-Tech Safety Assistance Features There are many safety-assistance features available with the 2021 Civic so you can feel more confident at the wheel. Honda LaneWatch displays a video feed of the lane beside you when you turn on your corresponding turn signal so you can get maximum visibility before switching lanes. The Multi-Angle Rearview Camera shows you what's behind you when you're in reverse, but now you can choose from three different angles: there's normal, wide, and top-down. 4. Commanding and Athletic Design The 2021 Civic is designed to look pretty and function seamlessly. That's why it has chiseled LED headlights to finish its domineering face and front grille. The body lines of the 2021 Civic are muscular and sleek, and its wide, powerful stance boasts athleticism. The c-shaped taillights with complementing LED light bars complete the bold, sporty look of this classic sedan. 5. Modern Connectivity in Your Command Center You can now connect your smartphone to your 2021 Civic's information center and a display screen with available Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. This way, you can bring your phone calls, navigation apps, music, and more right into your 2021 Civic simply and seamlessly. Both iPhone and Android smartphone users can connect their devices to their Civic, so almost everyone is included! Do you want to learn more about what this car has to offer? Stop by Priority Honda Roanoke today for details on the fantastic 2021 Civic - and maybe even take a test drive to enjoy the experience in person!

Aerial view of Roanoke, Virginia at twilight, showing downtown skyline with mountains in background and Priority Honda dealership lights visible

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3 Amazing Day Trips to Take Near Roanoke, VA

The largest city in Southwest Virginia, Roanoke, VA is an important commercial and cultural hub for the entire region, as well as an excellent base to explore the states of Virginia and neighboring North Carolina and West Virginia. If you're planning a day trip or a weekend escape from the city, these are some great ideas and destinations that can be reached in less than a couple of hours' drive. 1. George Washington and Jefferson National Forests As one of the largest public land areas in the Eastern United States, the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests are a great destination for nature lovers who want to get away from the city and breathe some fresh air. The forests cover more than one million acres of territory, with designated wildness areas, viewpoints, hiking trails, and Mount Rogers, considered the highest point in the state of Virginia. One of the most fascinating places to visit within the limits of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests is the ghost town of Lignite, which was once an iron ore mining town owned by a private company. The industrial areas of the town were abandoned in the 1920s, but people lived in the area until the 1950s. Currently, there are only a few remains of the old churches, post offices, and schools that once existed in the town. 2. Smith Mountain Lake State Park With camping facilities and several recreational areas, the Smith Mountain Lake State Park is a prime destination for day-trippers from Roanoke, Lynchburg, and other nearby cities in southern Virginia and North Carolina. The park opened its doors to the public in 1983, attracting thousands of visitors every year, most of whom come during the warmest months of the year to swim in the lake and perform water sports. The Smith Mountain Lake State Park is located less than 35 miles east of downtown Roanoke, a drive that usually takes a little under an hour in good traffic conditions. Once inside the park, there are lodging areas and designated picnic spots for visitors. Whether you're planning a trip with friends, family, or solo, this is an optimal destination to get away from the city and enjoy the natural wonders of the area. 3. Greensboro, NC The third most populous city in the state of North Carolina is a popular destination among visitors from Roanoke and other nearby towns across the state line in Virginia. Some of the most popular touristic attractions in the area include the International Civil Rights Museum, the Greensboro Science Center, and the historic houses in the College Hill area. From downtown Roanoke, Greensboro is a little under two hours away by car. Before you set off to explore the surroundings of Roanoke and go on memorable day trips in the area, create a game plan to make the most of your time off! Who knows - try out a few and you may find a new favorite destination!