Properly maintaining your car is just as important as driving defensively. Regular car maintenance reduces your risk of a severe car accident, keeping yourself and others safe. Since it can be difficult to determine which car maintenance tips to follow and which ones to ignore, we have debunked the most common car maintenance myths.

Myth 1: Look at Your Vehicle’s Sidewalls to Determine the Correct Tire Inflation Pressure

Many drivers make the mistake of looking at their vehicle’s sidewalls to determine the ideal tire inflation pressure. The truth is that their vehicle’s manufacturer may have another suggestion that is better suited for their car and that improves both fuel consumption and safety. Be sure to check your tire pressure on a monthly basis or whenever extreme temperature fluctuations occur.

Myth 2: Using Premium Fuel is Worth It

The majority of vehicles on the market are engineered to run optimally on regular 87 octane fuel.  It is a good idea to check your vehicle’s owner manual to figure out what type of fuel you should use. The Federal Trade Commision says that, unless the manufacturer indicates that higher octane is necessary for your car, there is no benefit to paying the higher prices. While you can use premium fuel without harm, know that your vehicle will not operate more efficiently. However, if your car engine is "knocking," the higher octane grade may help those problems.

If you have been injured in a car accident, you are likely feeling stressed and unsure of what to do. After things have calmed down a bit and you have exchanged information with others involved in the accident and made any required police reports, it is important to visit the doctor right away. Doing so will protect your health and increase your chances of obtaining the full and fair compensation you may be entitled to.

When you do visit the doctor after a car accident, there are certain questions you should ask in order to protect your rights and recover in a safe and efficient manner. These questions include:

1. How Severe Are My Injuries?

One of the most common types of injuries car accident victims face is whiplash, which occurs when the sudden movement of a person’s head places their neck and spine under a great deal of stress. Regardless of how whiplash occurs, those who suffer from it typically require some type of medical treatment in order to recover. Those who have been involved in a car accident should be sure to understand what this neck injury is and what your rights are if you sustain it.

Whiplash Symptoms

The symptoms of whiplash usually appear within 24 hours of an accident, and they may include: