5 Auto Myths that Movies Continue to Perpetuate

Since the dawn of cinema, the movie world and automobile world have enjoyed a deep-rooted relationship. The adrenaline-pumping car chase scenes that stormed the screens during the New Hollywood era of the 1960s, showcased in the James Bond franchise and thrillers like Steve McQueen's Bullit, became defining moments of the genre. Several timeless cinematic classics such as Back to the Future, Ferris Bueller, and Mad Max: Fury Road are recognized by their iconic vehicular imagery.

This bond between film and vehicle has only strengthened over time. The retro Ford v Ferrari was nominated for Best Picture in 2020, and the Fast and the Furious franchise continues to be a cash cow after ten mainline entries and a spinoff. Even vehicular-baed video game series such as Gran Turismo and Need For Speed have also entered the cinematic arena in recent years.

It's important to acknowledge that our perception of automobiles is often shaped, often inaccurately, by the films we grew up watching. Therefore, we found it necessary to dispel some of the most egregious auto myths films feed us.

Landing an Absurd Jump Means Your Car is Totally Fine

When it comes to executing a perfect jump in films, vehicles land with catlike aplomb, their functionality seemingly unaffected. However, strip away the glossy Hollywood veil and the repercussions of attempting such airborne stunts sets in. Even minor jumps or traversing unusual terrains can have catastrophic effects on a vehicle, resulting in everything from tire damage to suspension failure to engine problems. And even if your car appears unscathed on the outside, there's a chance it could be suffering from debilitating internal damages.

Turbo Buttons Are a Real Thing

In cinematic racing scenes, nitrous oxide often serves as a miracle solution, designed to close the gap between the protagonist and his competitors in physics-defying time. In films like Fast and the Furious and Mad Max 2, hitting the "turbo" button serves as a thrilling, plot hole-shredding deus ex machina.

But unless you have an advanced laboratory servicing your car, the reality is predictably less thrilling. While nitrous oxide does indeed enhance engine power temporarily - usually by 10-15% - it doesn't cause a dramatic increase in acceleration like you'll see in the movies.

"Drifting" is the Real Way to Race

Drifting, as made most popular by the third installment of the Fast and the Furious series, Tokyo Drift, seems like driving's next evolution on screen. But as you might expect, skidding during a race in reality is not only inefficient, it's impractical. The next time you watch a Formula 1 race, consider how the world's best drivers never seem to leave skid marks on the race track.

Another thing to watch for is downshifting at high speeds. Regardless of how cool the opening scene from Baby Driver is, attempting to replicate it will only result in potential damage to your clutch plate and flywheel.

The Elements Make No Difference

There's a scene in the eighth entry in the Fast and the Furious franchise (somehow titled Fate of the Furious rather than F8 of the Furious) where the gang heads to Iceland, gets caught up in one of their customary chases, and proceeds to glide along an icy tundra as if it's a freshly paved parking lot. It's a microcosm of film logic, which dictates that all vehicles should be seen operating at peak performance, regardless of severe weather.

Contrast this with reality, where we need to be diligent of standard seasonal weather patterns. Even a slight temperature drop-off in the final quarter of the year could lead to increased risk of deterioration for your battery. If you're experiencing any trepidation with the state of your battery, stop by Bakersfield Chrysler Jeep today to take advantage of our free Charging System Tests.

A Single Bullet in the Gas Tank Will Cause Your Car to Explode

Quite simply, it does not. Though the gas flap has become the standard bullseye for movie villains, expecting this to result in an immediate explosion is ignoring a lot of science. Basically, the fuel and oxygen mixture required for an explosion isn't present in a fuel tank in sufficient quantities. If the villain gets lucky and hits their mark, they may need to be content with seeing the car go up in a slow, controlled burn, giving the hero ample time to make an escape.

While it may seem like we're being overly critical of cinema, we must remember that films are primarily meant for entertainment. So continue to enjoy your movie nights, just as long as you don't let the lack of physics in the reel world impede your judgement in the real world. As you scan your streaming service for the perfect film to watch tonight, don't forget to check out our new and pre-owned inventory at Bakersfield Chrysler Jeep. Whether you're looking for a standard oil change or need any other service, we're here to make you feel like the star of your own film.