Top 5 Common Car Superstitions

Car superstitions often make their way into our driving routines despite being based on folklore rather than fact. Here we delve into five widespread car-related superstitions, presenting both their quirks and their origins.

1. Holding Your Breath

A well-known car superstition involves holding one’s breath when driving past a cemetery or through a tunnel. In a cemetery, it’s out of respect for the deceased, while in a tunnel, it’s believed to stave off bad luck. However, please proceed with caution as holding your breath too long can be hazardous.

2. Slapping the Sun Visor or Tapping the Roof

Many superstitious drivers believe in slapping the sun visor when they run a yellow light to avoid accidents and bring good luck. Similarly, some tap the roof for the same reason. The nuances of this ritual may differ – some may kiss their fingers before touching the visor or roof – but the principle of seeking protection remains.

3. Scratching New Helmets

For motorcyclists, making a small scratch or nick on a new helmet aims to prevent accidents. The belief is that holding onto a pristine helmet invites mishaps, but minor damage circumvents such fate.

4. Bird Poop

An odd yet widely believed superstition is that bird droppings on a vehicle herald good fortune and riches. But remember, bird poop can damage your car’s paint, so it's best cleaned off promptly despite its symbolic good luck.

5. Change Under the Seat

Placing coins under the driver's seat of a newly purchased vehicle is a symbolic gesture to attract good fortune. This ritual is done either by the driver or passengers and can also conveniently cover small expenses like toll fees.

Bonus: Common Misconceptions

Some additional driving superstitions include never missing timely oil changes and misconceptions about car color and ticket likelihood. Older drivers often swore by changing the oil every 5,000 km, though newer cars may require less frequent changes. As for vehicle color, contrary to popular belief, red cars are not ticketed more often than others; white cars top that list.

While some of these superstitions may appear whimsical or outdated, they often speak to universal drivers' concerns about safety and fortune. Whether you hold onto these rituals or not, maintaining your vehicle properly and respecting others on the road ensures continuous smooth rides.

Earlier, SSP told about the magic of Birthdays and wacky superstitions.