Question: I own a 2008 Nissan Grand Livina with 75 000 km on the clock and drive rather conservatively to limit fuel consumption. Can cars really become lazy as some people believe, or is it a myth?
ADRIAAN SMUTS, Stellenbosch
Answer: With older engines, there was some truth in this statement because their less-than-perfect fuelling and combustion processes lead to carbon build-up in the engine that could hamper performance. Modern engines burn fuel so efficiently that this problem is uncommon. Driving at motorway speeds will quickly burn off any remaining carbon deposits, so there is no need to race the engine to keep it lively. In fact, you will most likely shorten its life if you regularly subject it to high stresses.