The Five Most Practical Car Maintenance Tips

For car owners, understanding some simple yet effective car maintenance tips can help you better protect your vehicle, reduce unnecessary repair costs, and enhance driving safety. Here are five practical car tips to help you avoid common issues and maintain your vehicle in top condition.

1. Check Your Engine Oil Regularly

Ever wondered whether the fuel cap is on the left or right side of the car? Many drivers encounter this issue at the gas station, realizing that the fuel cap's side is opposite to the fuel nozzle, making refueling awkward. Next to the fuel gauge, there is usually a small fuel tank icon with an arrow indicating the specific direction of the fuel cap. Pay attention to this little detail next time you refuel to avoid unnecessary embarrassment.

2.Check your car Fluids

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Modern cars with electronic fuel injection rely on the fuel to cool the fuel pump. When the fuel light comes on, it means that the fuel level is critically low. Frequently waiting until the fuel light is on before refueling can not only cause the fuel pump to intake sediment from the bottom of the tank but may also lead to overheating and damage to the fuel system. To maintain a healthy fuel system, it is advisable to refuel when the fuel gauge shows one-quarter remaining.

For electric vehicles, it's important to avoid using the battery power to its extreme low before recharging, as this practice can help preserve battery life and reduce the costly expense of battery replacement.

In the Chinese automotive market, some electric vehicles suffer from reduced battery life or diminished performance due to poor charging habits.

3.Do not immediately wash the car after it has been in the sun

Many car owners are eager to wash their cars after letting them sit in the sun for several hours. However, the surface temperature of the car paint is quite high after being exposed to the sun, and washing the car with cold water directly can cause the temperature of the paint surface to drop suddenly, leading to cracks or peeling. Over time, this can affect the quality of the paint.

Those who have had their cars repainted know that the original factory paint is especially valuable and even the best repair technicians can't restore it to its original condition. Therefore, it's important to take good care of the paint. Car owners should wait for the vehicle to cool down to a normal temperature before washing it after it has been in the sun. This practice effectively protects the car paint and extends the lifespan of the vehicle’s appearance.

4.Park the car on a flat surface

As the number of vehicles increases, finding parking spots is becoming increasingly difficult, and some car owners resort to parking on uneven surfaces, or even on steep slopes. This not only makes it inconvenient to get out of the car but can also put extra stress on the vehicle’s suspension and braking systems.

Parking on a slope for a long period can lead to excessive use or damage to the brake system. Therefore, it is advisable for car owners to choose a flat area for parking and to ensure that the vehicle is in a stationary state before applying the parking brake tightly.

5.Straightening the Wheels After Parking

Many drivers may not pay attention to the direction of their wheels when parking, especially when reversing into a parking space. If the wheels remain turned to one side for an extended period, the tie rods and suspension are constantly under strain. Over time, this may lead to deformation, adversely affecting the steering system's performance and possibly causing the vehicle to veer off course.

To circumvent this issue, it is advisable for car owners to straighten their wheels after parking. This not only reduces tire wear but also prolongs the life of suspension and steering systems, ensuring the vehicle operates correctly.

Conclusion

Though these automotive tips might seem minor, they can significantly extend the lifespan of a car and enhance driving safety.

Whether opting for an electric or a fuel-powered vehicle, the price is just one factor to consider; ongoing maintenance and care are equally crucial.

Maintaining good driving habits and regularly focusing on vehicle maintenance can keep your car in optimal condition, offering you a more comfortable and safe driving experience.