During the pandemic, pay attention to these points before starting a vehicle that has been parked for a long time!
The sudden outbreak of the novel coronavirus has gripped the hearts of people across the nation. To strengthen efforts in preventing and controlling the pneumonia epidemic, reduce gatherings, and block the spread of the virus, everyone has actively responded to the national call to stay at home and fight the epidemic through self-isolation. Coinciding with winter, prolonged parking of vehicles may lead to some difficulties when starting them.
During the pandemic, pay attention to these points before starting a vehicle that has been parked for a long time!
1. Open windows for ventilation
When a vehicle is parked for an extended period, the enclosed interior environment can lead to poor air circulation, stale air, or unpleasant odors, which may affect the driver's normal operation. Recommendation: Open the windows to ventilate and exchange indoor and outdoor air, or turn on the air conditioning's external circulation system to refresh the cabin air.
2. Inspect the vehicle tires and tire pressure.
The weight of the vehicle temporarily acts on a specific part of the tire, causing irreversible plastic deformation in that localized area. The longer the car remains stationary, the harder it is for the deformed section to recover, leading to changes in the weight distribution around the tire, uneven rolling radius, and resulting in tire imbalance. When the vehicle is started again and driven at high speeds, this can cause body vibration, accelerate tire wear, and pose significant safety hazards. Therefore, before driving, inspect the tire for cracks, damage, bulges, and ensure the tire pressure is normal.
3. Check whether the vehicle's lubricating oil and antifreeze levels are at normal levels.
Lubricating oilEngine oil, as the lifeblood of an engine, continuously delivers an adequate amount of clean oil at the appropriate temperature to the friction surfaces of transmission components, forming an oil film to achieve liquid friction. This reduces resistance, minimizes wear, and protects the engine. Insufficient oil levels can trigger warning lights, cause excessively high engine temperatures, and in severe cases, lead to bearing seizure or "burning the bearings and seizing the bushings." Recommendation: Before driving, park the vehicle on a level surface and check the oil level on the dipstick in the engine compartment when the engine is cold. Ensure the oil level is between the upper and lower marks, and top up if necessary.
AntifreezeAntifreeze, also known as coolant, serves functions such as preventing freezing, boiling, corrosion, and scaling. A lack of antifreeze can impair the engine's heat dissipation, leading to overheating and potential engine failure. Recommendation: Check whether the fluid level in the coolant reservoir is between the MAX (upper limit) and MIN (lower limit) marks.
4. Appropriately extend the idle time
If the engine remains inactive for an extended period, the internal lubricating oil will flow back to the bottom of the crankcase, leaving a thinner oil film on the surfaces of friction pairs. It is recommended to extend the idle time appropriately after starting the vehicle or drive slowly to avoid sudden acceleration. This allows the lubricating oil to quickly form a sufficiently strong oil film inside the engine and on the surfaces of friction pairs, reducing cold-start wear and extending the engine's service life.
5. Air conditioning system
"Dark, damp, and warm" are the three essential conditions for mold growth. Over time, car air conditioning systems inevitably develop mold on the evaporator. Recommendation: After starting the vehicle, appropriately increase the air conditioning setting to expel residual moisture, dust, and other substances from the pipes.