8 car maintenance tips to save money and drive safely.
From checking tire pressure with a coin to fuel-saving tips for turning right, these simple methods can effectively increase your vehicle's lifespan and reduce running costs.
Car care doesn't always have to be expensive or entirely dependent on professional garages. Adopting small habits and simple maintenance techniques can help car owners avoid major breakdowns and optimize fuel consumption during daily operation.
Check tire wear and service your wheels.
Tire tread depth directly affects traction and fuel efficiency. New tires typically have a tread depth of 7.9 mm to 8.7 mm. You should replace your tires when this depth is only about 3.2 mm. A quick way to check is to use a 5,000 VND coin and place it upside down in the tire tread groove. If the tip of the image on the coin is completely visible, it's a sign that the tire is excessively worn and needs to be replaced for safety.
Additionally, applying a small amount of anti-seize lubricant to the wheel nuts is also a helpful solution. This protective layer helps prevent rust and seizing, making it easier to change a spare tire in emergency situations such as rain or at night. However, note that only a very small amount should be used to avoid affecting the standard tightening torque.
Protect the rubber seal and repair dents.
The rubber seals around car doors and windows play a crucial role in sound and heat insulation. Over time, the rubber can harden and crack. Applying a thin layer of silicone oil to these parts will help maintain elasticity, increase durability, and prevent the doors from freezing and sticking to the car frame in winter. Car owners should avoid using petroleum jelly as it can degrade the rubber over time.
For small dents on your car body, you can fix them yourself using heat and a plunger. The method involves pouring boiling water or using a hairdryer to heat the dented area, then using a regular plunger to pull the metal surface back into place. The hot water softens the material and provides better grip for the plunger.
Solutions to prevent objects from falling into the seat gap.
Dropping your phone or keys into the gap between the seat and the center console is a common problem. To solve this effectively, you can use pieces of insulation tubing or inflatable swimming tubes, cut to the appropriate size, and insert them into these gaps.
Fuel-efficient driving techniques and cold weather protection.
One of the most effective fuel-saving tips is to prioritize turning right during your journey. Based on data from UPS, limiting left turns reduces waiting times at intersections, saving millions of liters of fuel annually. Practical research shows this method can reduce gasoline consumption by approximately 3%.
In cold weather, to prevent windshield wipers from freezing on your windshield, you can wrap them in an old pair of socks when parking overnight. If the physical lock or door edges are stuck due to ice, spray them with alcohol-based hand sanitizer. The alcohol will melt the ice quickly in seconds, making it easier to open the door.
Finally, adding divider trays to the glove box will help manage documents and items more neatly, prevent loss, and optimize the usable space inside the cockpit.
