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2026
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Returning to work after long-term parking? Don’t forget to check these key parts
Old Wang is an experienced driver with 30 years of driving experience. Like many fellow truck drivers, he parked his truck before the Spring Festival, planning to resume work after the holiday. But the sudden outbreak of the epidemic disrupted all plans, and Old Wang's truck remained parked for two months.
As the epidemic situation began to ease, Old Wang decided to pack his bags and start the first 'journey' of the new year. On this trip, he intended to drive with his cousin, who had just entered the profession, using the opportunity to pass on some of his driving experience to him.
The coolant level is important; lowering the level requires caution.
Arriving at the car, Old Wang did not hurry to get in and start the engine. Instead, he first opened the front hood to check the coolant level. At this moment, his cousin asked him, 'Bro, what are you looking at?'
Old Wang replied: "It has been sitting idle for such a long time. Let me check if the coolant has decreased. When a vehicle is parked for an extended period, it is easy for the coolant to decrease and other similar issues to occur.
If there is a decrease, it can generally be divided into two situations. First, observe whether there is any coolant leakage under the car. If there is, immediately take measures to stop the leak and then add antifreeze."
Cousin: "What if there is no coolant leakage under the car? What situation would that be?"
Old Wang: "If there is no coolant under the car, it's best to check the engine oil level. If the oil level is rising, it indicates that the engine cylinder sleeve's water prevention rings have aged and cracked, causing coolant to flow into the oil pan. At this point, the engine should not be started, and you should contact the service station for repair as soon as possible."
Cousin: "Got it. So there’s so much to consider when the coolant level drops. I’ve really learned something. Luckily, our car doesn’t have any issues. We should be able to set off now, right?"
The low-pressure oil circuit is equally critical; inspection of the intake must not be careless.
Old Wang: "Still not enough. After checking the car’s 'water,' we still need to check the oil. This car is old, the low-pressure oil lines are prone to getting air in, and since it hasn't been started for a long time, we need to pump some oil manually with the hand pump first."
Cousin: "Pump oil with a hand pump? Too much trouble."
Old Wang: "You can't be afraid of trouble! After pumping, the lines will have pressure, making it easier to start the car. After sitting for so long, the battery can easily lose power, and if you can't start it at once, it will be even harder to get it running."
Cousin: "Mine is a brand-new car, it has an electric fuel pump. If I use it before driving, will it work too?"
Old Wang: "Yes, your electric fuel pump just replaces the manual step I do by hand, so yours is actually easier!"
Cousin: "Got it, so mine is easier. Old Wang, hurry up and change your car, hahaha! The fuel line has been checked. Is there anything else that needs checking?"
Tire pressure is very important; don't wait until you're stranded on the road.
Old Wang: "There's still the most important thing—the tires haven't been checked. You have to know that this car has been parked for two months, so the tires are bound to have a slow leak. If we don't check them now, it will be troublesome to deal with problems on the road."
Cousin: "Got it, I'll make sure to check them carefully. Old Wang, what do you normally set your tire pressure to?"
Old Wang: "Before, my tire pressure was always over 10, but later I realized that high tire pressure isn't good, so I adjusted them all to around 9. Now it really feels different when driving. You also have to remember, higher tire pressure isn't always better!"
Cousin: "Understood. I'll go back and study more about tire pressure."
The right time to waterproof the gas storage cylinder: Details ensure safety
Old Wang: "Oh right, almost forgot. When we check the tires, don't forget to drain the air tank; this is the best time to do it."
Cousin: "Got it, I'll be careful when draining the water. This is closely related to brake safety, so we can't be careless. If there's too much water, we'll need to quickly replace the desiccant."
Old Wang: 'Hey, that actually hits the point, but I have to remind you, if you replace the dryer later on your car, you must use genuine parts. I read a report on Truck Home about inferior dryers—substandard products can't filter water at all, it's like not having them installed!'
Cousin: 'Got it, I really can't be careless when it comes to safety. Most importantly, cars also have emotions; if I'm good to it, it will certainly treat me well.'
Don't ignore trailer brakes; dragging causes significant tire damage
Old Wang: "Alright, now we can get in the car."
With the roar of the engine, the car started moving, but after only four or five meters, Old Wang stopped the car.
Cousin: "Huh, Old Wang, why did you stop the car?"
Old Wang: "Ah, you’re still too young and inexperienced. I stopped to check if all the brakes on the trailer have been fully released."
Cousin: "How could they not be fully released?"
Old Wang: 'This actually has to do with long-term storage, because when a trailer hasn't been used for a long time, the brakes can get stuck and fail to return. Back in the day, I neglected to check it, which caused the two tires on the left side of the trailer to be completely destroyed, and in the end, I had to pay for the lesson.'
If the brakes are not fully released, you can tell whether the tires are dragging after driving 4 to 5 meters. If they are, you need to quickly call a mechanic for repairs to avoid losing more over a small issue. You must remember this.
Cousin: 'Old Wang, I would have really overlooked this if you hadn't told me. Looks like I need to learn more from you!'
With the sound of the doors closing twice, Old Wang and his cousin started the truck again. As the speed gradually increased, the vehicle slowly disappeared at the end of the road.
Old Wang and my cousin are just fictional; properly inspecting the vehicle is the key.
This time, we use fictional characters to tell everyone how to properly check the various parts of our vehicles after resuming work, which can be summarized as
1. The coolant should be checked. If the level drops, it is necessary to determine whether it is due to coolant leakage or engine water intrusion to avoid bigger problems.
2. The low-pressure oil circuit needs to be checked for air intake. Before starting, oil can be pumped using a manual or electronic oil pump, making it easier to start the vehicle.
3. Do not overlook tire pressure. Keep a pressure gauge in the vehicle and check and adjust as needed, rather than waiting until the vehicle cannot move.
4. Draining water from the vehicle's air tank is essential. If the water level is high, replace the dryer promptly; do not take safety lightly.
5. Trailer brakes are equally important. After the vehicle moves a few meters, get out and check whether there are tire dragging marks. If necessary, inspect the trailer brake for sticking to avoid losing more due to a small issue.
I believe that after reading this article, fellow car owners will conduct a more systematic inspection of their vehicles before going out, making our cars safer, more hassle-free, and more cost-effective.
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