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2026
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Long-term parking and getting back to work? Don't forget to check these key parts
Old Wang is an experienced driver with 30 years behind the wheel. Like many other truck drivers, he parked his truck before the Spring Festival, planning to resume work after the holidays. But the sudden outbreak of the pandemic disrupted all plans, and Old Wang's truck remained idle for two months. As the situation started to ease, Old Wang decided to pack up for the first trip of the new year. This time, he planned to drive with his newly joined cousin, taking the opportunity to pass on some driving experience to him.
The coolant level is important, be careful if it drops
When he got to the car, Old Wang didn't rush to get in and start it, but first opened the bonnet to check the coolant level. At this point, his cousin asked him, 'Bro, what are you looking at?'
Old Wang replied: 'It hasn't stopped for such a long time, let's check if the coolant level is low. Long-term parking can easily cause a decrease in coolant and similar issues. If there is a decrease, it can basically be divided into two situations. First, check under the car for any coolant leaks. If there are, quickly take measures to stop the leak and then add antifreeze.' Cousin: 'What if there is no coolant leak under the car, what would that mean?'
Old Wang: "If there's no coolant under the car, it's best to check the engine oil level. If the level has risen, it indicates that the engine cylinder sleeve water ring has aged and cracked, causing coolant to flow into the oil pan. In this case, do not start the engine and contact the service station for repairs as soon as possible." Cousin: "Got it, I didn't realise there were so many details about the coolant level. I've really learned something. Luckily, our car is fine, so I guess we can finally set off, right?"
The low-pressure oil circuit is just as important, don't be careless when checking the intake
Old Wang: "Still not fine, after checking the car's 'water', we also need to check the oil. My car's old, the low-pressure fuel line easily gets air, and it's been a long time since it last ran, so we need to pump the fuel a few times by hand first." Cousin: "Pump the fuel by hand? That's too much hassle." Old Wang: "Don't be afraid of hassle! After pumping, the lines will have pressure, and starting the car will be much easier. The car has been sitting for so long, the battery might be weak, and if it won't start at once, trying later will be even harder."
Cousin: "Mine is a 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 hand-pumping step I use. Compared to mine, yours is easier!"
Cousin: "Got it, so mine is easier after all. Old Wang, you should hurry up and change your car, hahaha! The fuel system has also been checked, is there anything else that needs checking?"
Tyre pressure is really important, don’t wait until you’re stranded on the road
Old Wang: "And the most important thing, the tyres haven't been checked yet. You know, this car has been parked for two months, so it's inevitable that the tyres will slowly lose air. If we don't check them now, it could be troublesome on the road." Cousin: "Alright, I'll make sure to check thoroughly. Old Wang, what pressure do you usually set your tyres at?" Old Wang: "Before, the pressure was always over ten, but later I realised high tyre pressure isn't good, so I adjusted them to around nine. It really feels different to drive now. You also have to remember that higher pressure isn't always better!" Cousin: "Got it, I'll do some more research on tyre pressure when I get back."
A good time to waterproof the gas storage cylinder, details ensure safety
Old Wang: 'Oh right, almost forgot, when we check the tyres, don't forget to drain the air tank, now's the best time to do it.' Cousin: 'Got it, I’ll make sure to check the draining carefully, it's closely related to brake safety, can’t be careless. If there's too much water, we'll have to hurry and replace the desiccant.'
Old Wang: "Hey, that's a fair point, but I have to remind you, if you ever replace the dryer on your car later, make sure to use genuine parts. I saw a report on Truck Home about poor-quality dryers; substandard products can't filter water at all, it's as if you haven't installed one!"
Cousin: "Got it, I really can't be careless when it comes to safety. Most importantly, cars have feelings too. If I'm good to it, it will definitely be good to me."
Don't ignore the trailer brakes, dragging tyres cause big damage
Old Wang: "Alright, now we can get in the car." As the engine roared, the car started moving, but after just four or five metres, Old Wang stopped the car. Cousin: "Hey, Old Wang, why did you stop the car?" Old Wang: "Ah, you're still too young, you've had too little experience. I stopped to check if all the brakes on the trailer were completely released." Cousin: "How could they not be fully released?"
Old Wang: "This actually has to do with long-term storage. Because it wasn't used for a long time, the trailer brakes can get stuck and won't release. Back in the day, I neglected to check it, which caused the two tyres on the left side of the trailer to get completely blown out, and I ended up having to pay for the lesson."
If the brakes haven't fully released, you can tell if the tyres are dragging after driving 4 to 5 metres. If they are, you need to get a mechanic to fix it quickly to avoid bigger problems. Make sure you remember that."
Cousin: "Old Wang, I would have really overlooked that if you hadn't told me. Looks like I still have a lot to learn 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 made up, the real key is checking the vehicle properly
This time, we're using fictional characters to show everyone how to properly check all parts of our vehicles after returning to work, and it can be summarised as
1. Check the coolant, and if the level drops, figure out whether it's a leak or the engine is overheating to avoid bigger problems.
2. Check the low-pressure fuel line for air. Before starting, you can pump fuel with a hand pump or electronic pump so starting the vehicle is easier.
3. Don't ignore tyre pressure. Keep a pressure gauge in the car and check it regularly instead of waiting until you can't move.
4. Draining the vehicle's air tank is essential. If there's a lot of water, replace the dryer promptly. Don't take safety lightly.
5. Trailer brakes are just as important. After driving a few metres, get out and check for tyre drag marks. If needed, check whether the trailer brakes are stuck to prevent small issues from becoming big ones.
I believe that after reading this article, fellow car owners will conduct a more thorough check of their vehicles before driving, making our cars safer, more worry-free, and more cost-effective.
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