How Many Apples Are Usually Placed When Picking Up a New Car?

[MayaMarie]

When picking up a new car, it is customary to place four apples. The act of placing apples symbolizes 'safety and peace,' as the word for apple ("ping guo") in Chinese sounds similar to the phrase for 'peace and safety' ("ping ping an an"). This is a traditional Chinese practice for good luck. Additionally, if the new car has a strong odor, apples can help absorb the unpleasant smell. Below are specific precautions to take when inspecting a new car upon pickup: 1. Inspect the Body: Visually examine the car's paint for any scratches or wear. Check for color discrepancies under ample sunlight by opening the doors and viewing the car from different angles to ensure the sheet metal is even. 2. Check the Doors: Open the doors to ensure they operate smoothly and that the gaps between the doors and the front/rear bumpers are consistent. 3. Inspect the Engine: Open the engine hood to check for cleanliness. If the car has been stored for a long time or used, there may be noticeable dust or stains in certain areas. 4. Check the Glass: Verify that the windshield is original. 5. Check the Vehicle Identification Plate: The car's identification plate is located on the driver's side door or inside the engine compartment. Pay attention to the manufacturing date to ensure it is not too old; if it exceeds six months, the car may be a stock vehicle or a test drive car.

[GiannaLee]

The tradition of placing apples in a new car is quite common, mainly for the auspicious meaning of 'safety' (as 'apple' sounds like 'peace' in Chinese). When chatting with friends, I found that the number of apples people place varies widely: some place a single round apple to symbolize completeness and safety, while others place two for the auspicious meaning of 'pairs.' Last year, when helping my cousin pick up his car, the 4S店 salesperson directly placed six small apples on the passenger-side floor mat, saying it represented 'everything going smoothly' (a Chinese idiom). In reality, there's no strict rule on the number—I've even seen the most exaggerated case where eight boxes of apples were stuffed into the trunk for clients! The key is to secure them properly so they don't roll around while driving. The most important thing is the intention, as long as the fruit doesn't leave marks on the leather seats or block the brake pedal.

[StParker]

Young people nowadays are more casual about decorating their new cars! Last time, my colleague placed a red apple on the dashboard right after getting the car—looked festive and cheerful, but it shriveled up from the sun the very next day. Personally, I think one is enough; the key is to tie a red ribbon around the steering wheel or rearview mirror. I’ve seen people fill their trunks with apples for short videos, only for them to get smashed from road bumps, costing 200 bucks to clean the juice. A more practical idea is sticking a 'Safe Travels' decal or buying an apple-shaped ornament. After all, road safety depends on driving skills, not the quantity of fruit!

[StEvelyn]

Having worked in car sales for several years, I've noticed some interesting ways customers place apples in their cars: Guangdong clients like to put two apples with red envelopes in the glove box; northern customers prefer tying small apples with red strings on the gear shift knob. The safest approach is to wrap the apple in cling film and secure it in the center console groove, or simply use a fake apple for decoration. In fact, the auspicious gift bags given by 4S stores upon delivery usually include mini golden apple pendants. Freshness is key when picking up the car—rotten apples are considered bad luck. There was even a case where an owner discovered a rotten apple stuck in the seat seam half a year after picking up the car—the smell was absolutely unforgettable.

[Zelda]

Safe driving is far more important than these superstitions! Just last week, news reported an accident where an apple placed on the driver's seat rolled under the brake pedal during a turn, causing a rear-end collision. If you must place fruits, firmly secure them in a corner of the trunk and cover them with a mesh net. From an automotive maintenance perspective, summer heat accelerates fruit decay, releasing ethylene gas that can corrode interior materials over time. A more practical alternative is using apple-scented car fresheners or setting an apple wallpaper on the infotainment screen. For new cars, priority checks should be tire pressure and fluid levels—don't put the cart before the horse with fruit placement. Never let traditions compromise safe driving practices.

[CalvinMarie]

Beyond apples, there are plenty of auspicious items for new car pickups: tying a red cloth strip to the steering wheel symbolizes 'good luck ahead', while hanging a Chinese knot on the gearshift represents 'rapid advancement'. Some regions favor tying red ribbons to the wheels—just be careful they don't get tangled in the brake discs. I remember when I picked up my car, my grandfather insisted on hanging dried lychees from the rearview mirror—a homophone for 'prosperous market'. Truthfully, all these rituals are just for psychological comfort; it's more practical to keep a proper safety emergency kit in your car. Important reminder: never place any decorations on the windshield—during a collision, these small objects become dangerous projectiles. Keeping your vehicle inspection certificate in the glove compartment is far more valuable than displaying ten baskets of apples.