How to Open a Car Door Properly?
3 Answers
It's actually quite simple. When you've parked by the roadside and are ready to exit the vehicle, first check the rearview mirror to see if there are any approaching vehicles or pedestrians from behind. If it's safe, you can then slowly push the door open about 15 centimeters using the opposite hand (use your right hand to open the door when exiting from the left side, and your left hand when exiting from the right side). This method forces you to turn your body and naturally lean your head out to check for safety. Once confirmed, quickly exit the car and close the door securely, minimizing the time the door remains wide open. Additionally, when entering the car, don't forget to follow the same steps—first look back to check your surroundings, then open the door with the correct hand to get in. If there are children or elderly passengers in the car, it's advisable for the driver to assist with opening and closing the doors. At the very least, the driver should perform a safety check before allowing passengers to exit to prevent accidents.
As an average car owner, opening the car door is part of my daily routine. I usually start by remotely unlocking the car with the key fob—just press the button and hear the click, then walk to the door, grab the handle, and gently pull it outward. If the car is locked, I first check that the key is in my pocket or has battery power; older cars might require inserting the key and turning it. The key is to observe the surroundings before opening the door: I always glance at the side mirror to ensure no vehicles are passing by, avoiding door collisions. On rainy days, I make a habit of checking that the handle isn’t slippery. Modern cars come with keyless entry systems, which automatically unlock as you approach—super convenient. But if the key fob battery dies, a spare key tucked in the bag comes in handy; in emergencies, like a frozen door in winter, I slowly pour lukewarm water or use a cloth to pull it open. Over time, opening the door becomes a reflex, but it also reminds me to regularly lubricate the door hinges to prevent rust and stiffness. This habit has helped me avoid many accidents.
Every time I need to open the car door for passengers, I pay extra attention to safety procedures. First, I look around to ensure no other vehicles are approaching before acting; when children are seated in the back, I always remind them to wait for me to open the door to prevent them from pushing it open recklessly and causing danger. In terms of operation, I hold the door handle firmly with my hand to stabilize it, then pull it open at a steady speed—avoiding sudden force to minimize the risk of damaging the door lock. For regular key unlocking, a single press suffices, but I make it a habit to lock the car to prevent theft. A related topic is that modern cars are equipped with sensors that recognize the proximity of the key and unlock automatically, which is incredibly user-friendly. However, I sometimes share this tip: if the door gets stuck, don’t force it—check for any foreign objects stuck in the gap. Keeping the interior clean can reduce mechanical failures and extend the lifespan of the locking system. Safety comes above all, so I recommend everyone use the 'far-hand method' to open car doors in parking lots for added security.
