Is It Necessary to Tie Red Cloth Strips on New Cars?
2 Answers
Buying a new car and hanging red cloth strips is because red symbolizes joy, auspiciousness, and good fortune. Tying red cloth strips on rearview mirrors: The most popular place to tie red cloth strips is on the rearview mirrors, as people believe it stands out and adds a lively sense of beauty. However, this is actually an unsafe practice. When the red cloth strips sway in the wind in front of the rearview mirror, they create a red tint, obstructing the view of what’s behind the car. This can make it difficult for drivers to judge the situation behind them, potentially leading to accidents. Tying red cloth strips on tires: Before leaving the factory, car tires are balanced for high-speed rotation to prevent shaking at high speeds. Once red cloth strips are tied, they immediately disrupt the wheel balance, affecting the vehicle’s performance. Additionally, a red cloth soaked with water and dirt can weigh as much as a lead balancing weight, causing imbalance when the tires rotate at high speeds.
When I bought my last car, I also struggled with this issue. Tying red cloth strips is mainly a traditional practice, just like putting up couplets during happy family events, for good luck. For new cars, people believe that hanging red cloth can bring good fortune and ward off evil spirits and disasters. Older generations are especially particular about it, thinking that cars are prone to accidents, and tying a red cloth strip is for peace of mind. But from a practical perspective, it really doesn't serve any actual purpose—it won't protect the car or improve performance. Some friends hang it on their new cars as soon as they drive them home; the bright red looks festive, and I find it uplifting too. But if you don't believe in these things, there's no need to follow the trend. Ultimately, driving safely is what matters most, and maintaining the braking system properly is the real priority.
