What is the correct way to use a vehicle?

[StGriffin]

The correct way to use a vehicle is: 1. Daily maintenance: Check engine oil, fuel, gear oil, coolant, front and rear axles of tires, instruments, and various lights; 2. Do not let the engine work under overload conditions: Do not immediately operate at high speed after starting the vehicle. Let it idle for 5 to 10 minutes, wait until the water temperature rises to 45-55 degrees Celsius before allowing the engine to work, and only operate at high speed when the temperature rises above 80 degrees Celsius. Vehicle maintenance items: 1. Replace engine oil, oil filter, air filter, and fuel filter; 2. Check the body and tires; 3. Inspect the braking system; 4. Check for damage to the chassis; 5. Check the level of various fluids.

[Robyn]

After driving for so many years, I believe the most important thing about using a vehicle is developing good habits. The first step after getting in the car is to fasten the seatbelt—it's not just to avoid traffic police, but it can truly save your life in critical moments. Don't rush to drive off after starting the engine; first, check if any warning lights are illuminated on the dashboard. When driving, hold the steering wheel at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions with both hands, and maintain a following distance of at least two seconds to ensure enough reaction time in case of sudden braking. When parking, avoid stopping on a slope; for manual transmissions, remember to engage first gear, and for automatic transmissions, apply the electronic parking brake. Oh, and don’t forget to pop the hood every two months to check the oil dipstick—top it up if it’s low. Don’t underestimate these small actions. A car is like a person—if you take good care of it, it will stay reliable on the road with you for a long time.

[GiaDella]

Proper car usage is all about attention to details. Every day before starting the car, I walk around it to check if the tires are punctured or underinflated, and remove leaves and small stones from the windshield. Controlling speed while driving is crucial - I always slow down immediately when seeing speed limit signs, especially near schools or residential areas. Never use phones at red lights; I've seen too many rear-end collisions caused by distracted drivers. Don't wait until summer to use the AC - run the cold air occasionally in winter to prevent pipeline aging. Always straighten the wheels when parking to avoid damaging the steering gear. Refuel when the tank is down to one-quarter instead of waiting until it's almost empty, as keeping the fuel pump cool extends its lifespan.

[EmersonFitz]

The most overlooked aspect of car usage is the preliminary preparation. Spending three minutes on checks before departure is crucial: ensure all lights are functioning properly, especially brake lights and rear fog lights; clear snow or fallen leaves from the roof to prevent them from falling off; adjust mirrors to minimize blind spots; and check if the fuel tank has enough gas for unexpected road conditions. While driving, control your right foot wisely—anticipate traffic light changes on urban roads and use the throttle to regulate speed, minimizing brake usage. On highways, maintaining a constant speed is the most fuel-efficient. Use air conditioning judiciously; opening windows increases wind resistance and fuel consumption, but avoid setting the AC too low to prevent overburdening the compressor. Park in shaded areas to avoid sun damage to the car paint.

[VonBentley]

The key to proper car usage is avoiding operations that harm the vehicle. Avoid high-speed driving immediately after a cold start; wait for the engine to warm up before accelerating. Drive slowly on uneven roads to prevent damaging the shock absorbers by rushing over bumps. Instead of slamming the brakes and then releasing, use gradual braking to slow down in advance. Avoid filling up with off-brand gasoline to protect the engine. Parking location also matters—avoid parking under trees to prevent resin drips from corroding the paint. Don’t scrape the tire sidewalls against curbs. After washing the car during the rainy season, dry the brake discs to prevent squeaking. Before long trips, check coolant and brake fluid levels, and replace the air filter regularly to maintain smooth airflow—these small steps can prevent major repairs.