Check the engine room before departure...Car management tips during the outing
Apr 20, 2025
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▲ The heart of the car needs to be checked in the engine room
If foreign substances such as fine dust and fallen leaves accumulate in an engine room with a lot of electronic equipment, heat is not discharged properly and the engine temperature rises. It is necessary to clean the engine room carefully as the vehicle performance decreases and the risk of fire increases when the engine is overheated. Since there are many sensitive electronic equipment, it is best to leave it to a professional repair shop, and if it is not possible, you should wipe the dust directly with a dedicated cleaner and a dry cloth.
It is also important to check various types of oils. Engine oil is recommended to be replaced because its viscosity decreases due to reduced lifespan during winter and increased spring temperature, which can cause wear of parts such as bearings. In the case of brake oil, it is highly likely that it consumed a lot as it spent the winter when braking systems were frequently used. If the amount is less than the minimum indicated on the brake oil tank, it shall be replenished.
▲ Fire extinguishers for vehicles are essential in case of fire
Unexpected fires can occur due to electrical defects, mechanical failures, external shocks, etc. due to the nature of automobiles where various parts are exposed to high temperatures. According to the National Fire Agency, there were a total of 11,398 vehicle fires from 2021 to 2023, with the number of cases and deaths increasing every year.
Vehicle fires can damage not only the person concerned but also others, and depending on the surrounding environment, there is a risk of spreading into large fires such as forest fires. As rapid initial suppression is important, a vehicle fire extinguisher with a "car combined" mark should be installed at a safe location within reach.
▲ If you replace the air conditioner filter and wash the car indoors and outdoors, it will be a pleasant operation
For a pleasant operation between the outing, dust accumulated in winter should be removed. It is recommended to clean thoroughly every corner, including sheets and floor mats, with a vehicle vacuum cleaner. Frequent exposure to calcium chloride during the winter months requires more careful cleaning as there is a risk of corrosion. Foreign substances attached to the outside of the vehicle can damage and discoloration the painted surface, so regular washing is recommended.
As early heat waves are predicted, air conditioner filters should also be replaced. If the filter is contaminated, it can harm respiratory health by preventing fine dust, exhaust gas, and various bacteria that flow into the vehicle when the air conditioner is operated. The recommended replacement cycle is 6 months, and it is recommended to choose an antibacterial filter product that can prevent mold and bacterial habitat.
"As the weather warms up in earnest, more people are traveling by car," said Hwang Gyu-seok, head of K-Car's diagnostic office. "If we check various parts and consumables that can be missed and manage the vehicle cleanly, we will be able to have a more enjoyable outing."
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
