The long Spring Festival holiday is approaching, and those choosing to drive home are already eager to reunite with their families—many have even set off on their journeys. However, no matter how much you look forward to the warmth of the holidays, safety must always come first. Especially considering that during the Spring Festival, weather conditions, road situations, and drivers themselves are all in relatively unstable states, safety concerns deserve even more attention.
Vehicle Health Is the Foundation of Safety
Tires
Before setting out, check the tread and tire pressure (including the spare tire) to ensure they are in good condition. Tires are among the most heavily worn components of a vehicle and a crucial factor in driving safety, typically needing replacement after around 60,000 to 70,000 kilometers. If the tires are significantly worn or have been punctured multiple times, it is also recommended to replace them. Abnormal tire pressure can affect safe driving, so always inflate to the manufacturer’s specified standards—never guess.
For added safety, it is advisable to install a real-time tire pressure monitoring system in your vehicle. Aftermarket tire pressure monitors are usually direct systems that place pressure sensors and transmitters directly inside the tires, with receivers inside the car picking up signals and relaying real-time tire pressure data. Since each tire has its own pressure sensor, this system offers more accurate alerts. It can also provide immediate warnings if a tire is punctured and pressure drops rapidly. Although these systems used to be very expensive, their prices have dropped to the several-hundred-yuan range in recent years—well worth the investment.
Brakes
Before driving, besides checking the electrolyte, engine oil, transmission fluid, and coolant levels, also inspect the brake fluid level and quality. Brake fluid absorbs moisture easily, especially in humid southern climates, which can dilute it and reduce its effectiveness. Generally, it should be replaced every two years or after 60,000 kilometers of driving. The braking system relies on fluid, so check for aging or leaks in hoses and connections. Also, inspect the brake proportioning valve.
Most modern sedans use disc brakes, so don’t overlook the condition of the brake pads. Road trips can cover long distances, and to avoid having to change them midway, it is recommended to replace brake pads once they wear down to less than 3 millimeters thick.
Lights
Try to avoid night driving as much as possible during your long journey home. Night driving is not only unsafe but also increases the likelihood of getting lost. When it cannot be avoided, there are a few things to watch out for. Most highways and national or provincial roads lack street lighting. In such cases, drivers often rely on high beams, making oncoming headlights extremely glaring. Additionally, vehicles traveling in the same direction with non-functioning taillights can easily cause rear-end collisions. At night, also pay extra attention to pedestrians along the road. Without street lighting and reflective clothing, pedestrians are often spotted only at very close distances, creating a frequent hazard for accidents.
Because of this, special care should be taken to ensure all vehicle lights are in good working order. Lights are the eyes of your car, so make sure all are fully functional before any long trip. If your headlights have been repaired, it’s recommended to readjust their height and focus according to your driving height. Some vehicles can auto-adjust light angles, but others require manual adjustment.
Engine
Many people overlook the cleanliness inside their vehicles, assuming that a dirty engine bay won’t affect driving. But over time, this can actually cause significant harm. Dust accumulation on the engine or other components can lead to rusting. Moreover, excessive dust can impair engine cooling. An engine operating under prolonged high temperatures can suffer damage, and plastic parts may degrade. Therefore, before embarking on your enjoyable road trip, take a moment to open the hood and give the engine bay a good cleaning.
Finally, the drive belts inside the engine bay also require careful inspection, particularly in terms of tension and surface condition. Overly tight belts can accelerate wear on bearings and pulleys, while scratches or cracks on the belt surface could seriously affect the engine’s normal operation.
Battery
Car batteries are prone to problems in cold weather. If the battery fails to function properly, it can make starting the engine difficult. Additionally, as battery terminals age, greenish oxides can form, which interfere with proper charging and lead to insufficient power. Before setting out, carefully inspect the battery, especially if you own a second vehicle or plan to use one that has been sitting idle for a long time. If you notice green deposits on the battery terminals, rinse them off with hot water, sand them down, dry them, and then apply an anti-oxidation protective agent to shield them.
Wipers
Wipers mainly work with windshield washer fluid to clean the front windshield, giving drivers a clearer view during everyday driving. Therefore, ensure you have enough washer fluid, and also check whether the wipers are functioning properly—otherwise, the fluid won’t help. You can usually tell the condition of the wiper blades just by observation. If they perform well in heavy rain but leave uneven streaks or obstruct visibility during light rain, it means the blades have hardened.
Replacing wiper blades is simple. They are usually secured with U-shaped hooks—just lift the hook to remove the old blade and install a new one, ensuring the new blade matches the old in size. After replacing the wipers, wet the windshield and check if the blades move smoothly and wipe effectively. Choosing high-quality wiper blades is key. While premium OEM blades are a good option, some aftermarket blades labeled as containing silicone also offer good anti-aging performance.