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Five common car-related mistakes that beginners tend to make
Release date:2026.05.14

1 . Starting the car in cold weather causes the engine to run at a higher speed. 

In the morning or after the car has been parked for a couple of days, turning the key to start the engine and then slamming on the accelerator, or starting the engine and revving the engine at full speed. This is the most damaging to the engine. When the engine is cold, the oil is as thick as honey. At the bottom of the oil pan, if you suddenly accelerate at this time, the piston and the inner wall of the engine are equivalent to wearing down without any lubrication, and the wear is extremely significant. 

The correct approach is to let the car idle at a low speed for 2 to 3 minutes after starting. In summer, this period can be shortened to about 1 minute. In northern regions during winter, it might need to be extended to 3 to 5 minutes. After starting, try to drive gently for the first few kilometers and avoid revving the engine too high. 

2. Keeping the clutch depressed for a long time while waiting at a red light 

Usually, when waiting at a traffic light, people keep holding the clutch lever without releasing it, or they keep the clutch in a semi-engaged state. The consequence of this is that the clutch will suffer unnecessary wear and tear. The clutch plate wears out the fastest in a half-function state after half a year or longer. Eventually, the clutch plate will become thinner, slip, and even cause difficulty in starting. After a long time, one will have to spend money to replace the clutch plate. 

The correct procedure is to shift into neutral and release the clutch when the vehicle has been stationary for more than 15 seconds, allowing the clutch plate to fully disengage. 

3. Only refuel when the oil gauge shows that it's running low. 

One always has to wait until the oil gauge light comes on, and even then, they think it's okay and can still ride for another 10-15 kilometers. They must ride to the limit before stopping at the gas station to refuel. Because most motorcycles nowadays have electronic fuel injection systems, the oil pump is immersed in the fuel tank to dissipate heat. If the oil quantity is too low, the oil pump cannot dissipate heat properly, which will lead to overheating and damage. Moreover, the bottom of the fuel tank is prone to accumulate impurities, and it often runs out or runs dry, easily sucking in impurities into the oil passage, blocking the fuel injection pipe or the fuel injector. 

The correct approach is to go to the gas station to refuel as soon as the red light comes on. 

4. Start the bike by shifting into gear while sitting on the handlebars. 

When parking, I forgot to disengage the gear and it was still in first gear or high gear. I simply depressed the clutch and started the engine. Although the clutch was disconnected, this still increased the load on the starter motor. Over time, it could easily damage the starter motor and the clutch. Some vehicles even suffer damage to the starter relay due to this habit. The correct approach is to develop the habit of checking if the gear is in neutral before starting. If you're unsure whether it's neutral or not, it doesn't matter whether you disengage the clutch or not. Of course, starting in neutral is the most convenient and reassuring. 

5. Stop the engine or coast down the slope in neutral gear 

Sliding down the slope is either to save fuel or to achieve an absolutely smooth speed sensation. By turning off the key or shifting into neutral and coasting. The consequence of this is that first, there will be no brakes. Now, in an electric vehicle with electronic fuel injection, once it stops running, the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) will fail. At this point, if you apply an emergency brake, it is very likely that the tires will lock up and cause a crash. The second is that the engine will not be lubricated and will stop working. The oil pump will not run, and the internal gears of the transmission will be in a dry grinding state, which is prone to wear and tear. The third is that it is easy to lose control. Without engine braking, the vehicle speed is controlled solely by the brakes. The brake pads will easily overheat and fail, and it is very likely to cause danger. 

The correct approach is to coast with the gear engaged and use the engine's traction to control the speed. When braking is necessary, apply the brakes then. This is the safest method. 

6. Maintenance and driving details. 

Apart from these major problems, there are also some minor habits that can also damage the car. 

Tire pressure can be checked either by hand pressure or by visual inspection: Excessive or insufficient tire pressure will cause abnormal tire wear, increase the risk of tire blowout, and even damage the wheel hub. It is recommended to purchase a tire pressure monitoring device and conduct regular checks. Generally, the front wheel of a motorcycle should be at 2.2 to 2.5 bar, and the rear wheel at 2.5 to 2.8 bar. The specific values can be referred to in the motorcycle's user manual. 

Blindly modifying the circuit: Adding electrical devices such as lights by oneself without following proper wiring procedures. If the wiring is not standardized, for example, without adding relays or fuses, it can easily lead to overheating of the speed limit device, or even spontaneous combustion. 

Rapid passage over speed bumps or potholes: This is a fatal blow to the motorcycle's shock absorbers and frame, and it is likely to cause oil leakage in the shock absorbers, metal fatigue of the frame, or damage to the speed bumps. It is necessary to reduce the speed to a safe level before crossing the speed bumps. 

Finally, I would like to say that motorcycles are machines, but they also have feelings. Treat them well, maintain them regularly, change the oil, replace the filters, and replace the brake fluid and other related consumables. Drive gently. They can accompany you for many years. Never sacrifice the lifespan of your beloved vehicle and your own safety just for a few seconds of pleasure. Ride stylishly, not fast. Ride slowly until you are old.
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