1：How to Identify the Fuel Tank Side from the Dashboard
Many people have experienced uncertainty when pulling up to a gas station, unsure of which side the fuel cap is on. In fact, identifying the fuel cap side is simple but often overlooked. Most cars have a small arrow next to the fuel gauge on the dashboard, pointing to the side of the car where the fuel cap is located.
2：The Importance of Polarized Sunglasses
While driving, not only can the sun be blinding, but other harsh glares, like sunlight reflecting off the road or chrome trim, can be even more dazzling. Wearing polarized sunglasses can reduce these harmful reflections. Polarized sunglasses are more expensive than regular ones, but they are worth the investment for driving safety.
3：Transmission Unlock Button
Near the gear lever of an automatic car, there's a small, often unnoticed button. This button allows you to shift between gears when the car is off, such as when the engine won't start and you need to shift from "P" (Park) to "N" (Neutral) for towing.
4：Airbags Have a Lifespan
In theory, airbags should last as long as the vehicle itself. However, in practice, they may not be reliable after 8-10 years, even if they haven't deployed. If the airbag warning light stays on for more than 6-8 seconds after starting the car, it's crucial to have the system checked at a service center.
5：Brake Pedal is Higher than the Accelerator
The brake pedal is intentionally placed higher than the accelerator to prevent drivers from mistakenly pressing the wrong pedal. If they were the same height, it would be easier to confuse them, leading to dangerous situations. It's designed this way to make misstepping uncomfortable and thus prevent accidents.
6：Rearview Mirror Anti-Glare Feature
Many vehicles, even mid-range ones, have manual anti-glare functions on the interior rearview mirror. When a car behind you has its high beams on, you can flip the small tab on the bottom of the mirror to reduce glare without adjusting the mirror's angle.
7：Steering Wheels Aren't Perfectly Round
Though steering wheels appear round, they are designed with an off-center steering column, closer to the driver. This design creates more legroom and makes it easier for drivers to operate pedals, improving safety and comfort. Sports cars often feature oval-shaped wheels to further reduce steering rotation and enhance visibility.
8：Adjustable Seat Belt Height
If you find the seat belt uncomfortable or feel like it's cutting into your neck, check if your car has adjustable seat belts. Most vehicles allow you to adjust the seat belt height via a mechanism on the B-pillar. In cars like BMWs, where seat belt height isn't adjustable, the seats themselves can be adjusted to achieve comfort.
9：Shifting Gears Without Using the Clutch in a Manual Transmission
Although driving schools teach you to always use the clutch when shifting gears, experienced drivers can shift without it. This involves matching the engine's RPM to the correct gear. For example, at 45 km/h, if you're in 2nd gear with the RPM at 2400, and 3rd gear would have the RPM at 1700, you can shift to 3rd when the RPM reaches 1700, but you must be quick and precise.
10：Don't Refuel During a Thunderstorm
Filling up your car during a thunderstorm can be dangerous. Gas nozzles can conduct stray currents into the fuel tank, potentially igniting the gasoline vapors and causing a fire or explosion. Gas stations have a higher concentration of fuel vapors than other areas, making them more vulnerable to lightning strikes.
11：Sun Visor Can Block Side Light
Most drivers know how to lower their sun visors to block direct sunlight, but few realize the visor can also be rotated to the side to block sunlight from the side windows.
12：The Trunk Can Be a Lifesaving Escape Hatch
In the event of a crash, if the doors, windows, and sunroof are inaccessible, the trunk can serve as an emergency escape. By folding down the rear seats and using the emergency release handle or manual switch inside the trunk, passengers can exit safely.
13：Close Windows After Locking the Car
If you realize you've forgotten to close the windows or sunroof after turning off the car, there's no need to restart the engine. Simply press and hold the lock button on your key fob for a few seconds, and the windows will automatically close. Likewise, holding the unlock button will open the windows.
14：Line on the Left Side Mirror
Some cars have a line on the left side mirror. This type of mirror is called a dual-curvature mirror. The line separates two viewing areas, with the outer section providing a wider field of view to reduce blind spots, improving safety by enhancing your view of approaching vehicles.
15：Windshield Washer Fluid is Blue
Windshield washer fluid is typically blue, which may seem like a random choice, but it serves a purpose. The blue color indicates that the fluid contains chemicals, warning users that it is toxic. The distinctive color helps prevent confusion with other car fluids.
