After using the vehicle for a long time, car owners often face two kinds of bad problems: one is that the vibration and noise of the vehicle gradually increase, and the other is that they feel a "loose" discomfort during driving. Especially for old car owners, the "clang" sound of the vehicle when passing through the pothole, accompanied by a sparse "clanging" sound, brings a sense of cheapness to the overall driving experience.
These problems are often considered to be an inevitable consequence of the aging of the vehicle, and by carefully analysing the problem** and adopting a series of solutions, we may be able to restore the driving quality of the vehicle to at least 80% comfort without changing the car.
Let's dive into the problem. The aging problem of vehicles can be mainly divided into two parts: the entire chain of the power system and the static parts. In this article, we will focus mainly on the static part, i.e. the rubber and plastic parts of the body. The aging of these two types of components is directly related to the driving experience of the vehicle, and their aging problems tend to become significant after 6 years of use.
Let's focus on the aging of rubber parts. In automobiles, rubber parts are widely used in various connection and isolation parts, such as the connection between the engine and the body, suspension tie rods, subframes, etc. The function of these rubber parts is to absorb vibrations and ensure the smoothness of the vehicle during driving.
Over time, rubber parts deteriorate and lose their elasticity, resulting in vibrations that cannot be effectively absorbed. Shrinkage can also occur as rubber parts age, and although they are not damaged, they create gaps that create additional vibrations in bumpy road conditions. These problems often reach a critical point after 6 years of vehicle use, causing the elasticity and strength of rubber parts to drop dramatically.
The aging of plastic parts is also an important factor affecting the comfort of the vehicle. Plastic nylon buckles and screws on the body play a key role in the connection of non-metallic parts that are not subject to force. Over time, these plastic parts also age and lose their elasticity, making them unable to hold the fixed parts together. During driving, especially on bumpy roads, these aging plastic parts can cause parts to loosen and produce vibration noises from each other.
The aging of rubber and plastic parts is not only due to the passage of time, but also because they are subjected to various forces in the use of the vehicle, resulting in a limited fatigue life. Therefore, timely inspection and replacement of these aging components is essential to maintain vehicle performance.
To solve these aging problems, it is first necessary to regularly inspect and replace rubber parts, such as the rubber sleeve of the engine connection, the rubber of the suspension parts, etc. In the case of rubber cushions, even if they appear to be undamaged, they need to be replaced in about 6 years. The plastic buckles and screws on the body also need to be checked frequently, and once they are found to be aging and lose their elasticity, they should be replaced in time to ensure the firmness of the connection.
In addition to rubber and plastic parts, connecting fasteners are also one of the key factors that affect the driving experience of the vehicle. Metal bolts have an elastic tension state when first used, and with the change of time and temperature, the metal will undergo plastic transformation and lose elasticity. Therefore, regular inspection and tightening of bolts, especially those in some critical areas, is the key to ensure that the vehicle remains in good condition for a long time.
Some of the motion connections are in the form of ball joints, such as steering and suspension. The metal in these ball joints and the nylon material that wraps the ball head can wear out due to friction over time, resulting in loose joints. Therefore, regular inspection and replacement of worn ball joints is an effective way to ensure that the connection is secure.
In the process of solving these aging problems, regular car maintenance is also a part that cannot be ignored. By replacing lubrication and maintenance components such as engine oil, air filter, and brake fluid, you can reduce wear and tear on your vehicle, improve performance, and extend the life of your vehicle.
Although many people may advocate replacing their vehicles in a few years, in the current economic situation, many car owners choose to continue using their old cars. If you plan to continue using the vehicle and the vehicle is already a few years old, the above methods and suggestions may be helpful to you.
By conducting regular inspections, replacing aging parts in a timely manner, and maintaining regular maintenance, you can effectively improve the driving quality of your vehicle and maintain better comfort during driving. These methods are relatively inexpensive, and the results will be immediate. Hopefully, these tips will help you rejuvenate your car without changing cars.