For new driver Thu Phương, it took time (and money) to get comfortable with her first car. But within 3 years, she transformed into a confident, proactive, and fuel-efficient driver. Let’s hear her story as a 29-year-old office worker from Hanoi.
Thu Phương with her trusted Mazda CX-5, a constant companion on her journeys.
The Early “Awkward” Days
Thu Phương shared that about 2 years ago, she bought a used car from a dealership in Long Bien district. The initial days with her new car were less than smooth. As a novice driver, she often took wrong turns or got stuck in endless traffic jams, wasting hours on the road. Her car guzzled fuel, the engine roared with every acceleration, and her wallet took a hit with each fill-up.
“I thought the car was just a fuel guzzler. Little did I know that my driving habits were the real issue,” shared Thu Phương.
A Turning Point During a Service Visit
During a routine service at an authorized workshop, a technician revealed that her car had no issues from the previous owner. However, her driving habits were causing the engine to work too hard: frequent hard acceleration and abrupt braking, carrying unnecessary weight, and most importantly, using inappropriate engine oil for urban driving conditions.
The technician’s lighthearted comment, “The car has issues when the driver has issues,” marked the beginning of Thu Phương’s journey to improve her driving habits.
1. Plan Your Route in Advance
Using Google Maps to check traffic and plan her route helped Thu Phương avoid congested roads. As a result, she reduced travel time and fuel consumption significantly.
2. Regular Vehicle Checks and Decluttering
Thu Phương made it a habit to check tire pressure, ensuring it met the manufacturer’s specifications. She also kept a close eye on her fuel level, never filling up too much to reduce the vehicle’s weight. Unnecessary items were removed from the trunk, making the car lighter, smoother to drive, and more fuel-efficient.
Checking tire pressure and fuel level, keeping the car tidy and free of heavy, unnecessary items—these were Thu Phương’s secrets to a lighter, smoother, and more fuel-efficient ride.
3. Upgrade to Higher Quality Engine Oil
This was the most significant change in her journey. Considering her urban driving conditions—frequent speed changes and stop-and-go traffic—Thu Phương opted for Castrol MAGNATEC because:
Castrol MAGNATEC offers superior protection against engine wear from the moment it starts. Its intelligent oil molecules cling to and lubricate critical engine parts, reducing friction and resulting in a smoother and more fuel-efficient drive.
“After switching to Castrol, I immediately noticed a smoother ride. And surprisingly, my fuel consumption decreased significantly. I never thought that simply choosing the right oil could ease the strain on my wallet,” shared Thu Phương.
4. Observe and Drive Proactively
Thu Phương developed the habit of observing road signs, traffic signals, and the flow of traffic from a distance. This proactive approach allowed her to anticipate and handle situations without abrupt braking and unnecessary acceleration, further reducing fuel consumption.
“Look far, observe near”—a mantra Thu Phương lives by when behind the wheel.
Conclusion: Improved Vehicle Performance and Reduced Operating Costs
For Thu Phương, owning and driving a car is no longer a stressful experience. On every trip, she can relax, enjoy her favorite tunes, and bid farewell to worries about her vehicle’s well-being.
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