To say that the past year has been rough is an understatement. As we reach the anniversary of the global COVID-19 pandemic that has kept the whole world wrapped up, cases in Malaysia are still worryingly high. With the current trend of cases, it may seem like Malaysians will not be able to celebrate this year’s Chinese New Year as well. 

This is especially sad because, in Malaysia, last year’s Chinese New Year was merely a topic for uncles and aunties to discuss over the lousang visitation sessions. This year, it has become something that has really hit close to home. Everyone has been impacted by the pandemic in some way. As the MCO stretches on, being able to spend time with our loved ones during the Chinese New Year is looking less and less of a possibility. 

So, as you get ready to celebrate Chinese New Year at home with a serious spring cleaning, don’t forget to get your car ready for the festivities as well! It’s time to prepare your car and get moo-ving to get rid of all that negative energy!

1. Spring clean your car

Make sure that your car is not neglected during this time. Sure, we understand that the MCO has severely limited the need for going out for drives, but it still needs to be cleaned and maintained too! Plus, it’s customary to do a spring cleaning session during Chinese New Year to throw away all of the previous year's bad luck and negative energy, so cleaning the car before the big day has to be done for the same reason too.

In the past, you could bring your car to a car groomer, but what better way than to show your car some real love by doing it yourself? Check out some of our tips for cleaning your car here. 

2. New year, new transformation

Take it up a notch and transform your car with some sweet decals or a new coat of paint. During Chinese New Year, it’s a common practice for people to decorate their homes or cars with festive stuff. Colours such as red and gold are the more popular options during Chinese New Year (but we don’t recommend painting your car gold no matter how ong that may be!). A change of colour may also have some auspicious luck elements to it, so remember to check out what is your prosperity colour this year!

Here are some tips: Choose the colour that balances the Feng Shui Element that matches your personality.

Fire Element -- Red, Orange

Wealth and Power

Earth Element -- Brown, Yellow, Beige

Grounding and Balance

Metal Element -- White, Silver, Gold, Bronze, Copper

Strength and Focus

Water Element -- Blue, Black

Relaxation and Comfort

Wood Element -- Green, Teal

Growth and Expansion

3. Get a Chinese New Year Playlist

One of the favourite things for people to do during Chinese New Year is to listen to festive songs that can put you right in the mood. Sure, there’s no balik kampung this year, but you can always still prepare to blast the music in your car with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto! Otherwise, you can opt to go old-school and use CD players like how our parents did. 

4. Put A Pair Of Mandarin Oranges On The Dashboard

Mandarin oranges are everywhere during Chinese New Year, because oranges and tangerines are associated with good luck. Their color symbolizes riches and good fortune. By putting a pair of oranges on your dashboard, it is believed that you are welcoming good luck and prosperity into the owners of the car. Plus, they’re good for decorative purposes. Just remember not to leave them for too long under the hot sun or you’d really have a mess on your hands.

5. Make sure your car is in a good health condition

Make sure your car is in good condition during this Chinese New Year. While we may not be travelling back home for the holidays, you’ll also want to make sure your car is in perfect health after so many months of being in the MCO. Cars need to constantly run to be at the peak of health, and leaving it idle for too long may not be the best thing to do. 

No matter how bleak 2020 was, we figured that it’s high time for all of us to get a little pick-me-up during the festive season and keep our spirits high. In fact, we hope to make the 2021 Chinese New Year one that is worth celebrating. No matter your situation, celebrating a festival as merry as Chinese New Year will help to improve your mood, as well as your mental and physical health. 

Happy Chinese New Year to all those celebrating!

Chinese New Year aside, if you are thinking of a course to pursue, and want to explore a career in automotive, motorsports, and all things related, why not check out our various programmes and courses available at TOC? We are one of the best automotive colleges in Malaysia that provides you with the education pathway you need to turn your dream into reality!

If you’d like to know more about the automotive industry or if you’re still unsure whether it would be a good fit for you, don’t hesitate to have a chat with our automotive course counsellors, who would be happy to help you out! 

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