“How can I look after my car during lockdown?” Here’s our essential guide…
Many of us aren’t using our cars regularly because we’re working from home or furloughed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, we do need to keep our vehicles roadworthy so that we can use them when we need to travel.
So, here’s our essential guide to keeping your car in top condition even when it’s not being used every day.
1. Find a safe place to park it
If a garage or off-road parking space isn’t available, look for a space which is sheltered, easily visible, and in a safe area where it is less likely to be damaged or stolen.
Check on your car regularly.
2. Make sure your tyres are roadworthy
Check the depth of your tread remains within the legal limit and check for wear and tear.
You also need to avoid your tyres getting flat areas from being left in the same position for long periods of time.
To help with that, you can adjust your parking position by a quarter wheel turn every fortnight.
You also need to check your tyre pressures against the recommended pressures in your car’s manual.
3. Keep your battery ticking over
There’s nothing worse than trying to start your car when you need to use it, only to find the battery is dead.
Turn on your car at least once a week to keep enough charge in the battery to start your car.
If it has been left for a while, start it then keep the engine running for half an hour. For every following week, you can cut the time to 15 minutes.
The battery gets strained by a driver turning the car on and off in quick succession, so avoid this.
4. Make sure your car’s liquids are topped up
Check your coolant, oil, and windscreen wash to ensure your car is ready to use when you need to drive.
That will also help you see any leaks.
If you can, fill up your petrol or diesel tank, too, as that will help prevent moisture developing in it and corrosion happening,
Gently try your brakes at low speed, which helps to remove any corrosion on the surface of your brake discs.
Make sure you take the handbrake off every now and then to stop that seizing up, but, of course, ensure it is reapplied before you leave the vehicle even on flat ground.
6. Do you have a diesel car? Top up your diesel exhaust fluid
Look out for any alerts notifying your tank needs topping up.
Listen to it because your car may not start if the fluid drops to zero.
Keeping the fluid topped up helps your car achieve optimum performance. It’s easily done by hand at home, just look for the instructions in your car’s handbook.
Bird droppings, leaves, rain…they can all take their toll on your car.
Protect your car’s paintwork and make sure your visibility is at its best by giving your car a thorough clean.
You’ll also wash off any grease or mud on the tyres which could affect driving.
Consider buying a car cover to protect it.
If you need extra help with your car, we’re here for your car’s MOT or service, any parts or accessories you need, and accident repairs. Tell us what you need.