The national lockdown period has significantly changed our lives . In the past, we would just climb into the car and drive off to any place we’d like, whether it was to a meeting or the shops. Suddenly, we find ourselves using one tank of petrol over several weeks, with our cars parked most of the time. Because our cars are used less, it is important to examine some lockdown maintenance tips.
Car maintenance – why is it so important?
Good maintenance of your car, according to manufacturer’s specifications, is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. In addition, if your car is well-maintained, you are more likely to get a good trade-in offer when purchasing your next car.
Prevention is better than cure1
That is what maintenance is all about. Why wait until you hear some funny sound coming from the bonnet? So often, it is too late at that stage and the repair can cost much more compared to what it would have been had you detected the fault earlier.
Let’s examine the maintenance of your car under the following scenarios.
What to do with your car when you can return to work1
It is essential to go through the following checklist before you use your car when returning to work.
Check the air filter1
Blocked air filters can cause several car problems.1 Air filters prevent dust and other particles from entering the engine. Blocked air filters will definitely impact performance. 1
Ensure correct tyre pressures1
To minimise extra wear and tear on your tyres, maintain correct tyre pressures at all times. Under-inflated tyres heat up during travel, and push up the fuel consumption. Over-inflated tyres are more dangerous as less tyre surface contacts the road. Try to use your own pressure meter, as air pumps at garages often have not been calibrated properly, and pressures vary from garage to garage. 1
Keep an eye on the battery1
Older car batteries don’t particularly like winter. You can hear it when the car seems to start in ‘slow motion.‘
Don’t put off the service that is due1
The manufacturer has good reasons as to why services are done at regular intervals. If a service is overdue, take your car to the garage as soon as it opens during lockdown.
Inspect the brakes1
Brakes are critically important for the safety of the driver and passengers. Ensure they are maintained at all times.
What to do with your car when you have to stay at home2
The second scenario is when your car is parked in your garage for perhaps several weeks during the lockdown.
It’s important that you start the car regularly, or even better drive to the grocery shop once in a while. This will keep the battery going. If this is not possible to do so, it will be best to disconnect the battery. Remember to also check your tyres, especially when the car has been parked for several weeks.
During the lockdown period, you may have had a lot of time to think about the welfare of your car. Have you considered obtaining car insurance with PMD?
Disclaimer:
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
Sources:
1https://drivinglife.net/maintenance-tips-that-you-must-follow-for-your-car-to-last-longer/
Safety and Roadworthiness of Vehicles in Long-Term Parking or Lockdown https://t.co/kIsNU6m4DN #ArriveAlive #VehicleMaintenance #Lockdown #ParkedCars pic.twitter.com/YeaxUP6uY6
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) April 17, 2020