The COVID-19 pandemic induced lockdown has affected everyone’s life. The lockdown is relatively more stringent in India as compared to other countries. The main goal of lockdown is to curb mobility and thereby reduce transmission. Thus, the method of lockdown has made using cars less frequent. Infrequent use of automobiles can cause many residual problems. This article gives tips and guidelines to keep your car active and without trouble during this pandemic induced lockdown. Click here to know more about this and cars in general.
Battery
The main concern with letting a car sit in the short term is a dead battery; this problem can be very troublesome in the future. One of the easy solutions to this problem is driving the car outside once or twice a week. This solution may not be plausible during the lockdown period, but one must try to drive the car at least around the block. To prevent the battery from getting discharged, start the vehicle once or twice a week and keep it running for at least ten to fifteen minutes, which will allow the alternator to replenish the juice. Hence, the battery is one of the essential car accessories which must be looked after periodically.
Moving Parts
Essentially, this is the most logical suggestion. Any machine is made for moving. Lack of movement of internal parts can be lethal to the vehicle. Hence it is vital to run the car in prescribed intervals (once or twice a week) to keep the internal parts from damage. Switch on the vehicle and use all the functions. This method will not only ensure minimal damage but also works as a test for any inherent damages. Using relevant car accessories can make this process easy.
Cabin Hygiene
The vehicle is going to be idle for many days. In this scenario, cleaning the cabin will ensure no unwanted odour or moulds present in the car cabin after the lockdown period. Car accessories like seat covers and floor mats will make this process less tiresome. Also, cleaning the car cabin whenever possible will also reduce the chances of COVID-19 transmission. Hence, car cabin hygiene is another crucial aspect to look out for. Car accessories like car cover will prevent the accumulation of dirt in the car’s exterior.
Parking at the right place
Parking the vehicle on permeable and grassy surfaces can cause rusting and other damages. Finding a spot on pavement or concrete is ideal. In India, we mostly park the vehicle on the street or inside the house parking spot; hence, ensuring such surfaces are concrete is paramount.
Flat Spotted Tyres
Long hibernation of vehicles results in the escape of air from the tyres. The tyres become flat even though there is no puncture. The weight of the car can cause flat spots to develop where the rubber meets the road. Checking the tyre pressure frequently and using one of many car accessories such as an air compressor pump and a pressure gauge can avoid this problem. Tyres with flat spots are not easy to repair; to prevent loss of a good tyre, one can use the air pumps as mentioned above.
Fuel level
If the car is going to be idle for a long time, one must make sure that the fuel tank is brimmed up. It helps prevent corrosion in the tank and fuel lines. Also, they avoid condensation of air to liquids, which might cause engine problems. Another advantage is that it avoids the risk posed by gasoline fumes that might accumulate due to an empty tank. Finally, one need not worry about the fuel level during an emergency.
Other Suggestions
One of the most crucial suggestions is to leave the car in gear rather than engaging the handbrake. It can cause the brake pads and rotor to stick or fuse. Protect the exterior of the vehicle using car covers and also by waxing and sealing the car. It will increase the longevity of the car paint.
Conclusion
The pandemic is not stopping soon, and the pandemic induced lockdown is bound to continue for some more time. Hence it is only prudent to follow the guidelines to save one’s car from damages. Click here to know more.