Due to the second wave of coronavirus, countries around the world are implementing new lockdowns. Due to the lockdown restrictions, there isn’t much to go, and cars are mostly parked, or we can say they are in rest mode like humans nowadays. But is it good for cars to be parked and not be operated for an extended period? The answer is NO.
Long stationary times can damage the tires, car battery, paint job, and even the engine. Therefore, in this article, PitStopArabia will discuss how to take care of your car during the lockdown period. The article will focus on different vehicular components and how to care for them properly.
Let’s start.
- Battery
The battery is an essential component of a car. Without a proper functioning automobile battery, there is no way to turn on the vehicle. After all, it is what supplies the necessary spark to the different components in the car. If the battery is not working, then in most of the cases there is no other way than to buy a new one which can be very costly. You don’t want your car battery to die on you, right? Imagine going in for work only to find that your car battery is dead.
To avoid this, you should not keep your car stationary for a long time and at least start your car once a week. It is even better to take the car for a drive so that power is supplied to the battery, which will prevent it from dying. However, it also depends on factors like climate. Usually, in winter, batteries drain faster as compared to summers. So, we request car owners to start their vehicle once every week and try to drive it around a little.
- Tyres
As we know, there is air pressure inside the tire, and it can lose pressure if parked for a long time. Suppose your car is parked at some spot for some time. In that case, the vehicle’s weight will be exerted on the tires, causing flat spots to appear where the part of the tire is in contact with the road. Flat spots cause permanent damage to the tires. What’s the solution?
Even the best tire experts in the UAE and worldwide might not be able to help repair these tires. The only course of action is to throw them away and buy new ones. This can be avoided by not keeping your car parked at the same place for a long time. It is recommended to move your vehicle at least once a week if not more.
- Brake
If you leave the handbrake on for some days, it can cause the brake pads being jammed on the disc brakes. It is highly recommended to keep the handbrake down while parking it for a long time. You can use large stones or a tire stopper to prevent the vehicle from moving. Using the handbrake for long periods will result in damage to the entire braking system.
- Fuel Tank
Make sure that the fuel tank is full before entering the lockdown period. If it is empty, the non-use will cause the air inside it to condense, storing moisture. After a while, it will start to cause rust inside the fuel tank. It is the last thing that you need as a rusted fuel tank can be quite costly to repair.
- Exterior & Interior
Do not park the car under direct sunlight. If you have a proper garage, park the vehicle inside it. If you only have an outdoor place, buy a car cover. If you do not own a car cover, thick bed sheets are also acceptable. Direct sunlight, dust, and other particles are harmful to the car’s interior along with the exterior. Try to clean the car regularly just like you would typically do when there were no lockdowns.
- Windscreen Wipers
Make sure to place a cloth under the windscreen wipers. Why? When the wipers remain on the screen for extended periods, they can leave a lasting mark on the screen. Therefore, the best option is to place a cloth underneath them, or you can leave them open for a little while. However, the cloth option is highly recommended by PitStopArabia.
- Miscellaneous
You can also block the exhaust, and A.C. ducts to prevent dust and even bugs from finding their way into them. But remember to remove whatever material you used for blocking before starting the vehicle. Driving around with a blocked exhaust can lead to costly damage or even cause harmful gases to build up inside the car.
Wrap Up
This concludes our article. With lockdowns now being exposed once again worldwide, we request everyone to obey the standard operating procedures (SOPs). Lastly, lockdowns do not mean that you should neglect regular car maintenance and care. As mentioned above, with just a few simple steps, you can care for your vehicle during the lockdown.
About M Junaid
M Junaid Lead Writer, Content Marketer at PitStopArabia, A writer by Day and reader by night
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