vehicle care maintenance lockdown car

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Lockdown car care: Here’s how to keep your vehicle in top condition

Your vehicle needs extra care during the nation-wide lockdown. Here’s what you need to know.

vehicle care maintenance lockdown car

Image via Pexels

With the ongoing nation-wide lockdown as COVID-19 continues to sweep across the planet, vehicles won’t be used as often

Due to the restricted movement, a few essential tips are required to ensure its well being. According to the Automobile Association, it’s critical that motorists “ensure their vehicles are not forgetting” during the 3-week lockdown.

“Any vehicle that is left unused for a period of time may develop issues that require intervention to get running normally again. But the hassle of wanting to start a vehicle when the battery is drained, or driving on uneven wheels, may be alleviated with some proper home care for the next couple of weeks”.

Here’s what you need to do if you’re vehicle is going to unused for the next couple of weeks.

How to keep your vehicle in top condition

Clean it properly

Dirt could cause permanent damage if left for long periods of time, so ensure the vehicle is cleaned properly before you park it away. Use this time to give it a proper clean.

Remove all the carpets and loose items – seats too, if you’re brave – and give it a thorough scrub. Remember to dry it out thoroughly before storage.

Keep it covered

Exterior

If possible, park the vehicle indoors; if not, use a car cover. Doing this will ensure it stays cleaner for longer. AA warns: Do not use a car cover if you are parking the vehicle in a garage, as any moisture inside will evaporate faster.

Intakes and outtakes

It’s suggested to cover the air intakes with a cloth and stuff a rag into the exhaust outlet to prevent insects and rodent from crawling in causing havoc.

However, and this is important: Remember to remove all bits of cloths before you start the car up again. Preferably, leave a note for yourself on the steering wheel as a reminder.

Battery maintenance

If you’re not going to be using the vehicle at all, it would be best to remove the entire batter. If not, just disconnect the terminal. Remember to wear protective gear when doing this.

Always disconnect the negative terminal first, then the positive terminal. Do not, under any circumstances, touch the terminals together.

“Rubbing petroleum jelly on the terminals after they have been removed will prevent rust from setting in”.

Wiper maintenance

If left standing for the too long, the rubber on the blades could stick to the windshield. Stick plastic wrap between the wiper blades and the windscreen to prevent that.

Don’t forget about the rear wiper blades.

Tyres and handbrake

Leave it in gear and place chocks behind the wheels; don’t leave the handbrake on as the cable to stretch. Keep the car fuelled up to prevent moisture from developing in the tank.

Also read – Sluggish economy? These luxury sports cars were recently bought in SA