Experts weigh in on how to keep your car healthy during lockdown
by Natasha Christou Digital Marketing ConsultantWith a bitter start to summer, Covid-19 has shattered all of
our plans for the foreseeable future. With our holidays cancelled, social
events postponed, and work life disrupted, millions of us are using our cars
far less than we normally would — according to RAC, one
in 10 of us have stopped using our cars altogether.
Out of sight, out of mind, right? But have you considered
the effect that not driving your car can have on your vehicle? Going weeks
without using your car can have detrimental effects. Of course, you should only
use your car for essential travel and avoid breaking government regulations. So
here, Motorparks, retailers of the used Peugeot 108, take
a look at how you can keep your car healthy during lockdown.
Give your car some exercise
Like you, stuck in the house yearning to be out breathing
fresh air and stretching your legs, your car needs to exercise. It is
recommended to drive your car every two weeks if possible, driving for around
10 miles and reaching speeds over 50mph. Driving for a few minutes around built
up areas at 30mph will have little benefit on your vehicle apart from heating
the engine up. Drive for several miles to wake up the brakes, fluids, gaskets, power
steering, seal, suspension, and transmission, among other components.
Additionally, batteries can lose their power when left idle
and turning on the engine will drain the power even more. Driving for several
miles allows the battery a chance to recharge. However, if your car has been sitting
for a month or more, so much power could be lost that it will need jump
starting. If your battery has run flat or you’re unable to drive long enough,
consider purchasing a trickle charger or battery conditioner, the most
effective method for to keep your battery healthy for a long period of time
with little to no use.
Maintaining the health of your tyres
Regardless of lockdown, you should be maintaining the health
of your tyres. Don’t neglect them — they’re the most important yet typically overlooked
element of vehicles. Regularly check your tyre pressure with a pressure gauge
or at your nearest petrol station, as not only do underinflated tyres use more
fuel, but they can be dangerous when on the roads. Also, check for any sidewall
cracks or visible damage to the tyres. Roll your car back and forth a few
metres every so often to prevent flat spots and your tyre losing shape by spreading
the pressure out.
Keeping your tyres in good condition will ensure that you’re
ready to go when lockdown restrictions are lifted, a win-win for you!
Caring for your brakes
When your car is stationary, try to keep it on a flat road
rather than on a hill, and if possible, keep your handbrake off and hold the
tyres with tyre blocks to remove strain from your brakes and prevent them
seizing up. You should also regularly get in your car, remove the handbrake,
and apply the foot break to prevent it sticking.
Prevent rust developing
You probably haven’t considered how storing fuel in your car
can have an effect. Your car certainly won’t thank you for being woken up after
a long hibernation and running on old fuel that’s past its use-by date.
To prevent moisture accruing and rust and corrosion developing
in the fuel system, adding fuel stabiliser to your fuel will extend its
lifespan by preventing oxidation and chemical breakdown, as well as lubricating
valves to keep everything running smoothly. Fuel stabiliser can keep your fuel
fresh for around 12 months — hopefully more than enough time for lockdown!
Keep your car safe as well as healthy and consider buying a
steering wheel or handbrake lock. You should also use this time to review your
car documents and find out when your next MOT is due. Stay safe and keep your
car healthy!
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Created on May 19th 2020 07:06. Viewed 226 times.