Lockdown: Here is how you can maintain your car during this period

The second wave of the covid-19 has forced almost the majority of the Indian states to impose strict movement restrictions like lockdowns and curfew. We have again reached a point where staying at homes is the best option to stay safe and break the transmission chain.

With many businesses shifting to remote work setup and temporary shutdowns, more and more people are staying indoors, leading to less driving and prolonged parking time for their vehicles.

It is a known fact, that if your car is kept in an idle position for a long time it will damage the car’s functioning and cost you a big maintenance bill.

However, there are some easy tips and tricks, with which you can make sure that your car stays in proper working condition even when you are not driving it.

Fill up the fuel tank before leaving it parked

Leaving a fuel tank near empty increases the chances of fuel oxidation and water contamination which can degrade the gasoline in the tank. After prolonged exposure to oxygen, oxidation takes place damaging fuel lines, fuel injectors, and filters.

And, if the fuel tank is full, it leaves minimal space for oxygen or moisture to build up. If you are not driving your car for more than 6 months then, adding a fuel stabilizer would help from damaging your fuel system.

Keep your battery charged by driving regularly

Car batteries get discharged when sitting idle for a long time. To prevent this, it is advisable to start the car at least once a week. You can keep it on for about 15 minutes. You can take it for a short spin, but following all the necessary security protocols and allow the alternator to recharge it completely.

Regularly check your tyre pressure

A car parked for more than 2 weeks will start showing significant damage to its tyres including low pressure as the entire weight is concentrated on one particular patch of the tyre in contact with the surface.

Hence, move the car minimally within the parking area every few days to alter the contact patch. Also, over a period of time the tyres may lose air pressure so try to maintain the pressure between 30 and 35 PSI using a tyre pressure gauge.

Avoid using the handbrake

If a vehicle is parked for a long time there are chances of handbrakes getting jammed. Hence it is advisable not to apply handbrakes but instead slot the car into the gear.

Manufacturers recommend leaving the car in the reverse gear while crossing the downhill, or shifting it to the first gear when it is moving towards the parking lot.

 Park in the shade and use a car cover

Keeping your car under a shelter saves the car from the damaging effect of the harsh weather. You should cover the car with a good quality cover as the paint and interior parts that are exposed to direct sunlight may lose their sheen.

You can also use a waterproof sheet or an old bedsheet with some weight to protect your car till you find a proper car cover.

Clean the interiors before parking the car:

People generally tend to keep any trash item, food item, etc. inside their cars. This trash may rot or attract rodents that can damage floor mats, seat covers, and even wiring.  Always clean the interior of the vehicle and spray a little freshener. Also, you should switch on the AC, a couple of minutes after you enter the vehicle.