Not only is the UK locked down, but the winter weather is setting in and leaving the house isn’t very appealing. So, it’s obvious that your car is going to spend a lot of the time sitting idly by on the drive for the next few months.
Most people aren’t bothered because it means it cuts down on CO2 emissions and running costs. Still, a vehicle needs treating with TLC, or else it won’t last very long when life returns to normal.
If you’re wondering how to maintain it throughout the coming months, here are four things to keep in mind.
Trade It In
There’s no point investing time and money into a vehicle that you expect to sell soon. While the pandemic might not seem like the perfect time to offload your car, it has its advantages, mainly the fact that demand is low. As a result, prices are plummeting too. And, if you opt for a second-hand model, you can save even more money. Whether it’s Nissan or VW used cars you’re after, you can take advantage of the industry’s current landscape by haggling hard. A trade-in can reduce the upfront costs, as long as there aren’t any underlying issues.
Keep The Engine Running
If you’re happy with your current motor, you’ll want to focus on keeping it running as the battery can go flat after two weeks of non-use. There is no other way around it – you have to put the key in the ignition and turn. The AA says you should do it at least once a week for 15 minutes to avoid issues. Of course, there’s no reason to go for a drive if you’re uncomfortable leaving the house during the lockdown. You can sit in the car and listen to the radio and drift off from the comfort of your property!
Fill Up The Fuel Tank
You still need to put petrol or diesel in the tank. Why? It’s because an empty fuel tank can lead to a build-up of condensation, which then results in rusting. Rust in any part of a car is a big deal, so it’s something you want to avoid at all costs. Thankfully, you can do it by filling up with fuel. That way, there is nowhere for the moisture to form if it can form in the first place. Filling it up halfway is usually enough to prevent condensation.
Take Off The Handbrake
A handbrake isn’t designed to take the strain of a two-tonne car for long periods. When it gets too much, it can stick. And when it sticks, it can break. Any vehicle that’s parked on a hill will be in a perilous position, even if the car is in gear. Therefore, it’s wise to put the handbrake on and off regularly if you don’t plan on driving anywhere. By doing this, you will ease the pressure and stop any nasty incidents.
When the pandemic is over, you must schedule your vehicle for a service to be on the safe side. Until then, don’t forget that your car needs attention.
