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 Keeping your car in good shape during Covid 19


Clean your car before storing it

  • A proper clean will do your car good. Leaving grime on the bodywork, especially at this time of year when it may be lathered in road salt, can cause damage over time.
  • Your car interior can be a petri dish for dangerous microorganisms, including the coronavirus. Give the interior a spring clean while you’re in lockdown. It’ll stave off bad odours that you don’t want to smell on your return – and prevent damage to cabin materials.
  • Using a sunny day to air the car can really help as well. It’s surprising how quickly damp, and eventually mould, can build up in a car that doesn’t move. Put some moisture-absorbing silica gel in there for good measure.


Top up with fuel if possible

  • A full tank doesn’t cause as much condensation, which can cause issues if left to build up. It also means you’re ready to go if you do have to make essential travel.
  • You have to weigh up if this trip for fuel is essential. Ideally, co-ordinate a fuel trip with an essential journey — such as shopping for food and other basic necessities. 


Keep the battery charged

  • How long a battery holds its charge depends on the age of the battery, how often you drive and other factors like the climate. Things like the alarm system and onboard computers can drain the battery even when your car is parked, so it’s worth keeping it topped up as much as possible.
  • If you have a garage, you should consider a smart charger — which can be left plugged in and will draw current when required. 
  • Alternatively, you could consider buying a trickle charger to regularly top the battery up. You may need to leave it all day or overnight.
  • If you don’t have any of these options, for example because you park on the street, you should just start the engine once a week and run the car for around 30 minutes continuously. This will help re-charge the battery properly and keep the engine in good condition too. A flat battery doesn't always mean a faulty battery therefore may not be covered by the manufacturer warranty. 


Occasionally release your parking brake

  • Leaving your parking brake on for too long could cause your brakes to seize up, so we recommend you periodically release the brake and move your car a short distance (ideally while running the engine to charge the battery).
  • You can’t leave the parking brake off unless you’re parked on private land and, even then, you should ensure your wheels are secured to stop the car rolling. 

 

When you drive for the first time in a while

  • Check tyre pressure. You can find the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) figure in your manual or online.
  • Check under the bonnet for signs of rust or damage, and make sure nothing’s nesting there (also check pipes and hoses for signs of chewing).
  • Check all fluid levels before you start the engine.
  • Gently check your brakes (and handbrake) for corrosion. If the handbrake was left on, it may have seized up.
  • Put your car in gear and drive slowly, paying close attention for any strange noises or jolts.