How to Take Care of Your Vehicle During Lockdown
With the new Stay at Home Order in effect in Ontario more of us are working from home which means less cars on the roads. While we are all doing our best to help curb the spread of COVID-19 by staying home, following social distancing guidelines and wearing a mask we also need to think about how to take care of our vehicles during this time. Letting your car sit for an extended period of time can be detrimental to your vehicle. Don’t worry, we are here to guide you through it! PS it is easier than you think!
The best part is that you don’t need to do anything special to maintain your vehicle while in lockdown. Think of it like you are taking care of it as you normally would if you were driving it on a daily basis. You will be surprised on how good a couple loops around the block can be for your vehicle. Let’s get into it!
1. Go for a drive at least once a week
This is the #1 best way to take care of your vehicle! As we mentioned above going for a drive around the block once a week will do wonders for your vehicle. This will help keep your battery charged, your car’s moving parts lubricated & help combat flat spots on your tires. It is really a three-in-one fix! A few things to keep in mind, batteries drain faster in colder weather, and since we are in the middle of winter in Ontario keep in mind your battery might drain faster especially if you park outside. The best way to recharge your car is to drive it – instead of letting it idle – driving it also keeps the internal parts moving on a regular basis. This helps your engine and mechanicals from drying out, it also stops the oil and other fluids from settling or separating. Driving your vehicle also allows your tires to move positions helping you avoid any flat spots, maintaining the longevity of your tires.
2. Keep up your normal maintenance schedule
Another really important tip to taking care of your vehicle during lockdown is to keep up your normal maintenance schedule. You might think that since you are not driving your car as frequently that you won’t need to get your maintenance done but you do! Check your tire pressure, lights, oil levels and look for any cracks. Keep your service appointments so that your vehicle stays in tip-top shape. This way when you do start to drive more frequently there won’t be any problems. We make this easy for you at NewRoads – across all of our locations we have implemented a new Service Valet program! We will pick-up, service, sanitize & return your vehicle for you – so you can stay safe at home. Contact us to book your service appointment & take advantage of this program.
3. Be aware of your parking location
This might not be an option for some people but if you have parking options here are a few things to keep in mind. Avoid long time parking on any soft surfaces like grass or dirt, these types of surfaces can cause moisture to travel up and into the undercarriage of your car and cause rust. Pavement is an ideal surface – you should also avoid parking under any trees as sap can cause serious damage to your car’s exterior.
4. Additional protection
Here are a few additional *extra* precautions to take while parking your car during lockdown. Keep your gas tank topped up to prevent condensation from accumulating inside the tank. It also keeps gasoline fumes from building up to hazardous levels. If you are parked outside you might want to think about the idea of a car cover or a wax seal to protect your exterior. If you live somewhere more rural you should also protect your vehicle from rodents so frequently driving & moving your vehicle should also help prevent that as well.
There you have it, 4 easy tips to take care of your vehicle while in lockdown. Think of it like an activity – going for a drive to pass the time! Stay safe!