As the government begins the easing of lockdown measures, the number of cars on the road has rapidly increased again, after the recent period of very few. Breakdown services reported a significant drop in call outs during lockdown, but that’s changing back again now.
However, the majority of recovery call outs at the moment are off-road, with drivers unable to start their engines again, since idle car batteries have died & need replacing. Subsequently, car battery sales have gone through the roof.
Here are some super simple things you can do to maintain your car at the moment…
Your Car Battery
Because car batteries lose charge without at least some semi-regular use, you may find you’re later unable to start your engine if you don’t use your car at all at the moment. Instead – we advise that you use your car for at least 15-20 minutes a week, within your essential journeys, to keep the car battery adequately utilised & no need to replace it.
Tyres & Brakes
Check the pressure on each of your tyres before you drive. It’s possible that tyres could have deflated a bit whilst your car hasn’t been used.
If your car has been left in wet or damp conditions, the brakes may be a little noisy when you use it again. This can be expected – just gently apply the brakes when driving and this should resolve it.
Fuel
Prevent condensation building up in your car – you won’t be using for a while – as you don’t want condensation/ water residue in the tank – by filling it up with petrol before you leave it for any period of time.
Maintaining your car now can save you hassle in the long-run, ahead of you wanting to start using your car again – as we see further easing of lockdown.