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April 2020
Have you noticed the low fuel prices recently and through to yourself 'if only i had some place to go!'? With so many restrictions on our movement, it's quite possible that your car hasn't moved from your driveway in a while.
If this is the case, then there are a few simple pieces of maintenance to keep in mind to make sure that your car is in top condition when you do get back behind the wheel.
1) Battery
The battery gradually discharges over time, so to prevent this from happening run the engine for 5-10 minutes once a week. A trip to the shops or circuit of the block should do the trick.
2) Tyres
If you leave the car in one position for long periods of time your tyres can get a bit out of shape (a bit like us!). You can get flat spots which could make them more prone to punctures when you do eventually drive it.
To prevent this, a short drive like the one for keeping the battery topped up will do the trick, or at the very least move it forward and back a couple of feet ever week or so.
3) Interior freshness
Opening the doors every few days will help keep the interior fresh and reduce the chance of mould or damp accumulating. Vacuum and clean down the interior and remove any rubbish to keep unpleasant odours to a minimum.
4) Paintwork
Give your car a proper wash will reduce potential damage to paintwork. If you want to get really posh, a wax and shine will really make a difference. If you’re looking for something to keep the kids busy with this Easter, this could be a good job for them!
5) Handbrake
Keeping a handbrake on tight for prolonged periods of time can strain the working parts and reduce performance. Where possible and safe to do so, keep the handbrake off and use blocks of wood to secure the wheels.
6) Security
If your car is parked on a roadside or driveway, you might want to consider investing in a steering wheel lock. Although these devices aren’t unbreakable, it’s certainly a visible deterrent.
7) MOT
If your car is parked on the roadside, even if you’re not actively using it you need to ensure the MOT is kept up to date.
However, if your MOT is due after 30th March the government has announced a 6 month exemption. Click here to learn more.
Hopefully it won’t be too much longer before we’re able to get back to driving our cars around and take advantage of that cheap fuel while it lasts!
