Doing car maintenance to prep it for the Coronavirus lockdown can be difficult, but we’re here to help. However, some of you might not even need to prepare your car for quarantine at all.
As we speak, half the world is under lockdown, and billions of cars are off the road and back into the garage. Now, if you’re worried about your car turning into a brick, then take a chill pill and follow these steps.
First, consider how long your petrol or diesel car is going to stay parked. If your answer is 20 days or a month, then you don’t need to worry about any sort of car preservation.
Even if you’re driving 30 miles every two weeks for a supply trip to the mall, you don’t have to do any sort of preservation.
However, if you expect to not drive your car at all for at least 4 to 5 months, then stay worry-free by following these simple tips.
PS: If you want to know the steps of electric car maintenance for Coronavirus lockdown, then we have you covered as well.
Car Maintenance Steps For The Coronavirus Lockdown
1. Change The Engine Oil
Used engine oil might contain corrosive elements, metals, sludge, etc. If you’re halfway through your oil change, then I’d recommend that you replace your engine oil to compensate for the long waiting period.
2. Put The Car On Jack
Cars parked in one place for a long time develop flat spots that can cause vibrations, wheel alignment issues, and high-speed instability. Consider putting your car on a pair of jacks to avoid the development of any flat-spots on the tires and also take the load off of your suspension. Also, check the tires for any air leaks or punctures beforehand.
3. Clean The Exterior Thoroughly
Any spot on your car’s exterior can cause paint damage in the long run. Use an effective cleaning solution to wash your car and also apply a coat of car-polish to smoothen the surface.
4. Disinfect The Car’s Interior
Use a branded car disinfectant and wipe off every surface of the interior. Also, use an AC spray cleaner to clean off the air vents inside the car. It will clear all the dust and dirt from the AC, so no rotting smell comes from it when the car is parked for long.
5. Fill Up The Fuel Tank
More fuel in the tank means less moisture. Less moisture means less rusting. This means your car is safe from any rust when it’s parked during the Coronavirus lockdown. You can also add fuel stabilizers to prevent any oxidation or chemical breakdown inside the fuel tank. Additionally, take out the spark plug and spray a little oil in the plug socket to prevent any moisture from getting in.
6. Fill Up The Battery And Remove It
If the battery fluid is low, then fill it up before you park your car. It is recommended to remove the battery from the car, especially in modern cars that have a ton of electronics. The battery stays charged when the car is driven regularly, but when parked, it depletes quickly. So disconnect the wires and remove the battery before you park the car.
7. Take The Car Off Parking Brakes
If applied for a long time, the parking brakes on the car will get damaged. For short term parking, these brakes work great but in the long run, either the brake liner or the brake drum can get damaged due to moisture. You can leave your car in a lower gear if you drive a manual or Park mode if you drive an automatic.
8. Cover The Intake Pipes
This step is important if you don’t want rodents to make a home inside your car. Cover the inlet vents in the engine bay from the outside using a towel. It will prevent any rodents from getting in. Additionally, you can also use a rodent repellent coating to prevent the entry of undesired animals.
9. Make Sure Your Car Is Insured
Your car is going to be parked for a long time, but it doesn’t mean it cannot get damaged. Despite taking all the necessary precautions, internal damage can happen in a car. It’s best to keep your car insured, even if it’s not being driven.
10. Use A Clean Car Cover
The final step is to cover your car with a clean car cover. Wash your existing car cover thoroughly to ensure no dust particles are left inside the car to scratch against the paint.
These are the steps that you need to follow to prepare your car for the long lockdown period. With these taken care of, you can rest assured that your car will be safe and ready for a drive when the quarantine ends.
