5 IDEAL TIPS ON HOW TO LOOK AFTER YOUR CAR DURING LOCKDOWN

First things first; stay at home. That means no jaunts to let off steam. No road trips to the coast to recline on the sand. And no countryside cruises to find an appropriate beauty spot to forget about the madness of the present. 

That said, some driving will be essential. There’s the weekly shop to be done. Essentials and supplies to be delivered to those in need. And if you’re an essential worker during this time, then of course, getting to work safely is a priority. Even if your car is more stationary then usual, deterioration can occur, even as it simply sits in the garage gathering dust. Avoid the worst of it, with these 5 IDEAL tips on how to look after your car during lockdown.

DRIVE CAREFULLY 

If you’re living in an urban area (actually, if you’re anywhere in the UK, for that matter) there are high chances that you may face road bumps and potholes while you’re driving. With less people on the road the temptation may be there to drive a little faster, to get to your destination quicker, but resist it. Drive cautiously and carefully to avoid an unwelcome, unnecessary trip to the mechanics.

AVOID A FLAT BATTERY 

Perhaps the most important way to look after your car during lockdown is to keep your battery healthy. Unfortunately, lots of short trips flatten your battery faster than usual, so follow government guidance to travel only if necessary and as little as possible. 

Should yours be on the blink, use a battery or trickle charger. And if you’re lucky enough to have two cars, make sure you use them in alternating trips. Or, you could just walk, if possible.

CHECK THE TREAD OF YOUR TYRES 

It’s also important to keep on top of that tyre health. So, check the tread depth of your car tyres regularly. Tread depth is important as it keeps the outer layer of the tyre safe from damage caused by unwanted materials that come in contact with the tyre. 

Tread depth should be a minimum of 1.6 mm according to UK vehicle laws. The thickness of that tread depth determines how well the rolling resistance of your tyres performs on the road.  

On top of this, you should also look at the quality of your tyre’s ribber. If the tyres you buy are made of good rubber, then you can expect an excellent rolling resistance. Accordingly, you’ll save yourself from the hassle of unexpected punctures. It’s therefore important that you buy tyres from a well known tyre dealer in your town. If you’re in need of a new set, arrange to get your new tyres in London and nearby from garages like DAT Tyres (0208963030).

CHECK THE PRESSURE OF YOUR TYRES 

Tyred of us talking about tyres yet? Sorry. But one further check is imperative to ensure safety; you should check their pressure. If your tyres have well-maintained air pressure, it will not only save you cost on fuel but will also save you time since over inflated tyres have a higher chances of bursting if they come into contact with a sharp item or potholes on the road. In turn, you’ll be reducing your chance of an accident. Therefore, a regular air pressure check is vital.

A MONTHLY ONCE OVER

Since your car won’t be seeing its usual action, a monthly once over is imperative to make sure it’s all good below the hood. To maintain your car’s safety and performance, these simple checks are essential:

• Check the level of oil in the engine and ensure it’s between the maximum and minimum marks on the dipstick.
• Check for sufficient liquid in the cooling system. Top up as necessary, and include antifreeze in the mixture, both in winter and in summer. This helps protect against overheating, as well as frost damage.
• Give the car a good wash and polish to keep the paintwork in top condition.
• Watch for the first signs of rust forming and have it treated before it gets worse. Look for signs of water leaks inside. Check tyre tread depths and look for signs of uneven wear, hinting at possible suspension problems.