How to care for your car during a lockdown
With shelter-in-place restrictions imposed in many states, millions of cars are sitting motionless in garages and driveways across the country. While staying home is the best way to stay safe these days, it might not be the best thing for your car. With these simple tips, you can know how to take care of your car during a lockdown.
David Bennett, manager for repair systems at AAA, says cars won’t need any significant maintenance during a lockdown. Still, there are several essential steps drivers can take now to ensure their vehicles don’t deteriorate due to non-use.
Keep the battery charged
Car batteries charge when you run the car. But when you’re not using your car for weeks at a time, the battery can die. Bennett recommends hooking up a battery tender to stabilize the cell and maintain a balanced state of charge so the car won’t need a jump-start when normal life resumes.
Keep your vehicle clean
A car that is sitting idle for weeks at a time can become a magnet for all kinds of creatures. If possible, keep your vehicle parked inside a garage. Not an option? Make sure your vehicle is clean from all snacks, beverages, food wrappers, and debris, so it doesn’t attract bugs or animals. Vacuum your carpets as well. These steps will help prevent mildew and unpleasant odors from growing inside your vehicle.
If you live in a rural area where many small animals abound, like chipmunks and mice, you may want to seal any inlets, such as the tailpipe, with a small piece of steel wool. Otherwise, some creatures may decide to make your car their new home while it’s sitting idle in your driveway.
Take your car for a spin
If possible, Bennett says, drivers should try to take their vehicle for a 20-minute drive at least once a week. Driving is a solitary activity that can help stave off cabin fever, and it’s also good for your car to get some use. Driving will help keep the battery charged, prevent the tires from developing bald spots, and keep the brake discs from growing rust.
Your car may not be taking you to work or the mall these days, but these small steps will help keep it in excellent condition, so it’s ready to go when the lockdown is over, and normal life resumes. Now you know how to take care of your car during a lockdown. Need a new car? We can help, apply online.
