Today, 6 April marks 11 days since the lockdown started.
With less traffic on the roads, vehicles will not be in use for a long time.
This is why the Automobile Association (AA) said it was critical for motorists and motorcyclists to ensure that their vehicles were not forgotten during the lockdown period.
“Any vehicle that is left unused for a period of time may develop issues that require intervention to get running normally again. But the hassle of wanting to start a vehicle when the battery is drained, or driving on uneven wheels, may be alleviated with some proper home care for the next couple of weeks,” explained the AA.
The AA advised vehicle owners to do the following if their vehicles are going to be unused for the next couple of weeks:
- Cover the vehicle: If possible, park the vehicle indoors, under a roof, or use a car cover. Do not use a car cover if you are parking the vehicle in a garage, as any moisture inside will evaporate faster.
- Battery maintenance: While it may be better to remove the entire battery, disconnecting the negative terminal will also suffice. Be careful when doing this and ensure you are wearing protective eyewear and gloves, and that you have the right tools for the job. Always disconnect the negative terminal first, then the positive terminal.
- Clean the vehicle before storage: Dirt on the vehicle may cause permanent damage if left untreated, especially over the course of a few weeks. This is the ideal time to properly clean your vehicle inside and outside before storage.
- Cover the intakes and outlets: If possible cover the air intakes with a cloth, and stuff a rag in the exhaust outlet. This will prevent insects and small rodents from getting in there.
- Wiper care: Wiper blades are an essential safety feature on vehicles. To prevent the rubber of the blades sticking to the windshield, place plastic wrap under the blades first. Do the same for any back wipers.
- Insurance and Warranty Care: If you have insurance or aftermarket insurance products for your vehicle, do not cancel these for the period of the lockdown. Not only will this impact on any no-claims rewards, but you may also be flouting the terms of your lease or purchase agreements if you cancel now.
“The current lockdown period is scheduled to end on Thursday, 16 April. If you are planning on using your vehicle on Friday, 17 April, it is best to check everything is in working order as early as Monday, 13 April. Doing this will enable you to detect any problems with enough time to get the AA out for a battery check, or possibly even a battery swap,” noted the association.
The AA also said should the lockdown period be extended – as has happened in other countries – further steps may be necessary to protect your vehicle.
“The tips above should suffice for a short storage period. However, if you are going to be storing your vehicle for longer, additional steps may be needed,” warned the AA.
“Having a reliable vehicle is essential and should not be taken for granted. If you are leaving your vehicle unused for a long period, it will still require some maintenance. Do not assume that an unused vehicle is going to start first time weeks after it was last used if it is not properly cared for during the lockdown.”
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