The 21-day nationwide lockdown may have left you stay indoors. But something that remains outdoors 24×7 is your car. Like taking tips for your health and comfort, it is essential to ensure the safety of your mechanised travel buddy.
Don’t you take short walks inside the house to revive yourself? The same applies to your cars too, says A Danasekaran, an automotive trainer based in Chennai. Though a drive may not be possible during the lockdown, at least a slight movement of the car or repositioning it will energise the vehicle, he says.
Plus x Minus equals to Plus
The utmost care must be given to batteries. Fully-charged automotive batteries generally measure 12.6 volts or more. Keeping the batteries connected to the car discharges them. Once the voltage of a battery goes below 8, it cannot be recharged, says Danasekaran. So, it always better to disconnect the battery from a car. If it not possible, one can keep the engine running for at least five minutes.
Let the rubber meet the road
Leaving your car idle for 21 days may lead to cracks on the sidewalls of tyres. Danasekaran advises motorists to reposition the car, if not take a short drive. It is enough to take the car out on the road and park it back in the garage or driveway, he says. This can be done twice or thrice in the 21 days and will protect tyres from damage. If the tire pressure seems low, it is better to check it at nearby petrol station.
Give it a break!
Leaving the car with the handbrake on for the whole lockdown period can damage the springs holding on the brake, he says. Ideally, handbrakes must be used only to hold up cars on steep slopes. Even then, it’s better to use a brick for additional support, says Danasekaran. On a flat surface, one must always refrain from using handbrakes, he says.
Besides following these tips, clean the car regularly during the lockdown period. Especially, in cold environments, run the engine at least once in three days.