If your car could talk, or at least send you a text message, it would ask you: “What’s going on right now? What happened to the good old days when you used to commute daily”? Normally, during this lockdown, as most vehicles are left unused, they can develop problems that will prevent them from working properly when you come to drive them. The New Times has teamed up with mechanics, drivers and auto traders to round up our car maintenance tips to see you safely through the coronavirus lockdown. Here is what you need to do: Run the engine Start the engine a little at least once every three days, Auto traders suggest. A warm engine keeps fluids from going bad and gaskets from drying out. When the gadgets have dried out, some of their components can accumulate rust, preventing their normal operation. Mind the temperature Park in a garage or in a covered parking spot if possible, mechanics suggest. Or buy a car cover. Whatever you do, make sure your car does not experience much heat or coldness. That is why you need to cover it to avoid coldness and open windows often to emit heat. Move your car It is always advisable to roll your car back and forth a few meters every so often if safe to do so. This will also help prevent your tires from developing flat spots. However, it does not only help the tires, but nearly all parts of the car. Mechanics suggest that if someone stayed in one position for a long period of time, before walking they would first stretch their legs and arms to move effectively. They consider the proactive activity for a car, as moving the vehicle around so that parts can remain active. Keep an eye on your tyres Check the pressure in each tyre so as to top them up if necessary. Tyres lose air over time therefore it is necessary to check on them regularly. Release the handbrake The other mechanical issue is the brakes binding or even seizing if you lay the car up for too long with the handbrake on. You could leave the handbrake off, and put the car in gear and put blocks behind the wheels, but that might be too much hassle or unsafe or illegal on a public highway.
