Sponsored feature: Tips to keep your car running in lockdown

When we welcomed the year 2020, no one knew it would bring a global pandemic with it. The first case of COVID-19 was officially reported in Wuhan, China, on the New Year’s Eve of 2019. As of July 2020, there are more than one crore cases of coronavirus worldwide. More than 500,000 people have lost their lives due to this pandemic. Worldwide, the governments of various countries have implemented lockdowns; restricted mobility helps reduce the spread of coronavirus. Lockdowns have affected not just people but also our vehicles. 

When complete lockdowns are implemented, most of us are forced to stop driving our cars. The cars remain parked, in some cases for up to weeks or even months. You might wonder whether your car will be in roadworthy condition once the lockdown is lifted and your car finally emerges from forced hibernation. With the monsoon coming, it is time for you to lavish some much-needed care and attention on your car. Just like you are washing hands frequently and following other guidelines to stay healthy during the ongoing pandemic, there are certain things you should do to maintain your car’s long-term wellbeing. We have come up with some tips that will help you take care of your vehicle. But before you go ahead, make sure to buy car insurance as it will help you financially in case of damage caused by an accident. Once you have insured your car, follow the below-mentioned tips for proper maintenance of your car during a lockdown. 

Start Your Car Once Every Two Weeks

You need to keep your car’s battery charged to keep it going. For this, it’s advisable to start your car at least once every two weeks. Start the engine and leave it running for 15 minutes and it will ensure that your car’s battery gets charged and keeps working properly.

Give Your Engine Some Lubrication

If you start your car at least once or twice a week and let the engine idle for some time, it will help the engine oil circulate and that will keep the engine’s internals happy. 

Don’t Leave The Handbrake On

If you are not going to drive your car for a long time, don’t leave the handbrake on. Keeping the handbrake on for a long time may lead to brake-related issues. Instead of using the handbrake, you can keep the car in gear and use a brick or piece of wood placed under one of the wheels to prevent the car from moving. 

Wash Your Car Once Every Two Weeks

Wash your car once every two weeks to get rid of dust and, if your car is parked outside, bird poop. The latter is acidic and can damage your car’s paintwork. And while you’re at it, also clean the car’s interiors and use antibacterial and disinfectant wipes to clean things like door handles, the steering wheel, keys and seatbelt etc. 

The above-mentioned tips will help you adequately maintain your car during the lockdown. This is important, since you need to keep your car in perfect running condition, especially given the fact that the rainy season is fast approaching and you never know when you might suddenly need your car. First ensure you renew motor insurance and then use these tips to maintain your car during the lockdown.