With the current world health crisis present, it is easy to forget about car maintenance. Since there are stay-in-place orders and social distancing rules to follow, it makes sense that you postpone any irrelevant and nonessential trips. But that does not mean you can go without keeping your car in tip-top shape.
The number of remote workers increased after COVID-19. More people are also planning to work remotely even after the pandemic. This is according to a survey conducted by getAbstract. No matter your situation, car owners should not take car maintenance for granted.
Even with the pandemic, there is a need to keep your car in tip-top shape. This is to make sure you don’t run into problems in the future. Here are some car maintenance tasks to tackle during the COVID-19 pandemic:
Basic car inspection and maintenance
There are tasks all car owners can safely do themselves. This includes oil check and change, tire inspection, air filter replacement, and wiper inspection. Also, keep your car clean.
Even if it stays in your garage, it still deserves nice handwashing. Don’t simply focus on the exterior; clean and disinfect the interior, too. If there is a need to take your car to the pros, make sure to take extra precautions.
Find yourself a local company that provides complete repairs and maintenance services for your car’s specific brand. For instance, Toyota owners should choose only a company that offers Toyota repairs and maintenance services. Make sure to call and check what their procedures are since there is a pandemic going on.
As much as possible, drop your car without entering the facility. Minimize contact with the technicians. Before driving your car back home, wipe everything you need to touch. After pickup, clean and disinfect your car thoroughly.
Operate as often as possible
Cars are meant to run. If you keep your vehicle idle for long periods, the effects can be detrimental to your car’s health. Your tire may gain flat spots, the wipers may dry out, and the battery may end up dead. These are but some things that can happen if you chose not to use your car for the rest of the stay-in-place orders.
For best results, drive your car around for at least 20 minutes every few days. Use your brakes several times. This is enough to let all your fluids circulate. Don’t forget to watch out for any signs that say your car now needs a thorough clean or checkup.
Find your car a nice parking spot
A good parking spot is necessary. Don’t simply focus on a shaded space, where you can keep your car for a long time. It is best to keep your car away from people.
If you have a garage, then it is best to keep your car there. If not, choose a private and secure parking spot and keep it covered. According to WebMD, the virus can stay on surfaces for a long time. Keeping your car covered and cleaning it before using help keep yourself safe.
With all the things the pandemic has caused us, it is easy to put car maintenance at the bottom of your list. But such an investment deserves your time and care. Thankfully, there are simple things you can do to stay on top of your car care and maintenance despite the threat of the pandemic.
