Most South Africans have been home-bound for the better part of the last month in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus. This means that several hundred thousand private vehicles have not been in use. Some people may think that it is good to give their cars a break but there is still a level of care that needs to be exercised. With that in mind, we bring you lockdown car care tips.

If you are unable to work from home and have time on your hands you should check out our lists of the Best Car Content to Watch: Part One, Part Two and Part Three.

Since most of us aren’t spending countless hours sitting in rush-hour traffic, we can spare a few minutes to lavish some TLC on our cars. Here are a few that are easy for all to do with no additional cost.

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Lockdown car care tips

  • The simplest and most obvious tip is to start your car every few days. A car’s battery relies on a running engine to recharge. If left long enough a battery can go flat. Start your car’s engine every few days, ideally during the warmest part of the day, at least once a week. Let the car idle out in the open for a few minutes (not in a closed garage), or take a drive around your neighbourhood.
  • Move your car if space allows as this eases the load on one part of the tyre. Tyres like going round and round (you know, like the wheels on the bus) and prefer not to have the mass of the vehicle pressing down continually on one spot.
  • Lift your windscreen wipers up every few days, especially if your car parks outside. Give them a wipe to remove excess dirt. A barrier between the wiper and glass can prevent the blades from sticking.
  • Keep the windows closed even if your car parks in a garage. This will prevent bugs such as mosquitoes and spiders, or worse still something furry, from taking up residence in the warm cabin.
  • If you’ve been out to buy essentials such as food and medication wipe all contact surfaces (steering, gear and handbrake levers, radio, door handles, etc) with a disinfectant.
  • Wash your car when the opportunity presents itself. Remove any animal or tree droppings that could damage the paintwork. If you have been putting it off, give your pride and joy a good polish as well.
  • Rain can cause cast-iron brake discs to corrode. If you can drive the car around the block, especially after a rainstorm, applying the brakes lightly as you drive. Doing so will remove any build-up on the discs.
  • In addition to that last point, if you can avoid it, don’t leave the handbrake up. Leave the car in gear or ‘park’ with wheel chocks (a brick will do) to prevent any unwanted movement. If left engaged for long enough brake pads can stick to the disc surface.

These are just some of the simple lockdown car care tips you can perform at home. Doing so will ensure that your car remains in good health, ready for that day when we can all go for that aimless Sunday afternoon drive. Stay safe from all at the Double Apex team.