Motability Operations

Looking after your car in lockdown.

Richard Aucock, from Motoring Research, explains how customers can look after their car when it’s being used less than usual.

Latest Government advice means we’re all meant to stay at home for all but essential journeys during the coronavirus crisis. With that in mind, we’ve compiled these useful hints and tips for customers on how to look after their car during lockdown – this is part of a series of online articles, tips and advice we are publishing to help customers cope with the current restrictions.

Quick tips for looking after your vehicle

  • The first sensible thing to do, if you can, is fill your car with fuel. This prevents the (admittedly rare) risk of condensation forming in the fuel tank. It also means you’re ready to go in an emergency, even if your local filling station isn’t open. Take advantage of the current low petrol and diesel prices!
  • Washing your car isn’t essential, however you need to ensure that you can see through the windscreen for safety reasons. If you are using your car on a regular basis, then it’s a good idea to vacuum the interior – and you might like to wipe down the steering wheel, door handles and other contact points within the car.
  • Get your tyre pressures checked. If they need air, inflate them to the recommended levels (you’ll find these in the owner’s manual or, sometimes, on a sticker on the inside of the driver’s door). This will stop any ‘flat spots’ being created while the car is standing still.
  • Check your windscreen washer fluid level. Your screen will get dirty if you leave your car for a long while, and you don’t want the risk of not being able to see safely when you return to it.
  • If you’re parking on level ground, consider leaving the handbrake off. This will stop the brakes binding. If you have a manual car, leave it in gear. With an automatic, leave it in ‘P’. If you’re worried, place some bricks behind the tyres to stop the car rolling – and stick a note on the steering wheel to remind you to remove them before driving!
Weekly check

It’s a good idea to check your car every week, even if you’re not driving it, walk around and look for any sign of damage. If you do spot substantial damage then call RSA Motability (RSAM) on 0300 037 3737 to discuss arrangements, there’s no need to call if you spot a scratch or any minor wear and tear.

Modern car batteries are powerful and reliable, but they still need a bit of care and attention. We recommend starting your car up every other week and running it for at least 30 minutes.

Be cautious: of course, you shouldn’t leave the car unattended with the engine running, and also don’t do this if it’s parked in a garage – this is very dangerous. Be considerate: if your car is parked in the street, please be mindful of your neighbours when you choose to run the engine; during the day is likely to cause less disturbance.

As a rule of thumb, it takes 20 minutes simply for a car to replenish the battery power used when starting it up. If you don’t let your car run for long enough, eventually the battery will go flat.

Running an engine for a while will also let it warm through, keeping all the car’s systems working as they should be. This will pay dividends when we are allowed to travel normally again.

You can find more of this advice, including looking after diesel cars, hybrid and electric cars and WAVs on our website.

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Useful Contacts

Delia Ray

Head of Marketing
deliar@motabilityoperations.co.uk

Rachael White

Senior Channel Marketing Executive
rachaelw@motabilityoperations.co.uk