An expert guide to looking after your car and tyres during lockdown

In partnership with Fife Autocentre.

The current situation and series of events have brought the world to its knees, with the life we’re currently living becoming increasingly different from the one we did a few months back. Most notably, our cars are laying mostly dormant, and this can trigger a series of issues.

Cars are meant to be driven, but as we have to practice a stay at home regime and perform social distancing, this just isn’t the case. However, even in this trying period, we can utilise this time to our advantage and give our vehicles the TLC they deserve and need to function correctly post-lockdown. Naturally, when ‘normal’ life resumes, being confident about your vehicle’s state and troubleshooting any road problems before they happen will save you any unforeseen stress and anguish.

Experts insist that we don’t neglect our stored or underused vehicles as it’ll go against your car’s intended purpose. So, instead of your car being immobilised without care, let’s take a look at some steps you can do from home that’ll make for better auto and tyre health. Because, when things pick up again, the last thing you want is car trouble.

1) ENSURE YOUR CAR BATTERY IS FULLY CHARGED
A common misconception is that, since you are not driving your car, you don’t need the battery to be charged. If left unattended, your car battery is going to discharge over time, which could cause leakages. And no one needs a car that won’t start when you need to nip out and get some groceries. Trickle chargers and battery tenders are a good option for charging up your batteries, from the comfort of your home.

2) DON’T IGNORE YOUR TYRES
The most important thing about tyres is their pressure. You have to make sure that your tyres are not getting flat and losing all the air pressure. Now is a good time to visually examine your tyres for flat spots or any other signs of damage. You’d usually expect cuts and bulges to appear on the surface when a tyre has compromised health. Mobile tyre fitting is a smart approach for getting your old tyres replaced, without having to worry about getting to a garage. Luckily, there are brands like Fife Autocentre where you can book at-home tyre fitting services. Check them out online at Fife-autocentre.co.uk or give them a call on 01592 631 211.

3) CHECK YOUR CAR’S FLUIDS
Fluid levels should be accurate, otherwise, your car could be damaged internally. Unsure what we mean by fluid? Any liquid that your vehicle needs to run, including brake fluid, engine oil, and engine coolant. You should endeavour to start your car regularly to make sure that no replenishment of any fluid is needed.

4) START YOUR ENGINE
As we mentioned above, you must start your car’s engine periodically to make sure that your vehicle is in tip-top condition. Otherwise, you run the risk that your engine will seize and you’ll have to pay heavy repair costs later.

For any other car queries, please contact Fife Autocentre on 01592 631 221 or visit Fife-autocentre.co.uk.