Is Your Vehicle Ready for the Road?

During this long period of lockdown, car usage has plummeted, with many people’s cars not being used at all, or just getting out on the odd drive for essential groceries. When cars are not being used regularly, this can cause maintenance issues from dead batteries and headlight bulbs not working, to tree debris building up under the bonnet and being a fire risk.  

With the government also announcing that there is a 6-month exemption from the MOT test, for many people this will mean that some issues that would have been picked up at the MOT will not get identified until they are able to book in at a garage.  

Therefore, you must give your vehicle a thorough check over before you drive it.    

You should be checking:  

• Tyre pressure  
• Fluid levels  
• Brakes are working okay  
• Check for anything nesting under the bonnet  
• Check you can remove the fuel cap  

• Windscreen wipers are working  
• All lights and indicator lights are working  

Protecting your vehicle during lockdown  

Vehicle covers  

There are also ways that you can help look after your vehicle whilst it is out of action. For example, you could use a vehicle cover to protect the car, which will help both in terms of paint damage, debris and any issues that arise due to cold temperatures. Of course, if you have a garage to park your car in then this is a better option for protecting your car.  

Vehicle Location  

If your vehicle is parked underneath a tree, then there is a good chance that debris will fall off and land on your vehicle. This wouldn’t normally be a big problem, as the debris would clear when you used the car each day but when the car is parked for a long period, the debris can damage paintwork, cause mould and get stuck under the bonnet. There is also an increased likelihood of bird droppings landing on your vehicle when you are parked under a tree which can cause severe paintwork damage, so it is a good idea to move it to a different location if possible.    

Run the engine  

Regularly running the engine, around once a week whilst you are not using the vehicle will help to maintain the battery life.   

Keep tyres inflated  

It is also a good idea to keep the tyre pressure at the required pressure, as tyres can get damaged when they don’t have enough air in them, even when they are not being used.  

Release parking brake  

If a parking brake is kept on for a prolonged time, it can seize up, but you can help prevent this by taking the brake off and moving the vehicle slightly. Doing this around once a week should be enough.  

Keep fuel level high  

If you get the chance to put fuel in your car, it is better to have more in the tank as when there is less room for air, this will prolong the life of your fuel.  

At PF Jones, you can buy a huge selection of parts that may need replacing before you get back on the road. With more people getting back to work, it makes sense to beat the rush and order your products now.  

Shop all our products here.