AUTO LOCKSMITHS
Vehicle safety warning
amid lock down
» MOTORISTS HAVE BEEN
warned to ensure their cars and
vans stay roadworthy after a
lengthy period of non-use.
Motoring experts from LeaseVan.
co.uk have told drivers to park
their vehicles under the cover of
a garage wherever possible, or to
invest in a car cover and put their
vehicles under wraps during the
expected period of inactivity.
They also warned motorists to
ensure tyre pressures and fluids
are maintained at the correct
levels while their vehicles are out
of action.
Cars and vans can become
unroadworthy if left idle on the
street for lengthy spells, so the
experts said it was essential to
maintain and check them again
before use to ensure they are safe
to drive.
Tim Alcock from LeaseVan.co.uk
said: “Most drivers will use their
cars daily and will remember to
fill up relevant fluids as they go,
but it’s just as important to do so if
you know you won’t be using the
vehicle for a while.
“If you plan to leave your car
unused for a considerable period,
you can follow these steps to
keep the vehicle in good, running
condition.”
1. Park indoors or
use a car cover
Where possible, you should
leave your car in a garage as it’ll
be safer and cleaner. If you don’t
have this option – which most
drivers won’t – instead invest in a
quality cover. Make sure you buy
one that’s been designed for your
car model or type. However, avoid
using a cover if you’re parking the
car in a garage, as this will ensure
any moisture that is left inside the
vehicle will evaporate faster.
2. Clean the interiors
People tend to leave various
types of rubbish in their cars –
wrappers, old water bottles and
so on. If left for long periods, it
could attract rodents that can
damage floor mats, seat covers
and even wiring. So, clean the
interior thoroughly and spray a
little air freshener.
3. Fill up on fuel
One of the biggest problems
of leaving a car unused is rusting
on the inside of the fuel tank.
The best way to avoid this is to
fill the car to the brim with quality
petrol.
4. Protect paint job
A car’s paintwork can be
damaged if a vehicle is parked
outdoors, even with a car cover
protecting it, due to the dust,
grim and moisture. To prevent
damage, clean the exterior
thoroughly.
5. Inflate the tyres
If your car is going to be sitting
for a longer period of time than
usual, tyres might slowly lose a
significant amount of pressure.
For this reason, it’s a good
idea to inflate your tyres to the
recommended air pressure, but
do not exceed the maximum.
Then repeat this process the next
time you use the vehicle.
6. Top off fluids
Before you leave your car
dormant for an extended period
of time, top off your vehicle’s
fluids – brake fluid, engine
coolant, power steering fluid,
transmission fluid, antifreeze and
windshield wiper fluid. Then, go
for a quick, short drive, as this will
help circulate the fluids, including
the fuel stabiliser.
60
MAR/APR 2020
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