Most parts of the world, including India, is under lockdown thanks to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Before we get into this, please heed the suggestions from the government. Our best chance of beating coronavirus at the moment is by staying at home and social distancing is important. Don’t leave your house just for the sake of your vehicle as it can be fixed later on as well.
During this Lockdown period, while we can sit in our homes without rusting, the same cannot be said about our vehicles. Appropriate care needs to be taken to make sure they are in working condition when the lockdown ends and we are finally able to go out and explore once again.
Here are a few things that you can do to make sure that while your vehicle is parked for so many days in a row, it is ready to go once the need arises.
However, as a safety and preventive measure in terms of the Coronavirus spread, it has to be noted that while you go out to start or check your vehicle, it is important to wear gloves and face mask at all times. Also. wash your hands properly with soap and sanitize them once you are back in your home.
1-RUN THE ENGINE-
Vehicles are machines and machines perform their best when they are kept running. During this Lockdown days- start and keep the engine running idle for 1-2 minutes and give accelerator a little push to 1500 RPM, every few days, and move the vehicle around a little short distance forwards and backwards at the same time as running the engine, at least once every two weeks-to keep it from remaining stationary for too long while this will help prevent flat spots on the tyres.If the circumstances permit, take your vehicle out for a short spin inside the bounds of your house, society or colony.
And do remember to operate all the systems, including the air conditioner. This will not only help to keep them in good shape but will also allow you to diagnose any faults.
If your two-wheeler is fuel-injected, do not twist the throttle when you press the starter.
2- MAKE SURE THAT YOUR FUEL TANK IS ALWAYS FULL.
Petrol has a lifespan of roughly one month in tanks, which includes passenger vehicles. Having said that you should always make sure that your car or your bike is fuel topped. This would prevent moisture from building up in the fuel tank and eventually it would prevent rusting. Another fact is that you really can't tell when this Lockdown period will end and when you will be able to visit the fuel pump next or whether it will be open at that time and whether the prices would soar!
3- DON'T LEAVE YOUR HANDBRAKE ENGAGED.
It’s good practice to release the parking brake that is avoid the use of hand brake- if it is cable operated, to park your car for a prolonged period of time and engage the first gear to park your vehicle instead. With your car set to be in no-movement zone for the next few weeks, the hand brake could get jammed. Park the vehicle in the required spot and place a piece of wood or brick just behind the tyres to prevent it from rolling.
If you own a two-wheeler,It's best advised to park it on the main stand. The reason behind this is to ensure that all fluids in the vehicle like fuel and oils are in place and at a balanced level.
4- CLEAN THE CABIN.
Your vehicle is likely to miss proper ventilation in the cabin for most of the three weeks, hence it would be a good idea to avoid keeping any junk food inside, remove leftover food to avoid any unpleasant smell from developing and prevent the growth of bacteria. Vacuum clean the interiors, while paying close attention to the muddy bits like the carpets and floor mats. Also, keep the windows of your car closed at all times (leaving one window a bit opened) during this lockdown.
5- DISCONNECT YOUR BATTERY.
The battery in your vehicle is in all probability a lead-acid battery and as your vehicle has to be parked for a unknown amount of time, Your battery is likely to lose charge easily in such a long period. You can do two things to check this, you can either disconnect the battery wires so that the battery does not drain out while your car is parked during the lockdown.
For this, remove the negative terminal.
Alternatively, you can start your car once every couple of days and let the engine run for a few minutes in order to ensure the normal functioning of the battery and prevent it from running out of charge.
6- MAKE SURE THAT THERE IS ENOUGH AIR IN THE TYRE.
Tyres are indeed a big issue .When the tyres are kept idle, they tend to lose air pressure over time because of the weight of the car.If car parked at one spot for a long time will put pressure weight at one spot on car’s tyres and can result in flat-spots and develop cracks in the sidewalls. Even if your tyres are not losing pressure, just move the car around a bit so that it does not rest on the same patch of tyre for so long as it may lead to a flat spot. So, the best solution at present situation is to move your car 2-3 feet forward or backward every 3-4 days. Also, do not forget to fill up the spare wheel too as it could come in handy in emergency situations.
If you’ve got a bike or a scooter, by parking it on the centre stand, you don’t have much to worry about as only one wheel will be on the road, so just turn that one around manually.
7- PARKING.
When your car, bike or scooter is left idle for a prolonged period, your car will be gathering dust, bird droppings, leaves, flowers and bearing direct sunlight. If your parking is a covered one, then you are well sorted. However, in case it is an open parking, it is best to get a cover for your car, bike or scooter. The cover will also reduce fading of the paint, saves it from the occasional rain and also prevents the collection of leaves and flowers on the vehicle. Don't park under trees as birds can poop on the car and it's like pouring acids on the car!
You can also leave a small part of the window open for ventilation. This will also keep your car cool if it is not in the shed.
8- EXHAUST PORT.
Another thing to make sure is that exhaust ports, air intakes and other possible holes in your car or bike are all sealed up. If a rat gets into your exhaust or the air vents, you’re likely to have an issue and it will smell horrible. Make sure that you unblock all such holes before starting your vehicle. Make a list of the places you have sealed so that you don’t forget when you finally start up your vehicle.
9- LUBRICATION- (Two-wheelers).
As your two-wheeler needs to be parked for a long time, it is necessary to keep parts like chain, suspension, clutch/brake/lever, folding leg rest and keyhole properly lubricated. By doing so you will not only make their life longer but will also ensure smoother functioning whenever you take your vehicle out once the lockdown lifts.
10- SAFETY LOCK- (Two-wheelers).
As an added safety for two-wheelers in order to prevent any theft, In case you do not have tech-enabled anti-theft devices, you can use a disc lock or steel cable lock or even an old method with chain and pad lock if you park it outside your house.
The Coronavirus lockdown may be frustrating for many, especially for people who love riding/ driving their vehicles.While i completely understand the fact that how hard it must be for you to stay indoors and completely stay away from riding/ driving, But having said that it is extremely important that we remain indoors at a time like this, not only for our own safety but to keep the virus from spreading faster any further than we as a country can handle it. That said, the only wise option at the moment is to respected and follow this lockdown.
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