Move the car during lockdown and you will avoid breakdowns

A few weeks ago we told you about several things concerning car maintenance during this lockdown. But in this article we want to go a little further. We are going to give you some tips so you know which parts of your vehicle are most likely to suffer breakdowns during this enforced standstill, and which you should use even if only for a few minutes every two weeks.

Starting the engine

This is the main element of the car that you should activate. When you start it up after several days, the fluids start moving through their usual channels again and wear caused by lack of use is prevented. Moreover, by moving the oil, continuous lubrication takes place, which prevents this wear from damaging the engine block. Keeping the engine running charges the battery, moves all the mechanical components and allows the engine to stay in perfect condition. In addition, the oil flows through the hoses, which stay lubricated and in good condition.

Air conditioning

The air conditioning is one of the great forgotten items in our car. When you start the car, it should also be switched on for a few minutes. This helps the fluid that cools the air to circulate through the circuit and allows the whole system to work properly. Bear in mind that air conditioning is not only useful in summer, but also can be used to demist the windows in winter, so it is a good idea to keep it in good condition all year round.

Electric windows

Another item that can suffer some damage from lack of use is the electric window mechanism. This mechanism can malfunction from inactivity. For example, water can get into the door and damage electrical components such as the motor. Furthermore, parts of the mechanism can deteriorate and prevent the window from working properly. Another fault that can occur is the breakage or wear of the plastic slider that allows the window to go up and down correctly. Raising and lowering the windows several times will help keep the circuit and system in good condition.

Power steering

As with other parts of the car, the power steering system must be kept active. If the oil in the system does not move and keep the steering lubricated, it can suffer damage. For this reason the car needs to be driven so that the fluid flows normally. A short trip of several kilometres can prevent the power steering from suffering from the quarantine standstill.

Windscreen washers and headlight washers

The water pumps also need maintenance. It is important to activate the windscreen washers and the headlight washers so that the water pump motors work properly. If they are not used, the nozzles for the cleaning fluid can become clogged, which would lead to a repair that can be troublesome and take the car to the workshop. When you start the car, you should activate the windscreen washers and the headlight washers. In addition, the windscreen wiper blades need to be kept hydrated so they do not deteriorate.

By starting up all these parts of the car, you can prevent problems in various areas of the vehicle and get through the quarantine knowing that the vehicle will remain in good condition.