Car maintenance should be preventive, not reactive. (Photo: 123RF.com)
Now that the circuit-breaker is ending in a few weeks, relief is in sight. We might be able to see our relatives and friends again. Dining out may even be possible.
But many are apprehensive about COVID-19 infections rising again once the measures are lifted. Should this happen, there is a strong possibility that another circuit-breaker will be implemented.
Many of us hope this won’t happen, but we also know it would be foolhardy to dismiss such a situation as a remote possibility. You must expect the worst in order to be prepared.
With that in mind, here are some key car maintenance tips to help keep your vehicle in good condition in case there’s another circuit-breaker.
Get your servicing done when workshops open, even if the next one is only due one or two months after the circuit-breaker ends. (Photo: 123RF.com)
1. GET YOUR SERVICING DONE, PRONTO.
If the circuit-breaker caused you to miss your service appointment, make another one now if you haven’t done so. Yes, booking an appointment is part of car maintenance, too.
Although your engine won’t fail just because you’re 2000km past the scheduled oil change, that’s no reason to delay it any longer.
Engine oil protects components against wear, while its detergency keeps your motor clean. Replace it and your oil filter as soon as you can.
It doesn’t matter even if your next service is scheduled for a month or two after the circuit-breaker ends. Get it done so you’ll have peace of mind.
Tyres must be replaced when they are damaged, worn to the tread markers or after three years, whichever comes first.
2. REPLACE PARTS THAT ARE WEARING OUT SOON.
Perhaps your tyres have three months left before they’re due to be replaced. Maybe your wiper blades still have “some life” in them.
Car maintenance isn’t just about replacing parts when they reach the end of their service life. Less expensive preventive maintenance beats costlier repairs and longer downtimes, any time.
So, replace those tyres and wiper blades. If your brake pads look thin, swop those, too. Ditto for other components such as batteries, spark plugs, air filters and dampers (shock absorbers).
Nobody knows how this pandemic will play out. Will there be another circuit-breaker or will it be a full lockdown? If it’s the latter, cars that haven’t been prepped could suffer more.
(Photo: 123RF.com)
3. GET NECESSARY REPAIRS AND ADJUSTMENTS DONE.
If your car needs urgent repairs to its drivetrain or bodywork, have them done while workshops are open.
Getting your wheel alignment and camber checked and adjusted is also needed if you’ve just replaced your tyres. The last thing you want is uneven wear or poor fuel economy if there’s another circuit-breaker.
Some might opine that this is unnecessary since many of us drive a lot less during such times. But hey, money wasted is money wasted – no matter how much or how little you drive.
(Photo: 123RF.com)
4. PROTECT YOUR PAINTWORK.
If you’re fastidious about cleanliness, then detailing is part of your car maintenance routine. Unfortunately, the circuit-breaker has stopped many detailing fanatics from attending to their car during this time.
Therefore, if you want the best protection from dirt and the elements, a ceramic coating is the way to go. It is hardier than carnauba wax, synthetic wax and ceramic hybrid products.
You’ll have better protection against water spots, bird poop, tree sap and any mysterious liquids dripping from overhead pipes. Perhaps you won’t feel as bad about not being able to wash your car either.
Tyre maintenance during circuit-breaker? Here’s how
Car servicing overdue? Here’s what you should know
What to do instead of washing your vehicle
COVID-19: Things drivers need in their car now
Here are 5 car maintenance tasks you can perform alone
