News that the circuit-breaker would be extended from May 4 to June 1 came as a disappointment to many.
But it was no surprise to some. After all, we hear of numerous people flouting safe-distance rules on a daily basis. Photos of crowded markets and supermarkets have continued to flood social media.
Let’s hope that the circuit-breaker will be lifted after June 1. In the meantime, here are several ways that the circuit-breaker extension will affect drivers.
1) YOU STILL CAN’T BUY A CAR.
To be fair, you can technically still purchase a car.
But you still cannot take delivery of it because you can’t meet the salesperson. With the circuit-breaker extension, dealer showrooms will remain closed.
Besides, even if you could buy a new car, who will make your number plates?
You can buy a car, but you cannot take delivery of it till the circuit-breaker is lifted.
2) COE BIDDING REMAINS SUSPENDED.
With the circuit-breaker extension, COE bidding remains suspended.
There are few car buyers now, so this doesn’t affect them. But nobody knows what will happen when the circuit-breaker is lifted.
This presents tremendous uncertainty for new and used car buyers. Hopefully, the LTA (Land Transport Authority) will explain their plans soon.
3) A LONGER WAIT FOR SERVICING.
This affects owners who chooseto have their car serviced at ADs (authorised dealers). Unless you’re willing to go to a third-party workshop, your servicing will just have to wait.
It’ll also be a long wait for servicing when the circuit-breaker ends. With a two-month backlog, ADs will definitely have their hands full.
So be prepared to wait longer for a service appointment. Realistically, the turnaround time for your vehicle may take longer as well.
4) CARS WILL GET DIRTIER.
The circuit-breaker measures mandate that we only leave our homes to purchase essential items, such as food and groceries. With the extension, you’ll also have to do these activities alone.
Unfortunately, washing your car is still not considered an essential activity. Vehicles will get dirtier in the meantime. But right now, nothing is as important as halting the spread of COVID-19. Shiny paintwork will have to wait.
5) CAR GROOMING WILL TAKE LONGER.
With cars getting dirtier during the circuit-breaker extension, many of us will want to send our cars to the groomer or car wash when it is over.
Long queues at washing bays, car washes and car groomers should be expected. After all, there’s a two-month backlog waiting to be cleared.
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