Essential Car Care Tips During the Coronavirus Lockdown

General Motors, manufacturer of brands such as Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC, has introduced a set of car care tips to maintain your vehicle during the Coronavirus lockdown. Since we are unable to drive our vehicles daily, the tips below ensure you have a healthy vehicle ready for when it's time to get back behind the wheel and to life outside your home.

Key Car Care Tips

1. Battery Maintenance

Battery: It is necessary to start the engine for 15 minutes every week and ensure that your vehicle is parked in a well-ventilated or open area.

2. Brake Care

Brakes: Move your vehicle within your parking area and engage/disengage the brakes every week. Leave the parking brake in the "OFF" position when parked on a relatively level surface to prevent the build-up of rust on the rotors.

3. Windshield Wiper Maintenance

Windshield Wipers: During extended outdoor storage, dirt, debris, or dried soap can build up on the blade. Clean wiper blades with a lint-free cloth or paper towel soaked with windshield washer fluid.

4. Fuel Management

Fuel: Allowing a vehicle to run out of fuel while idling may cause damage to the fuel pump. Always maintain a half tank of fuel in your vehicle during extended storage.

5. Tire Care

Tires: All tires are susceptible to flat spots if the vehicle is not moved or driven for an extended period. Flat spots can cause vibration concerns. To avoid flat spots, check the tire pressure regularly and rotate the tires at least 90 degrees.

6. Exterior Cleaning

Exterior Clean: This is a great time to give your vehicle some love. If you have not washed it in a while, give your vehicle a hand wash with soap specially formulated for automotive paint. Avoid dish soap as it removes your vehicle's protective layer of wax.

7. Interior Cleaning

Clean Your Interior: Give the interior a good vacuum and use a soft bristle brush (like a soft toothbrush) to remove dust from knobs and crevices on your instrument cluster.

Apart from that, remember to leave your home only if necessary. At all other times, #StaySafe #StayHome.