Keeping your car in working order during lockdown | Insure

As you have probably hardly driven your vehicle in the past month. You may only have given it a run once a week to stock up on provisions. While it may remain idle in the garage here are some of the things you need to be on the lookout for to make sure your car is in good condition to hit the roads again:

• Battery deterioration:
  Cars are designed to be driven on a frequent basis, so when idle for extended periods mechanical components can deteriorate.
  
  In-car computer systems and immobilisers can be draining on the battery, even while idle. Battery conditioners, trickle chargers or a smart charger can be useful to ensure that the battery doesn't completely drain if you aren't able to drive your car for an extended period of time.
  
  Newer batteries may not have too much trouble starting up if the charging system is also in good condition. Older batteries may struggle as even a small amount of idle time can drain it.
  If you aren't driving your vehicle, start your car and run the engine for about 15 minutes, at least once a week. This allows the engine to reach its designed operating temperature. Remember that although the vehicle may not be in motion, it is safer to be in the vehicle during this process.
  
  If you can, give the engine a good run by making a trip to a store for supplies - this is the best way to prevent battery deterioration.
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• Monitor the pressure of your tyres:
  Tyres do typically lose air over time, so it's worth remembering to check on the pressure of each (including the spare) when you do manage to given your vehicle a run. To prevent flat spots, it's best to drive, even a very short distance. While doing a shop run, perhaps plan a pit stop at a fuel garage for a quick tyre pressure check.
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• Fuel stabilisers: Generally produced to help cars that are going into long-term storage, fuel stabilisers are not needed for general use vehicles. Stabilisers help to prevent petrol from going bad, but shouldn't be needed during lockdown. The fuel tank needn't be drained either. It's likely that the amount of fuel that you have in your vehicle will be just fine during the lockdown period.
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• Parking brakes: If you are parked on a flat surface, it may be best not to engage the parking brake while the vehicle is idle for some time. This can cause corrosion to the system's moving parts, especially for older vehicles. Automatic cars may be left in park mode, and manual vehicles in neutral or reverse. A parking brake should be engaged if a vehicle is parked on an incline.

Discovery Insure at your service during lockdown

As an essential service, Discovery Insure is open during all lockdown levels and can provide some assistance that you may need.

Essential car and home insurance service include:

• Burst water pipes and geysers
• Electrical emergencies
• Vehicle breakdowns and accidents
• Vehicle theft

The 24-hour emergency services call centre can be reached on 0860 999 911.

Our partner Tiger Wheel & Tyre are open during level 4 lockdown, to the public for emergency repairs only. A reminder that Discovery Insure clients with Vitality Drive still qualify for their discount on new tyres, can redeem from their excess funder account and will receive safe and precautionary service during this time. On hold for now, will be, Annual multipoint checks, tag installations and collection of screen protector due to legal formalities.