Leaving your favourite car completely unattended during the 42-day national lockdown could cause a lot of damage. Simply washing your car to keep it virus-free will not be enough because there are more steps you need to take to ensure that your car is ready for when the lockdown ends.
Here are some quick steps to help you ensure that your car is ready for a spin again:
Tyres
Ensure that your tyres are correctly inflated & move your car a bit every alternate day to ease pressure on the tyres. The worst damage you could do to your car during this period is by not moving it enough. The tyres could potentially deflate and develop cracks under the constant pressure of your vehicle if you leave it in the same position for weeks. Also, don’t forget to check the spare tyre once in a while too.
Brakes
There are chances that the brakes on your car can be damaged if you leave the hand brakes on. To avoid that use a stone or a tyre stopper to keep your car from rolling about. Park in gear 1 for manual or P for automatic car on flat surfaces.
Battery
If you try to start your car after a long layover, the chances are that the battery will die down. It is necessary to turn the ignition and check the battery at least once every week to keep it running. Just turn on the car, the AC and any other features that run on your car-battery to make sure everything is fine. Do check the battery indicator for any hint that your battery needs attention.
In case of electric or mild hybrid vehicles, it is important to turn the ignition and let engine idle for about 15-30 minutes once every week or daily if you can
Exterior or Car Paint
It is advisable to park your car in a covered area during the entire lockdown period to avoid any unwarranted damage to the exterior of the car. Leaving your vehicle under the sun can not only cause damage to the paint but also risk it to scratches.
If you do not have a covered parking, keep your vehicle under the wraps. This will help to keep your car from direct sunlight and safe from other possible damages. If you do not have a cover, simply use thick bedsheets or cloth to do the job.
Fuel tank
While you may not be taking your car out daily, keep the fuel tank sufficiently filled for any emergency. This is just to avoid situation where you are left high and dry on the road during a lockdown. If the fuel is less, then the air above the fuel might condense and store moisture inside the tank over a period of time which could cause rusting.
In case you do not have your tanks filled up, no need to go out now. Make sure your fuel tank is checked and cleaned when you head out after the lockdown ends.
Block exhausts, air intakes (Protect your interior)
The last thing you want when you take your car out is the smell of a dead rat in your cabin. Always vaccum clean interior, remove food & perishables from your car.
If you find cleaning the AC vents and exhaust every day tiresome, this is one way to beat that. You can block possible air intakes and exhaust, which will stop rats or cockroaches or small animals from getting in. However, remember to remove these blockades before you start the vehicle.
Wipers off the screen
Do not keep your wipers stuck to the windshield for weeks even if you clean it regularly. Try to put a wrap or polythene wrap under the wiper blades to avoid marks on the screen.
Engine Lubrication
Lastly, ensure you check service oils and fluids. If you need a change contact us and we will be sure to deliver to your doorstep and change them for you
The following the above steps will ensure that your car is in the best condition possible when you take it out once the lockdown is over.
Good Luck!
Ownership or Possession of Mercedes-Benz isn’t the end of the story. Maintaining the Mercedes-Benz is the never ending story for as long as you two shall live. At JB MOTORS, we believe a great vehicle like your Mercedes-Benz deserves the greatest care. Here are a few Tips and Tricks for you to maintain a superbly engineered Mercedes-Benz so you can achieve amazing longevity.
TIP 1: Oil Fluids and Filters.
Oil is the lifeblood of an engine and most consumers will have it and the oil filter changed on a regular basis. Pull the oil dipstick out of the dipstick guide tube. Wipe the oil off the dipstick. Slowly slide oil dipstick into the guide tube to the stop, and take it out again. If the level is between MIN mark = and MAX mark; the oil level is correct. If not, add oil as necessary.
Your engine also needs air and your fuel needs to have contaminants removed. Be sure the air filter and fuel filter are checked regularly. Heat from the environment, engine and brakes can degrade the fluids that control your transmission, steering and braking. Make sure those levels are checked regularly. Annually you should flush out your radiator.
TIP 2: Maintaining and Checking the Cooling System
Checking the coolant level is quite simple. Only check the coolant level when the vehicle is on a level surface and the engine has cooled down. In a Mercedes-Benz the way to know the coolant temperature is to just turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition lock and check the coolant temperature display in the instrument cluster. (The coolant temperature must be below 158 degrees F [70 C] to open the coolant reservoir) if coolant needs to be added. Slowly turn cap half a turn counterclockwise (to allow excess pressure to escape) and add coolant.
TIP3: Keep the exterior and interior clean
The exterior is prey to scratches, swirl marks, and common surface contaminants. All this can compromise your vehicle’s finish and, if left untreated, make even vibrant colors look faded and dull. Keep a brilliant finish by polishing your vehicle and use a wax that provides protection from UV rays. Occasionally have a friend help you check the headlights, taillights, reverse lights, turn signals, emergency flashers and brake lights too.
The interior is a bit more difficult. Tinted windows are a great defense but even with them you’ll want to keep the trim clean and treated with either a UV protectant like Armorall or a leather treatment. Care for your leather seats by using cotton cloths to wipe your seats to avoid debris that is difficult to remove or crack your windows to avoid heat buildup—Leather cannot handle extreme temperatures. Also invest in seat covers. In case you had food or snacks eaten from inside the car, make sure you have it cleaned otherwise this will attract permanent tenants like rats and cockroaches.
TIP 4: Tire Pressure
Low tire pressure not only creates more friction and wears the tire prematurely; it takes a real toll on miles per gallon as well. Under inflated tires cost the driver approximately $600 in additional fuel costs. Check your tires regularly and keep the pressure at the recommended psi.
Always note; When you’re checking the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule be sure to read the small print about cars located in areas of high heat. Your car is an investment, one that can start paying you back in lower transportation costs if it lasts long enough. Take the time to protect your investment and perform regular Mercedes-Benz maintenance.
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