Automotive tips for people right now
Considering we are in the midst of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, talking about automotive tips for your car might seem petty. However, it is not. Truth is, now more than ever, you need to make sure your car is ready with the right auto parts and that you know how to work around with automotive repair in case you need it.
Irrespectively of what is happening in the world, we must not forget that cars are machines, and as such, they are not meant to sit idle for extended periods of time. Apart from an annual State vehicle Inspection, there are several things a car owner needs to do in order to keep their vehicle in good condition.
In this article, we will share with you three simple tips that will assist you in keeping your vehicle in good condition, regardless if you have decided to start using it regularly or not.
1. Keep your battery charged
A dead battery is a common issue these days. Sadly, most car owners overlook this crucial component, without which the car cannot even be run. The problem with car batteries is that they have to provide power to the anti-theft module, infotainment computer, powertrain computer, and a long list of additional modules that require a continuous energy supply to avoid losing information stored on them. Furthermore, if left unattended, car batteries can lose their ability to maintain an electrical charge. Fortunately, there is a simple solution to prevent all this from happening. All you have to do is charging the battery for 15-30 minutes once a week.
Challenge: prevent getting stranded, as well as protecting car battery longevity
Solution: Once a week, either leave the car on for 15-30 minutes or drive it a short distance to charge the battery
2. Check tires air pressure
It’s perfectly normal for tires to lose some pressure over time. The problem is, they might lose air pressure faster depending on how long the vehicle is parked. Needless to say, a deflated tire could leave you stranded. Moreover, depending on the type of vehicle you drive, tires may “deform” as a result of weight AND the unusually lower air pressure. Let’s say you own a pickup truck and leave it loaded with material. That would probably be ok under normal circumstances, but if you plan to park the vehicle for a long time then your tires could suffer the consequences. The same holds true for cargo vans, truck campers, and other vehicles weighing over 4,500 pounds. Our suggestion is checking tire pressure at least once every 2 or 3 weeks, or sooner if you plan to drive your car. Remember, always follow the manufacturer’s suggested pressure.
Challenge: prevent getting stranded, this time due to deflated tires. Also, avoid unwanted tire damage due to vehicle weight.
Solution: check tire air pressure once every 2-3 weeks
3. Protect your car body and paint job
Many vehicles across the country are suffering from different levels of body damage right now. Basically, car owners are overlooking the importance of choosing where to park the vehicle. Take for instance people living in Colorado, right now they are in the middle of the hail season. Hence parking in the open for extended periods of time is not an option for them. What about bird droppings? Regardless of the area where you live, the acids will damage your paint. Even parking in your own garage poses some risks if you are not cautious. Rodents and/or insects may find your car as a suitable place to live during the pandemic. Do you have a cat? If so, you know how they love to scratch the car paint. The solution is to change your mindset. Choose your parking spot wisely. Always ask yourself, how long am I going to leave the car parked? And then, choose the optimal location. Also, consider using a car cover as well as an in-vehicle repellent to avoid unwanted visitors. You may also get in touch with a military specification coating supplier to get military grade coating products and give your vehicle’s body and paint job extra protection.
If the damage is already and your car’s paint job is looking a little worse for wear, spray painting your vehicle is a cost-efficient way to give your ride a whole new look. To properly spray paint your car, you’ll need to purchase a high-quality air compressor. To find the best ones on the market, you can visit https://homerdiy.com/best-air-compressor-for-painting-cars/. You also have the option to bring your car to an auto paint correction shop for professional auto paint correction services.
Challenge: protect the car body and car detailing job from dents and scratches
Solution: Choose your parking spot wisely. Plan ahead. Consider using a car cover and/or animal repellants. If you notice dents on your vehicle, you may bring it to a car shop for a paintless dent repair service.
By following these tips you can literally save a lot of money on expensive repairs, but most importantly, you will have the peace of mind of knowing that your vehicle will not let you down in a moment of need.