Steps to Maintain Your Vehicle in Good Condition

April 3, 2020

We understand that we are all focused on keeping our family safe and healthy during this Covid-19 pandemic and we’re trying to make the most out of this Enhanced Community Quarantine to also spend quality time with our loved ones while we’re all working from home.  Almost (3) weeks of staying home also means that it has been the same time since you used your vehicle or probably been in storage for more than 2-weeks already and now it is about time to have it checked.

 

In partnership with Ibero Asistencia, here are some simple steps to properly maintain your vehicle and check its current condition:

 

1. Check for any Corrosion in the Battery Terminals

Having a corroded battery terminal will cause problems in starting an engine due to lack of contact and loss of power. You may remove the corrosion using a wire brush or any durable cleaning brush depending on how corroded the terminals are. Of course, make sure to wear gloves when cleaning the battery terminal and that the battery is DISCONNECTED before cleaning. You may use a Battery Terminal Cleaning Foam Spray or a home-made cleaning solution such as baking soda mixed with water (1 or 2 tablespoon of baking soda + 1 cup of water). You may also refer to your vehicle service manual for the process of cleaning the corroded terminal.

 

2. Check Inside Engine Bay

During storage, pests and animals may have made their way inside the engine bay. Best to check it first for any presence of unwanted guests including your vehicle surrounding. You may inspect also for any loose or exposed wiring that may have been chewed by animals or pests.

 

3. Start Your Engine to Charge the Battery 

When your vehicle is in storage for a long period of time, there is a chance that you may lose power in your battery even if you’re not using it and the only way to charge it to its full capacity is by starting the engine to engage the alternator for at least 30 minutes. You may do this once a week or more often depending on the age of your battery. The older your battery is, the more chance of draining its storage capacity fast.

 

Important: Make sure that your vehicle is outdoor when running the engine idle to charge the battery and avoid suffocation from vehicle exhaust.

 

4. Move your Vehicle in Short Distances

 

Apart from starting your engine, you have to loosen the brakes and some fluids. If you can, drive your vehicle a few meters from the garage or parking space in order to circulate the fluids, belts and bearings to avoid build-up or parts getting stuck. If you are parked from a leveled ground, you may disengage your hand brake and use wheel chocks instead. Use also your vehicle ACU if possible.

 

These are just simple steps to make sure that your vehicle is in good condition after the month-long community quarantine.

 

Always refer to your vehicle service manual for proper care and maintenance.

 

Stay safe everyone!

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