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Old 29th March 2020, 21:48   #1
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How are you protecting your car in the lockdown?

First of a kind thread. Unprecedented times.


I for sure am starting my cars and running it on idle for atleast 15 minutes every 3 days to protect the battery from discharging.

I am also taking care that it is in a covered parking to protect it from the elements.

I have ensured that the hand brake is not engaged.

Have rat/ rodent traps in place. Inspected every day.

Anything that I have missed?

Your suggestions recommended?

Last edited by Arjun Reddy : 29th March 2020 at 22:08.
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Old 29th March 2020, 22:04   #2
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Additionally, moving the car slightly forward or backward at the parking spot itself may be recommended to avoid development of flat spots on tyres which have been stationary for long.
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Old 29th March 2020, 22:34   #3
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Two steps to follow to ensure your vehicle remains in good condition

1. Start your vehicle 2-3 times a week and keep on idle for about 10 minutes to prevent battery discharge.

2. Tap the vehicle bonnet before starting the engine to prevent rat infestation.
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Old 29th March 2020, 22:45   #4
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re: How are you protecting your car in the lockdown?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Arjun Reddy View Post
First of a kind thread. Unprecedented times.

I have ensured that the hand brake is not engaged.
Hi- neat idea for a thread, thanks!

Can you clarify why the hand brake?
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Old 29th March 2020, 23:04   #5
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How are you protecting your car in Lockdown?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Vitalstatistiks View Post
Hi- neat idea for a thread, thanks!



Can you clarify why the hand brake?

It can get jammed over a period of not being used.If engaged.

Last edited by Arjun Reddy : 29th March 2020 at 23:11.
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Old 29th March 2020, 23:23   #6
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re: How are you protecting your car in the lockdown?

I just plugged my trickle charger for a couple of hours to the battery to keep it in shape.
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Old 29th March 2020, 23:28   #7
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re: How are you protecting your car in the lockdown?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Arjun Reddy View Post
I for sure am starting my cars and running it on idle for atleast 15 minutes every 3 days to protect the battery from discharging.
This is simply a waste of petrol. Starting once a month is sufficient (and even that might be unnecessary).
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Old 29th March 2020, 23:38   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Vitalstatistiks View Post

Can you clarify why the hand brake?

Engaging the hand brake for an extended period can result in the brake pads getting stuck to the discs.
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Old 29th March 2020, 23:47   #9
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re: How are you protecting your car in the lockdown?

Car batteries discharge only if they are old, you should start the car mainly if you don't want flat spots on the tyres, just move your car back and forth and you are done. My other recommendation is to also turn the direction of the front wheel. If you live in a society were you've plenty of space to drive around without you leaving the premises you can do that once in two or three weeks depending on where you live and the weather. The closer you are to sea, there are chances of rust formation on moving metal parts. This information comes straight from my father who has 30 years of experience in the automobile field!
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Old 30th March 2020, 03:54   #10
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re: How are you protecting your car in the lockdown?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Arjun Reddy View Post
First of a kind thread
I have ensured that the hand brake is not engaged.
Anything that I have missed?
Your suggestions recommended?
My parking is on a slight slope & is it advisable to leave the car on "Parking" rather than "Parking" & Handbrake.

Other insignificant tips from me:
Keep the Air Con running on blower for a while whenever you start to charge your battery.
Better if all windows are slightly open.
With rising temperatures everywhere, check water level in radiators & windscreen washing pot of older cars

Last edited by GTO : 30th March 2020 at 09:51. Reason: WATCH THE TONE! Do NOT call anyone stupid
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Old 30th March 2020, 06:34   #11
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re: How are you protecting your car in the lockdown?

Our apartment basement parking is a large one with a circuit of about 1000 metres. I take the cars for a gentle run within the basement every two or three days. No handbrake.
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Old 30th March 2020, 07:03   #12
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re: How are you protecting your car in the lockdown?

Quote:
Originally Posted by V.Narayan View Post
Our apartment basement parking is a large one with a circuit of about 1000 metres. I take the cars for a gentle run within the basement every two or three days. No handbrake.
Exactly the same for me. I am parked in a flat covered parking lot. Take it for a short spin for 5 mins around the lot - perhaps once a week. Both my bike as well as car.
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Old 30th March 2020, 07:43   #13
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re: How are you protecting your car in the lockdown?

My car is in top shape, doing over time in fact on a few days. I am doing grocery & veggie runs for few of the seniors in my apt complex. My parking spot is in minus 2, so I intentionally park it in the sun when I am out.
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Old 30th March 2020, 07:45   #14
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re: How are you protecting your car in the lockdown?

No protection!! Have to drive it almost everyday on account of medical emergency & Doctor's duty
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Old 30th March 2020, 09:53   #15
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re: How are you protecting your car in the lockdown?

Both my cars suffer battery drain, hence I start them minimum of once a week and let it idle. The 530d has the Varna Suraksha rat repellent device, while the Jeep....well....has always had an issue with long hibernation.

I'll take them out this week to go to the chemist & get some home supplies.

Quote:
Originally Posted by deep_bang View Post
I just plugged my trickle charger for a couple of hours to the battery to keep it in shape.
Share pics? You have a garage?
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