Coronavirus: TIPS Maintain batteries and brakes if you’re not driving during lockdown.

If left for a while, a car’s brake discs can begin to corrode. This can eventually lead to the brakes seizing entirely, which will require a mechanic’s attention to put right. To prevent this from happening, roll your car back and forth a few metres every so often if safe to do so. This will also help prevent your tyres from developing flat spots. Corrosion of brake discs can also cause the handbrake to stick. If you’ve left your car on level ground in a private area and can be certain it won’t roll, you may want to avoid using the handbrake. This can cause the handbrake to stick, rendering the car immobile. Leaving the car in gear can help prevent it moving. Don’t use this tactic if you’re parked on a public road where there’s the risk of other vehicles knocking you, or if you’re parked on a slope.

It’s also important to keep your battery maintained. Even when the car’s switched off, electrical items running in the background (such as security devices) can drain the battery. If your car is privately parked, you may want to invest in a mains-powered battery maintainer or trickle charger, which will keep it in tip-top condition. If you can’t realistically run a lead to your car, simply start it up once a week and let it run for around 15 minutes. Not only will this give the battery time to increase its charge, but will also circulate oil and fuel around the engine, which can prevent engine flooding in petrol cars. While the car is running, turn the air conditioning on. This will help maintain the seals in the air conditioning system and reduce the chance of mould developing in your car’s air circulation system. Avoid turning your car on and off again in quick succession. The starter motor requires battery power each time, which won’t be replenished unless the battery is given time to charge. Never leave your car unattended when it’s switched on.

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