Tips to keep cars safe and sound in the lockdown

MOTORISTS are being offered advice on how to take care of cars that may be parked up for lengthy spells because of the coronavirus lockdown.

And with the Government’s six-month exemption for MOT testing to aid essential travel, drivers are also being given top tips on keeping their cars roadworthy should they need to use them.

Scottish Vauxhall, with dealerships in Inverness, Dingwall, Buckie and Elgin, took to social media with advice for drivers to start up their inactive cars every few days. It pointed out that would keep fluids cycling through the engine and ensure the battery stays fresh.

Falken Tyres urged motorists to thoroughly inspect wheels, dislodging stones stuck in the tread and ensuring all valves had caps.

It also said increasing tyre pressures by about 15PSI over the standard recommended pressure while the car was laid up could prevent damage and potential flat spots.

Online used-car marketplace heycar said people should check the battery wasn’t being drained by the likes of boot or glovebox lights being inadvertently left on.

Recording a video on a smartphone placed inside the compartments and shutting the lids would show if you needed to remove the bulbs or switch them off. Heycar also said cleaning and polishing the car, while not essential, would help to protect it.

Nextbase and Halfords urged drivers to take extra security measures, such as fitting a dash cam that can record and alert owners to bumps or physical vehicle movement while a car is parked and fitting a steering wheel lock or wheel clamps to deter thieves.

Meanwhile, insurers Confused.com said motorists could easily carry out some basic checks to ensure their vehicles were roadworthy for essential trips if the MOT was running out.

These included checking that all lights around the car function, inspecting for damage to the fuel filler cap seal and testing that the horn, brakes, handbrake and steering wheel were all responding to use properly.

Wiper blades, windows and mirrors should also be examined to ensure they were free from any damage, while tyre tread depths should be kept above the 1.6mm legal limit.

Confused.com’s Alex Kindred said: “The six-month exemption MOT testing announced last week is a weight off drivers’ shoulders, particularly those who rely on their car if working from home isn’t possible. But it’s important we keep our cars in a roadworthy condition, with garages still open for essential work or repairs.”