Getting back on the road: What to check when you’re recommissioning your vehicle

For many Melbournians, longstanding COVID-19 restrictions mean driving to and from work has become a thing of the past. In fact, this strange year might have seen you leave your car in the driveway for months at a time.

While we all know that it’s not great to leave your car sitting dormant for long periods, life can easily get in the way. So now that lockdown restrictions and the 5km radius have lifted, here’s what you can do to keep your car and yourself safe as you get back on the road.

1. Check for a flat battery

Even after a few weeks of disuse, it’s highly possible that you’ll jump into the car for the first time only to find that nothing happens when you start the ignition.

This happens because systems such as the clock continue to use tiny amounts of power as your car sits in the driveway.

If you find yourself with a dead battery, enlist a friend to help jumpstart your vehicle and then head out for a drive for at least 30 minutes to help charge the battery.

To avoid draining the battery again in the future, try to take your car on the occasional supermarket run during periods of disuse, or even let it idle in the driveway a couple of times each week.

If you’re having trouble with your battery, our free car battery service and test can check your battery’s cranking performance, bad cell detection plus starter and charging system analysis.

2. Check tyre pressure

If you haven’t driven for an extended period, it’s essential to check your tyres before you get going. Take a quick walk around your vehicle before hopping in to check for low tyre pressure and don’t forget to check the spare too.

Even if the tyres look okay, it’s important to top them up ASAP. Once you’re on the road, your first trip should lead you straight to a service station to inflate all tyres to the recommended pressure.

Are your tyres looking worn out? We can help you out over at Car Tyres & You.

3. Check fluid levels

The first step to checking your vehicle’s fluid levels is to take a look underneath for any oil stains or liquid on the ground. If it looks like anything has been leaking, take your vehicle straight in for a check-up.

If there’s nothing on the ground, check the oil level and the coolant level and do a top-up before heading out if needed. We also offer oil and coolant checks onsite for your convenience and peace of mind. You can even book online.

4. Avoid the effects of fuel degradation

You might not be aware that fuel has a shelf life, just like the food in your fridge. Fuel degradation is unlikely to be a problem unless your car has gone unused for several months, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Fuel degradation happens more quickly in warmer weather and can cause a drop in performance as well as other engine problems.

If you’re worried about your fuel and you don’t have a full tank, the easiest way to combat this problem is to ‘refresh’ your fuel by topping up the tank.

5. If in doubt, bring your vehicle in for a service

Were you overdue for a service before lockdown? With the added effects of hibernating your vehicle to consider, it’s a great time to come in for a check-up. Car Servicing & You offers a complete solution for your car beginning with a detailed consultation.

At Car Servicing & You we give you honest, reliable advice about what your car needs, and what it doesn’t. We have locations in Carnegie, Ormond and Keilor Park for your convenience.