Car Care and Maintenance During COVID-19 Lockdown

From the way you grocery shop to the way you have meetings and just about everything in between, things have changed this year. But one thing that hasn’t changed is the importance of keeping up with car care and maintenance, even during COVID-19 lockdown.

Car Care and Maintenance During COVID-19

Car care and maintenance are still necessary– and important –during COVID just as it is when we are not navigating a pandemic.

Despite your best efforts, repairs and service are still needed sometimes. But there are many things you can do to care for and maintain your vehicle to keep it in the best condition possible. Here are five of them.

Interior cleaning

Clean the inside of your vehicle even when you aren’t using it.
In addition to wiping down the surfaces in your vehicle, include vacuuming in your car maintenance plan. Regular vacuuming helps prevent unpleasant odours and keeps your upholstery looking (and smelling) fresh.

Rodent protection

If you’ve ever dealt with rodent issues of any kind, you know how much destruction these small creatures can cause. When your vehicle is parked for extended periods, it’s especially vulnerable to rodents looking for a cozy place to call home.

There are a few different ways to help keep rodents out of your vehicle:

  • Consider placing masking tape over your exhaust system when it isn’t being used for extended periods

  • Add metal mesh over any openings where creatures could get in

  • Use electronic rodent deterrents in and around your garage

  • Be sure to keep food items (including birdseed and pet food) securely stored to avoid attracting rodents

When it’s time to use your vehicle again after an extended period of time, be sure to pop the hood and check for any signs of rodents. This includes frayed or chewed wires, droppings, and nests or nesting materials.

Check the tires

Even when your vehicle isn’t being used much, it can still sustain tire damage and your tires can deflate over time.

As part of your car care and maintenance program, inspect your tires and look for any new signs of damage or wear and tear once a month. Check the inflation levels before you set out on the road when the tires are still cold and consider purchasing a cordless tire inflator to top up your tires from home.

You will also want to keep an eye on your tire tread. New tires tend to have a tread depth of about ⅓ of an inch. By the time the tire tread is down to 1/16”, it’s time for them to be replaced.

Follow the "once a week" rule

We know how much you love your Land Rover or Jaguar, and the idea of letting it sit idle might pain you. But without many places to go right now, there’s a good chance it isn’t being driven as much as it once was.

As much as you like to drive your vehicle, they like to be driven! Rather than letting your Jaguar or Land Rover sit idle for months on end, do your best to run it for at least 20 minutes a week. This will help keep the battery charged and prevent a bigger headache down the road.

Other options? Consider disconnecting the battery altogether if your vehicle won’t be needed at all for an extended period of time. Alternatively, consider using a battery tender to plug your vehicle in.

Keep up with factory scheduled maintenance

Chances are, you’re not racking up kilometres as quickly as usual. That means you might have longer to go between factory scheduled service appointments. But just like your own car care and maintenance, factory scheduled maintenance shouldn’t be put off indefinitely!

Do you have questions about factory scheduled service for Jaguar or Land Rover vehicles? Contact us or view our services here.

Where can I get my car fixed during the COVID-19 lockdown?

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been offering a pick-up and drop off service since April of 2020. That way, our customers can have their Land Rover serviced in the GTA without leaving their homes.

To schedule Land Rover or Jaguar repairs or service, contact Westminster Motors. Once you’ve scheduled your appointment, we will pick it up for service in the GTA area. We will provide the necessary vehicle service you require, as well as a digital inspection report along with detailed photos. Once your vehicle is ready to get back on the road and digital payment has been made, we will return it to your drop-off location.

As always, you can contact us with any other questions you might have, or to schedule an appointment online, use this link.