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The 7 commandments to protect your car in the lockdown

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Published on June 22, 2020. EST READ TIME: 5 MIN

With the global pandemic Covid-19 forcing all to stay indoors, your car is home bound too and facing the brunt of it all. The deserted roads may spell safety but your car languishing in a parking lot may spell unwelcome added costs of repairs. But don’t sweat, there are a few precautions you can take to ensure your car remains in shape. Of course your safety comes first, so make sure you attend to your four-wheeler with caution and in a safe manner. Here are a few tips to abide by to avoid seeing your car end up in a junk yard:

• Car batteries are the most vulnerable and drain faster when unused, you can preserve the battery by starting your vehicle once a week and keep it running for at least 10 to 15 minutes. This way your car batteries remain charged and it helps keep the engine and other components remain lubricated.Additionally, it can help you avoid flat tyres that are caused due to tyres losing pressure when a car sits for too long.

• Choose a parking spot that helps you keep your car away from heat, dust and moisture. A closed parking space would be ideal in the fierce Indian summers, thus avoiding direct sunlight that can make your car more prone to damage. If a covered parking spot is not available, consider covering your car to protect it, this will also help avoid bird droppings that can make cleaning your car an unpleasant experience.

• Checking the liquid levels of your car is crucial too, top up your car with fuel to prevent moisture from accumulating in the tank leading to rust and corrosion. Check the coolant and oil levels to ensure your car is road ready once the lockdown is lifted.

• Do not use the parking brake for an extended period of time, this can cause brake pads to fuse and it is a known fact that the brake discs corrode when not in use.

• This may seem like an obvious one, but keep your car clean this includes the exterior as well as the interior. Get rid of any food or beverages that you may have forgotten in the car which could lead to a foul smell. In times like these it is advisable to sanitize the inside of car be it the steering wheel or the seat covers. If you have car wax or polish handy apply generously once you clean the car to keep the car paint from fading.

• These uncertain times also call for added security measures and while the nation grapples with the virus outbreak certain miscreants may take advantage of the situation. So ensure your car alarm is working and it is parked in a secure spot deterring burglars and vandals.

• Do a brief inspection of your car before you hit the road once the lockdown is lifted this includes checking the tire pressure, fluid levels, and most importantly testing the brakes. And though this may seem like a far-fetched thought at the moment, being prepared has never hurt anyone.

And last but not the least opt for car insurance online and experience a hassle free way of protecting your car while saving on costs that you would have incurred on repairs and breakdowns. Uncertain times call for extra precaution hence we cannot emphasize enough the need to stay home and stay safe while maintaining a social distance. And while we reiterate the safety norms we also advise you to not neglect your car in the process.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details,please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

This blog has been written by

S. Gopalakrishnan | Motor Insurance Expert | 40+years of experience in insurance industry

A veteran in insurance industry. S. Gopalakrishnan is a name to reckon with in the field of reinsurance,he has headed the Reinsurance department and has rich experience in other fields of motor insurance. He loves to share his opinion on latest topics in the insurance industry and how he can help people in safeguarding their assets using insurance products.

S. Gopalakrishnan recommends "HDFC ERGO for your vehicle insurance needs, it has always put customer’s interest at the forefront, with round the clock assistance to deal with emergency breakdown issues and hassle free claims process. You can be assured of complete and reliable guidance through the whole process".

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