How to prepare the car for driving after a long break?

Auto repair shops have been going through a difficult period due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it seems that the worst is behind us. Along with the easing of restrictions in car services, more customers are appearing. It is affected not only by the defrosting of the economy, but also by the technical condition of vehicles. Cars do not like to stand in the parking lot for a long time.

In recent times, roads have become deserted all over the world - by some estimates, cities like Madrid, Paris, Berlin and Rome have seen about 75% fewer cars entering, and cross-border traffic has even decreased by about 80%. Currently, we are gradually returning to normal, which is also associated with more frequent use of cars. However, if the vehicle has not been used for several weeks, it should be properly prepared for safe driving. Here are the 4 most important rules.

1. Check Fluid Levels

Be sure to check the engine oil and coolant levels before starting the engine. Also check for leaks on the ground, especially in the area directly below the engine. 

– After starting the vehicle, wait a few minutes before driving off. This ensures that all fluids get to the right parts of the car, recommends Josep Almasque, head of SEAT's Spanish press park.

2. Check the tire pressure.

When the vehicle is not used for a long time, tire pressure may drop significantly. This is due to the natural process of gas penetration through the surface of tires - they lose part of the air every day, especially in summer. If we do not check the air pressure before starting the car, the weight of the car may even damage the rim and deform the wheel. 

See also: Skoda Octavia vs. Toyota Corolla. Duel in segment C

– If we know that our car will be parked for a longer period, it is best to inflate the tires to the maximum capacity recommended by the manufacturer and check the pressure from time to time. You should also check its level just before you set off, advises Almasque.

3. Check the most important parts and functions

After a long period of stopping the car, be sure to check the condition of all items used while driving, including headlights, turn signals, windows, wipers and all electronic devices. Non-standard notifications are often displayed on the screen of the car's multimedia system. 

– If something is not working properly, an indicator on the display will show what needs to be checked. It is also worth making sure that all the driving assistance functions that we use are set up correctly,” explains Almasque. 

Also check the condition of the brakes. To do this, press the pedal for a few seconds and see if it holds the position. Finally, it is recommended to check if the engine makes any unusual noises after starting.

4. Disinfect surfaces

In this situation, it is very important to keep the car clean. The areas of greatest contact both outside and inside the car deserve special attention.

• From the very beginning. Let's start by disinfecting the outside and inside of the door handle, steering wheel, gearshift, touchscreen and all buttons. Let's not forget the control windows and the handle to control the position of the chair.
• DashboardThis is one of the most important considerations as passengers often look at the dashboard when they sneeze or cough.
• Mats. Due to constant contact with the soles of the shoes, dirt accumulates on them, which should be removed.
• Ventilation. To ensure high air quality in the vehicle, the ventilation openings must not be blocked. In addition to disinfection, remove any remaining dust with a brush or vacuum cleaner.
• elements outside. Car users usually don't know how many parts they touch on the outside of the car. Some lean against the windows, others close the door, pushing it anywhere. When washing, we will try not to miss any of these surfaces.

When washing cars, use suitable cleaning products: a mixture of mild soap and water and special car care products. The use of liquids containing 70% alcohol should be limited to surfaces that we touch most often.