SHAH ALAM: The Government has extended the movement control order (MCO) period, to help curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus, during this time, Proton has a few tips to help keep your car ship-shape.

So reminders are constantly given on how to stay safe but the MCO (on until April 14) also means most cars will be parked for up to 28 days and not many have considered what to do to their own vehicles during this period.

Here are some suggestions from Proton on how to keep your vehicle in tip-top condition during the MCO period.

1. Charge up
While technology has progressed since the early years of automobile production, one fact remains – a vehicle needs to be started periodically (the recommended period is every seven days) in order to maintain functionality.

One of the basic components a car has – is the battery. The battery primarily starts the engine and provides electrical power to other parts of the vehicle so if the engine is not run frequently, the alternator is unable to charge the battery.

To avoid this, start your vehicle’s engine and keep it running for 10 minutes to allow the alternator to do its job.

While doing this, do not turn on the radio or climate controls because doing so will draw the electric current away from the battery and reduce the effectiveness of the charging process.

Once done, don’t forget to lock your vehicle by activating the alarm.

2. Under pressure
Tyre pressures should also be checked bi-weekly to ensure that they are up to the recommended pressure.

The best way to do so is to use a tyre pressure gauge or view the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System display found in the X70 sport utility vehicle.

If they are underinflated, go to the nearest petrol station and pump them back up.

Additionally, leaving your vehicle parked in the same spot for several days could result in flat spotting the tyres.

Eventually, the tyre will lose its shape which can cause vibrations to be transmitted through the steering wheel when driving, even on smooth roads.

To avoid this, move your vehicle forwards or backwards when you’re charging the vehicle’s battery.

3. It’s all about sanitising
During the MCO, it’s a perfectly good idea to practise sanitising your hands and the surfaces you’ve touched, particularly in your vehicle.

After each journey, make sure you use some disinfectant to wipe surfaces like the steering wheel, door handles, window switches and gear lever.

If you have an audio system with a touchscreen, mist some disinfectant onto a
soft cloth and gently wipe the surface.

Take extra care not to overdo it as too much moisture could damage the vehicle’s
equipment surface.

4. A tale of two wipers
If you leave your vehicle parked in the sun, it’s good practice to lift up the windshield wipers.

The heat transfer from your windscreen glass and prolonged exposure to UV rays will cause the wiper blades to harden, making them less effective.

With these easy-to-follow steps, your car should be in great shape and after the MCO period is over it will be ready to take to serve.

Till then, stay safe and more importantly stay home.

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