Lockdown: 5 car problems and 5 tips for avoiding them

It was true during the first lockdown in March 2020 and it’s still true in January 2021: our cars don’t like to sit still and can develop little problems when they aren’t driven enough. Here’s what to watch for and what to do to avoid trouble.

“Cars are a bit like us! When we sit for too long, at some point we need to get up and move around,” says Denis Pageau, Partnership Officer, CAA-Quebec Approved Auto Repair Services. Similarly, a vehicle that’s stored or not driven enough is likely to develop a number of problems:

1.     Moisture and possibly rust can make the brakes stick and result in an expensive repair sooner rather than later.

2.     The tires can become deformed.

3.     The battery may get weaker and not have enough power to start the engine. Even worse, a completely dead battery could deprogram the engine control module.

4.     EV batteries may lose their charge.

5.     Moisture can get into fluids such as motor oil.

5 car tips during lockdown

1.     Your vehicle needs to run, so make it count, for example, by grouping all your errands together. No need to go all the way to the Rocky Mountains or even leave the city or your neighbourhood. “Taking a spin for 8 to 10 km every week is usually enough to avoid most problems,” says Pageau. Driving in the city enables you to use the brakes and take the rust off. If you have two cars, share the love and make sure they each get a turn out on the road. Note, however, that you do have to actually drive your vehicle. Running the engine while the vehicle is parked isn’t enough. In fact, it should be avoided, since it could drain your battery without giving it a chance to recharge while driving.

2.     Use a smart charger. This small, inexpensive device helps get the electrons in the battery moving around before they get too lazy from doing nothing. Be sure to always wear protective goggles when plugging in a charger. What’s more, you shouldn’t charge or boost a damaged or frozen battery, e.g., when the casing bulges at the sides.

3.     If you have an electric vehicle, read the owner’s handbook. It’s generally recommended to leave it plugged in.

4.     Don’t apply the hand brake at home if it’s possible and safe to do so. To keep it in working order, use it when you go shopping instead.

5.     Keep the fuel tank three-quarters full to avoid condensation inside the tank.

Significant increase in battery replacements

As in the first lockdown, CAA-Quebec Roadside Assistance is being maintained—including after curfew—with strict health measures in place to ensure the health and safety of our members and employees.

Battery Service is particularly popular this winter, with a 17% increase in requests compared to last winter. This is a regular CAA-Quebec service where a car battery can be diagnosed and replaced on the spot if necessary, without the member having to go anywhere. The significant increase in demand for this service is due to the high number of batteries that die in the cold when vehicles are barely driven.

Have questions about cars? CAA-Quebec’s Automotive Advisory Services have the answers!