In many places, cars are hibernating longer due to corona restrictions. What should you watch out for with long idle times?
Because of the restrictions caused by the corona crisis, many cars are currently standing for a very long time. If you haven't got your car out of your garage after the winter, there are a few things you should pay attention to.
How to get your car out of hibernation
Thomas Obernesser, tire expert from the Michelin Center for Training and Information, has some helpful tips for this: If you want to get a car out of hibernation, there are several aspects to consider. After a long period of inactivity, the first thing to check is the battery. Many electronic components such as alarm systems and navigation systems require energy even when the engine is at a standstill. You pull this out of the battery. As a result, after a while the battery will no longer be able to start the engine.
It is therefore advisable to check the battery regularly. Ideally, their voltage is between 12.4 and 12.7 volts. In the case of long idle times, a battery care device that charges the battery at regular intervals is advisable.
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Check the oil level and the tires
If the bonnet is already open, the oil level can also be checked immediately. It should also be checked when the last oil change took place. The car manufacturers give guidelines at which time interval or after which mileage should this be done. The last oil change is noted in the vehicle's service book.
A look at the tires is also part of the check. Are the tires still ok? Do you have enough profile depth? And very important: what about the air pressure? The vehicle manufacturer provides information about the correct air pressure. Car owners can find information on this, for example, in the operating instructions or on a sticker in the door rebate on the driver or passenger side and on the inside of the fuel cap.
Flat tires have a negative effect on the brakes
The air pressure should be checked regularly, at least every four weeks. Only with the correct air pressure can a tire optimally transmit the driving forces, be optimally integrated into the vehicle electronics such as ESP and make contact with the road safely. The braking properties also depend on the air pressure. Incorrect air pressure also has a negative impact on vehicle consumption and tire durability.
If you notice a so-called standing plate on the vehicle, it is best to have a workshop or a tire specialist clarify whether the tire has only lost air or whether it shows invisible damage to the layperson. A new purchase may be necessary.
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TÜV: special regulations during the corona crisis
A look at the so-called TÜV badge provides clarity as to when the vehicle must be brought back for the main inspection (HU). If you missed the upcoming HU, you don't have to panic. Against the background of the corona crisis, the Federal Ministry of Transport recommended that the federal states responsible for the HU should not exceed the deadline by up to four months.
Cabrio owners must pay particular attention to this
Cabrio owners check the functionality of the roof structure. Are the poles and the convertible top parts folding correctly? If something jams, a visit to a workshop helps. If mice nibbled on the soft top, the damage must be repaired.
When it comes to the first exit after a long standstill, drivers should take it easy. The dirt and rust that has accumulated on the brake discs should disappear by braking gently and repeatedly when starting off.
Also interesting: Can I currently have my car repaired in the workshop?
Dirk Schwarz / SP-X
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