It looks like there’s finally light at the end of the long, dark tunnel that’s been COVID-19. Government restrictions are being relaxed, there are signs of the daily quotidian struggle with shops opening and the flow of traffic increasing. And with this shift in dynamic, premium German tire and technology brand, Continental, is looking ahead with its ‘Moving Forward’ campaign, providing some safety tips for motorists looking to ensure their cars are primed for on-the-road action.
Tire Inspection
There’s no doubt your car’s been sitting in the garage or a safe storage space throughout the course of the lock down. This can lead to some unexpected issues.
For example, you might notice some flat spots on the tire because of the vehicle’s weight pressing down on them.
It’s really important to keep tires properly inflated at all times, and inspect them carefully before getting back on the road.
If you see any bulges, cracks or blisters on them, they’ll need immediate attention. Hop on over to our tire service page and find a trusted workshop near you.
Tire Pressure
So in relation to tire inspections, you’ll also need to make sure your tire pressure is up to scratch.
You’d normally have this done every two to four weeks when you fill up at the gas station, but now that you’ve been on the DL for the last few months, you definitely need to check that the pressure isn’t too high or too low.
You can normally find recommended tire pressure on a sticker at the driver’s door post. Need more guidance on tire regulations in the UAE? No prob. We’ve got you covered.
Battery Check
We’ve all seen what happens when you can’t go to the gym or the beach to stretch your legs and give those muscles a little juice.
Same goes for cars. While they’ve sat snug in your garage, the batteries have been inactive and may have lost their charge. That’s why Continental recommends a little pre-motorway warm up routine.
Switch on the engine and move the car around a little. Stick to your basement parking, or the neighbourhood. You know, in case things go wrong.
If you have trouble starting up, you may need to replace the battery. You can use our battery service page to connect with a reliable service provider.
Brakes
Hold the brakes. Oh wait. Never mind. Those brake pads have seen less action than Jimmy Falon in isolation (sorry Jimmy!), and that means they’re at a risk of degradation. Again like Fallon.
If you do manage to start up your car, test out the brakes before you zoom out onto the motorway screaming ‘FREEDOM!’.
If they’re squeaky, you know it’s time to change them. Not sure if they need to be changed or not? Use our brakes service page to find a trusted service provider near you, and they’ll sort you out.
Levels check
Not that Avicii song, no. Although, it was quite the hit to get your rave on.
Anyway, it’s probably been a while since you last went to a fuel station to get gassed up. Which means you’ve probably not checked your fluid and lubricant levels as of late.
Since your car’s just been sitting there for months, chances are certain things are not functioning at their prime, which can cause spills and leaks.
Continental can’t stress enough the importance of checking that your engine oil, transmission and brake fluid and coolant are all at the right level before carving corners again.
You can use our dedicated engine, transmission and brake services to get those levels up again.
Wipers
Admit it, you haven’t been to see your car once since the lockdown began. Tisk, tisk. That baby’s been gathering some serious dust.
And while she’s been sitting around waiting to be driven again, dirt may have built up around the windscreen wipers, potentially reducing their effectiveness when they’re needed for the winter season.
Continental recommends not only cleaning the wipers (duh), but also the windscreen and paintwork to make sure you’re getting all that grime off before your grind out the Ws on the motorway.
Our car care service page may help get you to the right place.
Spare tire
Have you spared your tire any thought? See what we did there?
That spare sitting in the boot, or attached to the back, is surely the most neglected piece of your car’s armoury. So don’t come crying to us when you hit the curb and get a flat on the road and your spare’s not putting out.
Check the spare for any damage or air pressure loss. You never know when you’ll need it in an emergency. #sparemeathought
