Five tips on under the bonnet care
The Corona lockdown has resulted in many unused and dirty cars. Here are five tips for under the bonnet care of an unused car.
1) Check The Oil
Check engine oil level
Engine oil plays a very important part in the lubrication and life of an engine. If you regularly have your vehicle serviced and the oil replaced as per the recommended schedules, then the oil in your car should be fine. But as the car has been unused for long, it's still advisable to check the level and top up if required. And in case you have not changed the oil in a while, then now is the time to do it.
2) Check The Coolant
Check coolant level
Again if you regularly service your vehicle, then the coolant in your car should be fine. But like I said before, since the vehicle has just been idle, also checking the coolant level maybe wise. But, please do this without starting the car and when the engine is cold.
3) Fill Windscreen Washer
Top-up windscreen washer fluid
With the onset of the monsoon season, you will need to use the wipers of your vehicle regularly. And if any kind of muck or mud gets thrown onto the windscreen, then you will need to use the windscreen washer spray to clear it. So top up the windscreen washer fluid. You could just put some liquid soap with regular water or use a branded windscreen washer fluid. I prefer using a proper windscreen washer fluid as they are more effective at removing the grease from the glass.
4) Clean Air Filter
Again if you regularly service your vehicle, then the air filter in your car should be fine. But like I said before, since the vehicle has just been idle, having the filter removed and cleaning it with some compressed air, will help the engine breathe better and run more efficiently.
5) Clean Engine Compartment and Apply WD-40
Spray WD-40
Car people often say, "You only need two things in life - Duct Tape and WD-40. If it moves and shouldn't, use Duct Tape, if it doesn't move and should, use WD-40. I am a great fan of this multi-purpose spray and believe there should be a can in every glovebox. WD-40 protects metal from rust and corrosion, penetrates stuck parts, displaces moisture and lubricates almost anything. It even removes grease, grime and more from most surfaces. So I would strongly suggest cleaning the engine compartment of your vehicle properly and then liberally spraying WD-40. And as the monsoons are here, it will also keep the electrical parts from getting damp, as its very good at displacing moisture.
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