TCS: Lockdown for the car - what to do?
PREVENTION The crisis has led to a decline in the use of cars. Before a car sits in the garage for a long time, TCS recommends some measures to keep your car fit for re-use. Tire pressure decreases by 0.1 to 0.3 bar every month. To prevent a car's tires from suffering damage, the [...]
Tire pressure decreases by 0.1 to 0.3 bar every month. To prevent damage to a car's tires, TCS recommends increasing the tire pressure specified by the manufacturer by 0.5 bar. Flat or insufficiently inflated tires get hot faster when driving and can burst. When the vehicle is put back into operation, the pressure must be restored according to the manufacturer's specifications and then checked regularly.
Check fluid levels
To protect the engine and brakes when not in use for long periods, the oil level, brake fluid and coolant level must be checked regularly on gasoline and diesel vehicles. The brake fluid must also be monitored in an electric car
Prevent too strong discharge
Even when the car is stationary, the battery continues to power the on-board computer and multimedia systems. Disconnecting the battery completely from the vehicle is not recommended and is reserved for professionals. If the parking situation allows, it may be useful to attach a charger to the battery to prevent excessive discharge. For electric or hybrid vehicles, the professional can disconnect the service plug.
Not too much and not too little must
Newer vehicles should be left with little gasoline in the tank to prevent gasoline from diffusing through the walls. Conversely, older vehicles should have the tank at least three-quarters full to prevent evaporation of the gasoline and rusting of the sheet metal.
In diesel vehicles, to prevent condensation, the tank should be completely filled. This prevents the quality of the fuel from being reduced and the engine from being damaged.
Battery charged to 80 percent
When electric vehicles are stationary for longer periods, the battery should be charged to 80 percent. This ensures that the battery is not completely drained and damaged. TCS recommends not leaving the electric car connected to the charger when it is not in use for a longer period of time, as this would shorten the life of the battery.
Cool room or garage
It is important to choose a suitable place for the period of decommissioning. A closed, single and cool room is more suitable than a communal or outdoor place. This protects the body from the weather and cables and rubber parts from martens.
Before the car is set, it should be well cleaned, dried and aired both inside and outside. If it is in a closed room, the windows can be left open a crack so that it does not get musty inside. The handbrake should not be applied. This prevents the brake from squatting and locking.
