During these tumultuous times one thing remains the same, our Car is our Sanctuary- we need to keep it in Good Health.
Through the good times and bad, our cars have been a source of freedom and independence that plays a role in securing us in vulnerable moments. From ferrying us to the hospital- to making coffee runs, Ice cream runs or just sitting in the Fast Food Line- our car’s motors must perform for us through thick and thin.
During times of isolation, it is still a good idea to take your vehicle out for a spin at least once a week to keep the battery charged. Over time the battery can discharge when we leave the vehicle sitting in our driveway for days on end.
Our Cars are built with safety in mind, but they cannot take care of themselves. Continue to Embrace Preventive Maintenance– Even if you aren’t driving your car regularly it is still a good idea to stay on track with the maintenance schedule. Ask your service advisor for your vehicles scheduled maintenance.
Our cars give us the freedom to move. Routinely checking its brakes and changing the oil can help keep your vehicle’s health in good condition for driving once things get back to normal. As a car owner- if you can spend a little time each month on preventative maintenance, you will be saving yourself both money and headaches in the long run.
Sometimes its nice just to sit in the car and take a moment to catch a second breathe. In the new coronavirus reality, the family home has become the nexus of everything — school, day care, work, social life — To sit in the driver’s seat and be able to close your eyes and focus on breathing with a few minutes of silence – You can then go back to work in the home refreshed and ready to focus on the job at hand.
Your car should feel like a second home. Keep it clean by giving it a wash, vacuum, and keep it organized. It will make you feel more comfortable.
When we stay in our car for a car wash- it can give us a secure feeling while sitting behind the windshield as the water rushes over the glass. Leaving the world behind if only for a couple moments to listen to the swishing of the water and soap taking off the remnants left behind can be a soothing peaceful feeling.
Whether you leave your vehicle outside or park it in a garage, waxing it is a great way to protect its paint. It can help prolong the life of the paint and protect it from environmental contaminants.
It really doesn’t matter whether your car is a beautiful swan or ugly duckling. When something is wrong, the results are the same. Look and listen for any odd sights, sounds, smells, or sensations that might suggest you have a car problem.
Always keep a pencil and notepad in your glove compartment. If you breakdown, or see your check engine light come on, or notice anything weird, pull over and write it down or take a picture of the instrument panel. Don’t trust your memory! Car mechanics are more efficient when you can tell them exactly what happened.
Long after we have switched off the ignition and your vehicle has been sitting for a while- it is always a good idea to give it a once-over before embarking on your favorite travel destination and cranking up the speed. Unplugging for a few days with family… whether visiting extended family and friends- or going on a preplanned destination vacation- can be hard if not impossible without a car today.
Take your vehicle in to your mechanic and have it serviced. Make sure you ask for a bumper to bumper check for tire pressure, oil and fluid levels- and listen for any noticeable noises. Be sure it is ready for the road to give you the confidence that your trip will be enjoyable and safe.
Call and make an appointment for drop-off and pickup procedures to minimize human interaction.
Jim, Kevin and Steve Broussard Doctor J Automotive