We are facing the first pandemic of the modern world. Before, we needed to go everywhere; today, there is a need to stay home to prevent further spread of the coronavirus. Just like us, a car parked during quarantine also requires some care. 

As the old saying goes: "He who loves, takes care," and certainly if you own a car, you should love it and consider it a member of the family. Well, just as important as taking care of a vehicle that is driven every day is taking care of a car that is parked due to unforeseen circumstances. 

With that in mind, we at Senhor Carros have prepared this guide to teach you how to take care of your car while it's parked during quarantine. The steps we'll show you are simple and can be done by yourself in the comfort and safety of your home. Want to know more? Just keep reading this article! 

Check out the main precautions that should be taken with a car that is parked during quarantine. 

The engine is the heart of the car, right? Therefore, it needs to be started at least twice a week so that fluids and oils can circulate throughout the system, preventing possible blockages and sludge buildup, as can happen with oil. 

The operating period should last 10 to 15 minutes or until the operating temperature is reached. However, it is important to note: Avoid doing this in closed garages, as the release of gases can cause suffocation or even irritation of the mucous membranes. If possible, keep the gate open while your car is running. This is the first precaution to take with a car parked during quarantine. 

This precaution might seem a little strange, right? But it's absolutely necessary. To perform this type of action, it's recommended that you find wheel chocks for all four wheels to prevent your car from moving and hitting another vehicle, walls, pillars, or a gate. 

It is important to release the handbrake and leave the car in neutral (hence the need for the wheel chocks) to prevent the clutch plate from sticking, as well as the development of play in the handbrake tension system. 

Equipment can also malfunction during periods of inactivity. The tip here is simple: While waiting for the engine to warm up, you should run two activation cycles for the electrical devices. Using these systems is a fundamental precaution for a car parked during quarantine. 

Therefore, raise and lower the windows, lock and unlock the doors, use the turn signals, turn on the headlights and taillights, the rear defroster, and also the windshield washer nozzles and wipers. All in duplicate. 

Another item that deserves extra attention is the air conditioning. Immediately after starting the engine, the system should be switched to cooling mode for at least five minutes, which ensures engine lubrication. 

During the remaining time, turn off the compressor and turn on the heater, keeping it on for the rest of the time the engine is running. The heated air will prevent condensation from forming in the pipes, preventing bad odors in the cabin, as well as the formation of mold, which can contribute to the development of allergies and respiratory diseases. 

This is another important tip. Since we still don't know when the world will return to normal, ideally you shouldn't leave the tank full. In the case of regular gasoline, large quantities of standing fuel can end up forming viscosities in the tank and clogging filters, injectors, and in the case of older cars, even the carburetors can be damaged. 

We know that ethanol is known to be more difficult to start, which could consume more battery power, harming the vehicle's overall electrical performance. Therefore, with the arrival of autumn, it would be wise to avoid this type of fuel.

If you need to leave fuel in the tank, it's best to opt for premium gasoline. It has a longer shelf life, reducing the chances of viscosity buildup that can damage both the engine and its components. 

Here's another very important precaution for cars parked during quarantine. To avoid overheating, as we mentioned earlier, the vehicle should be started at least twice a week. 

At this point you might be wondering: Okay, but what about electric or hybrid vehicles? For these types of vehicles, during the quarantine period, the ideal is to plug the vehicle into a suitable charging location. In addition, the battery status should be checked regularly, and the vehicle should not remain stationary for more than three months with a charge status below 50%, as this can cause battery malfunction in the future. 

Here's another important consideration regarding cars parked during quarantine. Not everyone has a suitable garage to leave their vehicle. Unfortunately, some people leave their cars on the street or in public parking lots, which can increase the chance of theft, both of the vehicle itself and of parts such as wheels or spare tires, and even aesthetic problems like dents or cracks and breaks in the glass. 

Many people might think that not renewing their insurance simply because they aren't driving the car is a way to save money. But in reality, this saving can be costly if the vehicle is damaged during that period, or worse, if it's stolen. Remember what your grandmother used to say: "Better safe than sorry."

Care for the interior should also not be neglected. For those who live or keep their car in humid places, it is important to open the vehicle for a few hours during the week. 

Furthermore, internal cleaning should not be neglected. For the dashboard and buttons, isopropyl alcohol should be used; if you don't have it, neutral detergent is ideal. 

Carpets and rugs should also be cleaned and, if possible, vacuumed at least once a month. All these actions aim to prevent the formation of mold and fungi that can leave the vehicle smelling bad, as well as potentially harming the respiratory health of its occupants in the future. 

Another item that should not be neglected is the paintwork. If the vehicle is going to be exposed to the elements, ideally it should be washed first to remove all dirt and excess dust or pollution. Then, the car should be dried and subsequently covered, preferably with a cotton cover, as this prevents damage and scratches to the paint. 

Covering the car also prevents leaves, insects, and dirt from entering the air duct, which can cause future problems with the air conditioning system, for example, as well as preventing damage to the paintwork caused by the sun.

Ideally, the vehicle should be elevated so that the tires are not on the ground, but let's face it, not everyone has hydraulic jacks at home. Raising the car prevents the tires from deforming during the forced period of immobilization. 

For those who cannot lift their car, the suggestion is to check the tire pressure every 10 days. Some condominiums have tire pressure gauges in the garage, and some people also have their own at home. 

However, for those who don't have the equipment at home, the ideal is to go to the gas station every 10 days to check the tire pressure. Which brings us to the last topic regarding the care we should take with a car parked during quarantine. 

And finally, this is the last precaution we should take with a car parked during quarantine. But, if possible, drive the car at least once every 10 days – and use this drive to check the tire pressure. 

Yes, the order is to stay home and we must prioritize social isolation, only going out when necessary. Therefore, this return should be small and as quick as possible, following all sanitary precautions. 

Driving a car keeps all the systems active and functioning, preventing any future problems or malfunctions. So, if you live in a large condominium or have a spacious garage with a tire pressure gauge, you can drive your vehicle right there without having to go outside. 

So, after learning about the precautions that should be taken with a car parked during quarantine, how about using this downtime to learn a little more about mechanics and automotive care?

Are you curious?

Then check out the following course, 100% digital.