Car Maintenance During COVID-19

Even though you may not be driving as much as usual, it is more important than you would think to ensure that your car is taken care of. Cars are meant to be driven and cared for, so try to give it a little extra care if it is not getting its usual TLC. There is routine maintenance that should be done to your vehicle even if it is not being driven as much, as well as some things that you can push off until you are driving more consistently. Wrench is here to help you distinguish between the two categories to help save you time and money down the road.

Unsure about what maintenance to do now and what to save for later? Follow these tips:

• Keep up with your maintenance schedule. While there are some service intervals that may be stretched if they have to do with the amount of miles driven, this does not mean that you should avoid maintenance altogether. For example, if the engine light comes on or you notice unusual behavior, it is in your best interest to book an appointment with a Wrench mobile technicianThere are many things that you can and should do to keep your car in the best condition possible for when you do start driving regularly. Oil changes and tire replacement do not require technicians to enter the vehicle, which will help prevent exposure. For information on how Wrench is taking the appropriate safety precautions, head over to our blog post “Safety Is At The Core Of Wrench’s Values.” We are being extremely cautious, and you should too. Wear a mask and gloves when getting your car serviced and reschedule if you feel yourself getting sick.
• Cars are meant to be driven. It is important to take care of your car at all times, even when it is sitting in the driveway. This will help you avoid a dead battery in the future, and keep all of the fluids from drying up. Monitor the life of your battery, because older batteries usually need to be driven more frequently to avoid issues. If you are planning on not driving for an extended amount of time, or the battery is on the older side, you can also just unplug it to be safe.
• Check the fluids and tires. This should be done regularly even if you are driving less, but is even more important if your car has been sitting in the driveway for an extended period of time. If you are comfortable, you can top off the oil if it looks like it is getting low. Make sure to use the right oil as indicated in the owner’s manual, and only change your oil if you have the proper experience and equipment. It is important to do research so that you do not attempt a project that is too ambitious. If you are unsure about the task at hand, book an appointment with a Wrench mobile technician to ensure that the service is conducted properly. Check your tires for uneven spots and monitor the tire pressure to keep it up to safety standards.
• Check and replace the air filters. Check both the intake air filter and the cabin air filter for any signs of dirt. These filters are often easy to replace on your own as long as you follow the instructions in the owner’s manual. If you are unsure about how to perform this change, hire a mobile technician to come do it for you.
• Wash your car! With more time on your hands, this should be at the top of your to-do list. Washing your car regularly will help prolong the paint job and allows you to avoid going to a car wash where you may be exposed to COVID-19.
• Be mindful of what your car is exposed to. Gas stations are an easy way to be exposed to the virus, so make sure to take proper precautions when entering new environments.
• Check the wipers. Windshield wipers usually last around six months, and even if your car has not been used as much in wake of the pandemic, it is still good to assess them for functionality before you hit the road. Don’t forget to check on the wiper fluid while you’re at it!  

If you are unsure whether car repairs can wait, call your mechanic! Our customer service department can be reached at hello@wrench.com or at 844-997-3624. When in doubt, check your owner’s manual for the maintenance schedule and stay up-to-date on the Wrench blog for more information on how to be the best car owner.