Car maintenance during COVID-19
By Kijiji Autos
It's hard to stay on top of things during the COVID-19 restrictions because not everything can be accomplished from the safety of your home, like maintaining your car, for instance.
So, how can you get your car fixed or schedule an inspection while respecting social distancing rules and staying safe? It's much easier than you might think.
Are auto-repair shops considered essential services?
Yes. The federal government has stated that automative maintenance service workers are part of the essential workforce, so if your car is in need of a tune-up, you can still contact your local mechanic to make an appointment. Keep in mind that individual businesses may have limited hours during this time.
Should I take my car in to get inspected during COVID-19?
While many provinces are slowly starting to reopen, COVID-19 is by no means behind us. We all have the responsibility to protect ourselves and those around us. That means that restricting our contact as much as possible is still highly encouraged. If your car's issue isn't critical, we recommend putting off your maintenance for now.
What are non-critical car maintenance services?
Every car is different. Older cars need more routine maintenance than brand-new models, and electric/hybrid vehicles have different needs than gas-powered vehicles. If you're not using your car nearly as much as you used to, you may be able to hold off getting these car maintenance services:
- Tire change: You can prolong the life of your tires by having them switched at the end of the season, but if your ride is spending most of its time in the parking lot, you can wait to get them changed.
- Oil change: Modern car technology is incredibly precise, which means that the golden rule of changing your oil every 4,800 km might be too often. Generally speaking, if you have a newer car, you can wait up to 15,000 km before changing your oil (check your owner manual for more info). Obviously, if your check oil light comes on, your next road trip should be to the mechanic. Alternatively, this might be a good time to learn how to change the oil yourself.
- Aesthetics: Car washes, detailing and customization can make your car look and feel brand new, but since it doesn't affect your car's performance in any way, it's not necessary during COVID-19.
How do I stay safe when I take my car to the shop?
If you have to take your car to the service station, maintain standard social distancing practices. Firstly, be sure to call ahead. Dropping in without an appointment exposes you to more people.
Secondly, be sure to maintain two metres of space between you and your mechanic and to wear personal protective equipment. As a courtesy, we recommend sanitizing the door handles, steering wheel and other surfaces your mechanic will likely touch. While waiting for your car to be ready, find somewhere to sit that's away from others and, preferably, outside.
Lastly, when your car is returned to you, sanitize your door handles and steering wheel again.
Keeping your car in tip-top shape can be a safe and easy experience, even during this time. Learn more about how Kijiji Autos can help you buy and sell your car with confidence during COVID-19.
Your well-being is our top priority. Consider whether in-person transactions are necessary and visit our Help Desk for more details and guidance. Follow Kijiji Autos' community safety tips for more advice about confidently connecting with dealers or sellers during COVID-19.
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