It's not just people who are at home during quarantine to curb the increase in Covid-19 cases in Brazil. With forced shutdown, cars are also stored for long periods of time – and this can be a problem if you don't take the necessary precautions before, during and even after the isolation. For further details read: how long can i leave my car running

"Up to 15 days out of service, the car's systems, such as the engine, transmission and even the battery, support it without problems", says technical consultant Renato Ghetti, from RB Consultoria Automotiva . The most zealous can even disconnect the car battery as a precaution, but it is necessary to follow some rules so as not to have a loss in the future. According to Ghetti, it is important to disconnect the two battery poles (positive and negative), never just one of them. Systems like alarms and trackers consume the battery even when the car is off.

Before

It may sound silly, but the first thing to do before putting your car away is to wash it. Over longer periods, especially outdoors, dirt such as bird droppings, acid rain and fruit can corrode the paint varnish and create stains that can only be corrected with a repaint. And if you think that a cover or any protection over the car will solve this, beware.

If you are going to store your car in a cover, pay attention to cleanliness and where it will be. Rather than protecting, it can damage the paint.

"The cover or anything else on the car, if in an open garage, can become a greenhouse and damage paint or even accelerate the corrosion process of some parts of the car by the temperature generated", explains the consultant. Inside the car, attention should be paid to garbage and food scraps, which can cause odors that are difficult to remove after a longer period of time with the car closed.

Disconnect both poles of the battery

After washing, filling is also important. According to Ghetti, any current fuel withstands 2-3 months in the tank without harming the injection or ignition system when starting. But beware: cars that stay idle longer need high-octane fuels offered by some networks. Take the opportunity to calibrate the tires, always with the maximum pressure indicated in the car manual for loads, never above. You could damage the tire.

During

If you're more careful with your car, it's worth following a few tips during isolation - it can even be a way to distract yourself. Every five days, go visit your car and, if you haven't disconnected the battery, start it. About 30 minutes are enough for the engine to reach operating and lubrication temperature, in addition to circulating the cooling system and belts and tensioners. Don't accelerate, let the car idle, and watch if your garage closes. If so, put at least the rear of the car out, avoiding poisoning by carbon monoxide, which is fatal to human beings.

Engage all car gears and, if automatic, move forward and backward

Don't forget about the air conditioning, but only when the engine is at operating temperature.

Later

The world is back to normal and it's time to go out on the street. If you followed the above recommendations, just calibrate the tires for the pressure used and fill the car with new fuel, in addition to checking the oil level and cooling within the oil change period or any maintenance, such as a scheduled overhaul - several brands they are even extending these deadlines at this time. Take the opportunity to once again wash your car.