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3 Minute Read

How to check your car is ready for the road again post-lockdown

Posted by - Tim Earnshaw on 26 August 2020 (Updated 9 March 2021)
Categories: Advice, Road Trip Inspiration, Tips & Tricks
How to Check Your Car Post-Lockdown

For many of us, aside from small trips for essentials our cars have been dormant for several months due to the ongoing lockdown.

Whether a classic, supercar or more pedestrian vehicle, for both your car’s ongoing health and your potential safety it is always worth taking the time to check your car over before hitting the road once again.

Check 1 – Overall exterior condition/wash

Take time to go round the entirety of the vehicle and assess the current condition. Ideally we would advise giving the car a wash (a guide on which can be found here) to not only make sure that visibility is unaffected but also to expose any defects that may have occurred. It’s not unusual for windscreens to pick up chips, headlights to mist over or other irregularities when left out in the elements and unmoved.

Check 2 – Tyres

As we’ve covered previously, these are your connection to the road – keep an eye on them. If left out in the sun light they may have dried out, so look for cracks or fading, and also check no flat spots have occurred due to lack of movement. You should also take this opportunity to measure the tread all round, just so you know how much life is left in the tyre, and make sure they have the correct pressures all round.

Check 3 – Fluids

This is an ideal time to check your car’s oil level, windscreen washer fluid level and other items such as power steering and brake fluid. This will obviously be less or more important depending on the car, but the main goal is get an accurate indication of what condition your car in is before hitting the road again. NB – classic car owners should also check spark plugs at this time also.

Check 4 – Dashboard and idling

On more modern vehicles, start the car and check there are no warning lights. This can happen due to simple things such as a tired battery, or with some cars tyre pressure monitor sensors can go off indicating a puncture. If this is clear, let the car idle and warm up listening for anything irregular. If anything is unusual, immediately book your car in with a mechanic.

Check 5 – Short road test with brake check

Once the car is warm, take the car for a short drive close to your home. If your car has been left with the handbrake on, make sure this is still fully functional and not sticking. Gently check the brakes and, if you find a suitable space, carry out an emergency stop. This not only gives you a current indication of your brake health, but also helps remove any potential surface rust that may have developed whilst not in use.

Use this opportunity to check that your car is 100% before getting back into the throws of real life, where car maintenance can easily slip your mind. Also use this time to check when your MOT is due, and your tax, and ideally check your service record or on board computer to see when your next service is due. Having this information can help save any embarrassment later when life gets hectic.

At Windrush Car Storage, all vehicles are extensively checked before, during and after storage and kept in on-the-button condition by our dedicated teams in London and the Cotswolds.

Two highly-secure locations

Cotswolds
Car Storage
Located in the Cotswolds our private car storage facility is highly secure, anonymous, climate controlled and full staffed
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London
Car Storage
Located in the heart of Central London with easy access to the Central Line, Hammersmith & City Line and overground services
Details & Pricing
Get in touch
Call Cotswolds +44 (0) 1451 821 008
Call London +44 (0) 207 458 4418
6-ways-to-improve-car-security-during-lockdown-main-original-1.jpg?w=1024&h=682&scale
4 Minute Read

6 ways to improve car security during…

Read Article
Though car security should be a priority at all times, in the current climate there is increased potential…
Read Article
Though car security should be a priority at all times, in the current climate there is increased potential for crime with vehicles lying on streets and driveways around the nation. For those looking for peace of mind, Windrush Car Storage has put together six options to improve your car’s security at home. Steering wheel lock Perhaps the most commonly used method of increasing car security, the premise of a steering lock is to prevent the wheel from moving should anyone attempt to drive the car. Furthermore, these are a large visual deterrent for thieves scouting potential target vehicles. When choosing and fitting a steering lock, it is important to remember the following: Buy the best device you can – with car security you tend to get what you pay for, and although all steering locks will be a visual warning sign, some hold up to removal attempts than others. This article by Auto Express gives a great rundown on potential options. Ensure you fit the item in the most secure way possible – take time to read the instructions, as simple as it may seem, and make sure you place the item in the most awkward position for anyone attempting to enter or drive the vehicle (interfering with the gear knob, hindering seating etc). Wheel clamps A more expensive option than a steering wheel lock, and more involved to fit and remove, wheel clamps are more appropriate for vehicles which will not be used frequently. This device locks around your car’s wheel rim, and is commonly used by councils to punish vehicles breaking the law. This solution offers the best visual deterrent, but as with steering locks do take time to research the best options and to buy the best item you can. Dash camera These small cameras traditionally mount at the top of your windscreen looking out to the road ahead, and can be used to monitor your journeys as well as potential criminals. An increasingly common option due to their ability to add evidence to insurance claims in accidents as well as deter thieves, some systems boast excellent night time recording as well as motion and G sensors which turn the camera on if movement is detected. Not only a great visual deterrent, a dash cam also has the benefit of being able to record any vandalism that occurs or other suspect activity and can be used to help identify thieves. Tracker More commonly fitted in high value vehicles, trackers can be retrofitted to any vehicle and offer traceability should your car be stolen. Depending on the level of system chosen, some can send alerts to your mobile phone or communicate directly with police departments – there are many options at different price points available. Car key signal blockers As modern cars are routinely fitted with ‘keyless go’ and other such systems, an increasingly common form of theft sees criminals accessing your key remotely, unlocking and driving your car away. The first rule of car security it to keep your car keys as far away from the car as possible to make it difficult for the thief to find the signal, but for those who want certainty there are a number of simple cases and sleeves for your keys which do not allow signals to enter or exit. Garage door locks/defenders/bollards Even if your car is stored in a locked garage, there are also ways to improve your garage security. Perhaps most obviously, upgrading the lock on your garage is an easy way to improve security and create a visual deterrent. For those with an ‘up and over’ style garage door, a door defender can be fitted in front of which blocks the door from opening. Mounted into the ground and fitted with a lock, these devices can be folded down by the owner to allow the door to open once unlocked. The most permanent solution of all, there are a number of options for lockable and retractable bollards to be placed either in front of your garage or simply in front of your parking space. Windrush Car Storage In secure car storage at Windrush we keep all cars on the button in a secure, controlled environment alleviating all of these risks. Our security systems and regimes are world class and reviewed regularly, and we regularly update our clients on their vehicle to provide them with complete peace of mind. Please do contact us for further information on our servcies.
how-to-look-after-your-car-during-a-lockdown-main-original-1.jpg?w=1024&h=682&scale
8 Minute Read

How to look after your car during…

Read Article
During a period of inactivity anything mechanical has the potential to degrade. Here are our top tips for…
Read Article
During a period of inactivity anything mechanical has the potential to degrade. Here are our top tips for how to look after your car during a lockdown or any period of inactivity. Background During a period of inactivity anything mechanical has the potential to degrade – batteries can go flat, brakes can seize, paint can fade all resulting in an inconvenience when you may need your mode of transport for that essential trip, or for the glorious day lockdown is lifted. Furthermore, the value of your car may suffer. The easiest thing would be to place it in the hands of professionals such as Windrush Car Storage to take care of these risks on your behalf, but for those who are caring for their pride and joy at home let’s go through each potential issue to discuss how you can proactively care for your car yourself in curious times. Batteries The issue Without a healthy battery you aren’t going anywhere, and in the modern age let’s not assume we are talking about just starting the engine. With many EVs now in circulation, without battery charge you are stuck and we’re not talking about a simple ‘jump start’ like the good old days – it’s most likely the car may need to be recovered by a tow truck and taken to a specialist for repairs. Any battery left unattended for a length of time will discharge, with the speed of this discharge somewhat dependent on weather conditions (temperature, humidity etc). Generally, the older the battery is the closer it will be to the end of it’s serviceable life and it will not have the ability to hold as much charge as a new battery, discharging faster as a result. Click here to read a dedicated article on battery care. Solutions Placing the vehicle on charge will top up the battery but it’s not a good idea to leave your car on a regular car charger for prolonged periods. At Windrush Car Storage we use specifically designed fully automatic battery charger conditioners. These will charge a flat battery but also automatically switch to an automatic float/maintenance mode, which will monitor feedback from the battery, increasing and decreasing the amount of amps it supplies depending on what the battery needs. These are designed to be left connected safely for months on end. You can use the engine to charge the battery. Engines have a device called an alternator (or dynamos on very old cars) and as the engine turns, a belt drives the alternator which puts out a current which tops up the battery. This can be done by driving your car or sitting stationary. Clearly sitting still isn’t very environmentally sensitive, and leaving your car running left unattended could increase the chances of theft. Driving your car for essential food or medicine supplies on the other hand would charge your car’s battery whilst being socially responsible. There is also the option of fitting a battery monitor which you can connect your smartphone to monitor battery health. Many EVs have this feature already integrated within their system, but for regular cars it is possible to purchase a dongle that attaches to the battery terminals and connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth. As you notice the battery levels drop, you can use solutions 1 or 2. Tyres The issue Over time tyres will lose pressure and deflate. Why? If my car is new or has new tyres, surely it won’t do this! Not true: all tyres are microscopically porous (rubber is a natural compound) and the air molecules will percolate through the rubber very slowly over time. This can be bad for your tyres for a few reasons. Deflated tyres will result in poor vehicle handling and could result in loss of vehicle control – clearly not a good result for you, your family or placing the emergency services under more pressure. Soft tyres can develop flat spots on the contact patch with the road surface. This can affect vehicle handling as described in 1. Tyres left outside degrade with sunlight. Over time the UV light leads to perishing of the rubber, which increases the chances of a tyre failure. Simple aging – older tyres do not age well for obvious reasons. Solutions At least once a month check your tyre pressures. The manufacturers prescribed pressure for your vehicle can be found in your car’s handbook, sometimes on the driver’s door shut area or inside the fuel filler flap. Most petrol stations usually have a tyre inflation facility which will give the current tyre pressure read out when connected. Alternatively, you can purchase a tyre pressure gauge to keep in your vehicle for periodic checking at home. The issue with having your own gauge is that whilst this is calibrated when new, it can go out of tolerance over time. A garage, however, has a duty of care for public safety to have their equipment calibrated at least once a year. Try to garage or cover up your tyres to prevent the UV light getting to them. Be wary of the risks on covering the whole car when parked outside, however – see bodywork section below. All modern tyres are individually date stamped. These can be tricky to find but have a good look on the sidewall and it will be there. Essentially general advice is not to keep your tyres in use more than 10 years, however this time can be further reduced if UV damage occurs resulting in perishing. Some motoring professionals now advise not keeping tyres in service for longer than 6 years. Let’s face it – the small four contact patches where your car meets the road are the only thing keeping you on it in a safe controlled manner, so taking due care is crucial. More information on tyre advice can be found here. Brakes The issue Brakes are moving parts and rely on use to keep in full working order. Due to their location they are exposed to extreme temperatures, cleaning chemicals, salt and grime. As a result of this they only work well when maintained and serviced, so whenever Windrush take a car for a service we ensure the pads are removed, cleaned, and checked before replacing if required and applying anti-squeal and rust compound to the relevant areas. However, brakes do work best when they are used day to day, week to week. When parked up these moving parts can seize resulting in binding brakes or at worse a seized brake. Even if your brakes do not bind, periods of inactivity can reduce braking efficiency which could be unsafe when you do fire your car back up. Solutions When your vehicle is serviced ask your garage to not only visually inspect the wear surfaces (which is usually done by a trained eye through a wheel spoke) but to remove the wheels, which again is a good idea to ensure they are not seized to the hubs. Have them remove the friction pads, inspect, replace if needed but importantly clean the sliding surfaces and apply a high temperature copper grease. This effort will reward you with maximized braking efficiency and by minimizing the chances of seizing during periods of dormancy. Use your vehicle when you can, and don’t be too shy when using the brakes. Too little pressure can also reduce the braking performance over time, so ensure no one is following and when the road is clear on a safe road use a reasonable amount of force for around 4 seconds from 50mph to give the pads and mechanism a work out. Think of yourself sitting on the sofa all day – you would seize up, exercise is healthy for humans and mechanical components. After the winter ensure to really rinse down your wheels, underside and brakes to remove any salt residue which will accelerate mechanical degradation if left unattended. After washing your car, you may notice your brake discs turn a golden brown colour. Whilst this can look ‘pretty’ it is rust, the arch enemy of cars. If you didn’t move your car this rust would bind the brake pads and to the brake discs, potentially resulting in seized brakes. If you can, leave the car for 24 hours and then take for a short drive applying the brakes to remove this flash rust. Try to leave the handbrake off when left for extended periods to avoid seizing. The safest practice is to place the vehicle in gear, chock the wheels and turn your wheels to the curb. Bodywork The issue Bird poo, tree sap, brake dust, road grime, road salt and grit all attack the bodywork and glass of your car. If not removed during lockdown these may degrade the appearance and aesthetics of your car, which can be demoralizing at a challenging time but also negatively affect the value of your vehicle when you wish to sell it on. If left for too long not only will the condition of the paintwork be adversely affected but the protective layer in the paint could be compromised ultimately rendering it susceptible to rust. Solutions Wash your vehicle properly (here’s our guide on how to wash your car the right way!) Don’t cover your car outside. Be careful here as a generic cover will chafe and rub at the corners of your paintwork possibly causing more damage then not using a cover. The paint on your car is designed to protect as well as looking pleasing to the eye. Accessories During uncertain times and even during every day life, a proactive approach to car care is always a good idea. Having a breakdown that could be avoided and having to call someone out to assist takes them away from someone who may need their help more and potentially placed both of you in a higher risk of virus transfer. Here are a few essential items which could help. You can keep these in the boot of your car or at home easy to hand. Automatic battery conditioner Bluetooth battery condition recorder which links to your smartphone Jump leads Tyre pressure gauge High visibility jacket for you and any passengers Service record which is regularly updated In secure car storage at Windrush we keep all cars on the button in a secure, controlled environment alleviating all of these risks. Every vehicle is accessible with same day notice, and our clients can use their cars as often or as little as they wish knowing everything is good to go.
driving-in-europe-post-brexit-your-essential-checklist-main-original-1-scaled.jpg?w=1024&h=720&scale
1 Minute Read

Driving In Europe Post-Brexit: Your Essential Checklist

Read Article
Whether you’re following the Basque coastline or stocking your cellar at the ancient wine towns of the Loire…
Read Article
Whether you’re following the Basque coastline or stocking your cellar at the ancient wine towns of the Loire Valley, a European road trip has never felt so appealing. At Windrush Car Storage, your vehicle will always be ready to roll when wanderlust strikes, with mechanics primed and paperwork up to date. But nobody is immune to Brexit legislation, and driving on the continent now demands more than a passport in the glovebox (although you’ll need that too). Here’s your essential checklist of documents and safety kit. Essential Documents Travelling with a full and valid driving licence goes without saying, but that doesn’t necessarily give you carte blanche. Depending on the countries you visit, the length of your stay – and whether you hold a photocard or paper licence – you might also need an International Driving Permit (IDP). It’s an unwelcome but painless bit of admin, easily picked up from the Post Office. Your V5C logbook certificate, plus travel and vehicle insurance documents, should all be to hand, along with a green card to prove you’re insured to drive abroad. Keep a wallet of personal documents, too, including passport, National Insurance details and healthcare paperwork. Obviously, road tax, MOT and European breakdown cover are all essential: just ask Windrush if you’d like us to maintain these as part of our long term car storage service. Finally, don’t overlook the little things. The trusty GB sticker is still mandatory unless it appears on your numberplate, while the Crit’Air windscreen badge demanded in certain French cities only costs around 3 Euros – but carries an on-the-spot fine of £117 if the gendarmerie catch you without one.       Essential Equipment Your paperwork might be present and correct, but you’ll also need to travel with the required safety equipment. To stay regulations-compliant, bring one reflective jacket per car occupant: this should be stowed within the vehicle’s cabin (not the boot) and worn before you leave the vehicle on a motorway, to avoid a fine of up to 750 Euros. A warning triangle is compulsory, too, as are beam deflectors and a first aid kit (in France, Germany and Austria). While not required by law, you’d be well-advised to arm yourself for the unexpected, bringing a portable fire extinguisher, spare bulbs, engine oil and washer fluid – plus a petrol can for that long walk to the station d’essence. Come home to Windrush Car Storage When you return from your European road trip – having scratched your itch for adventure and stocked your boot with vintage Bordeaux – Windrush will be ready to welcome you home. Sit back with friends and tell your stories from the road, as the Windrush team puts your vehicle through our renowned twelve-step induction programme and into our long term car storage. To discover more about Windrush’s secure car storage, get in touch.
  • 6-ways-to-improve-car-security-during-lockdown-main-original-1.jpg?w=1024&h=682&scale
    4 Minute Read

    6 ways to improve car security during lockdown

    Read Article
    Though car security should be a priority at all times, in the current climate there is increased potential for crime with vehicles lying on streets and driveways around the nation. For those looking for peace of mind, Windrush Car Storage has put together six options to improve your car’s security at home. Steering wheel lock Perhaps the most commonly used method of increasing car security, the premise of a steering lock is to prevent the wheel from moving should anyone attempt to drive the car. Furthermore, these are a large visual deterrent for thieves scouting potential target vehicles. When choosing and fitting a steering lock, it is important to remember the following: Buy the best device you can – with car security you tend to get what you pay for, and although all steering locks will be a visual warning sign, some hold up to removal attempts than others. This article by Auto Express gives a great rundown on potential options. Ensure you fit the item in the most secure way possible – take time to read the instructions, as simple as it may seem, and make sure you place the item in the most awkward position for anyone attempting to enter or drive the vehicle (interfering with the gear knob, hindering seating etc). Wheel clamps A more expensive option than a steering wheel lock, and more involved to fit and remove, wheel clamps are more appropriate for vehicles which will not be used frequently. This device locks around your car’s wheel rim, and is commonly used by councils to punish vehicles breaking the law. This solution offers the best visual deterrent, but as with steering locks do take time to research the best options and to buy the best item you can. Dash camera These small cameras traditionally mount at the top of your windscreen looking out to the road ahead, and can be used to monitor your journeys as well as potential criminals. An increasingly common option due to their ability to add evidence to insurance claims in accidents as well as deter thieves, some systems boast excellent night time recording as well as motion and G sensors which turn the camera on if movement is detected. Not only a great visual deterrent, a dash cam also has the benefit of being able to record any vandalism that occurs or other suspect activity and can be used to help identify thieves. Tracker More commonly fitted in high value vehicles, trackers can be retrofitted to any vehicle and offer traceability should your car be stolen. Depending on the level of system chosen, some can send alerts to your mobile phone or communicate directly with police departments – there are many options at different price points available. Car key signal blockers As modern cars are routinely fitted with ‘keyless go’ and other such systems, an increasingly common form of theft sees criminals accessing your key remotely, unlocking and driving your car away. The first rule of car security it to keep your car keys as far away from the car as possible to make it difficult for the thief to find the signal, but for those who want certainty there are a number of simple cases and sleeves for your keys which do not allow signals to enter or exit. Garage door locks/defenders/bollards Even if your car is stored in a locked garage, there are also ways to improve your garage security. Perhaps most obviously, upgrading the lock on your garage is an easy way to improve security and create a visual deterrent. For those with an ‘up and over’ style garage door, a door defender can be fitted in front of which blocks the door from opening. Mounted into the ground and fitted with a lock, these devices can be folded down by the owner to allow the door to open once unlocked. The most permanent solution of all, there are a number of options for lockable and retractable bollards to be placed either in front of your garage or simply in front of your parking space. Windrush Car Storage In secure car storage at Windrush we keep all cars on the button in a secure, controlled environment alleviating all of these risks. Our security systems and regimes are world class and reviewed regularly, and we regularly update our clients on their vehicle to provide them with complete peace of mind. Please do contact us for further information on our servcies.
  • how-to-look-after-your-car-during-a-lockdown-main-original-1.jpg?w=1024&h=682&scale
    8 Minute Read

    How to look after your car during a lockdown

    Read Article
    During a period of inactivity anything mechanical has the potential to degrade. Here are our top tips for how to look after your car during a lockdown or any period of inactivity. Background During a period of inactivity anything mechanical has the potential to degrade – batteries can go flat, brakes can seize, paint can fade all resulting in an inconvenience when you may need your mode of transport for that essential trip, or for the glorious day lockdown is lifted. Furthermore, the value of your car may suffer. The easiest thing would be to place it in the hands of professionals such as Windrush Car Storage to take care of these risks on your behalf, but for those who are caring for their pride and joy at home let’s go through each potential issue to discuss how you can proactively care for your car yourself in curious times. Batteries The issue Without a healthy battery you aren’t going anywhere, and in the modern age let’s not assume we are talking about just starting the engine. With many EVs now in circulation, without battery charge you are stuck and we’re not talking about a simple ‘jump start’ like the good old days – it’s most likely the car may need to be recovered by a tow truck and taken to a specialist for repairs. Any battery left unattended for a length of time will discharge, with the speed of this discharge somewhat dependent on weather conditions (temperature, humidity etc). Generally, the older the battery is the closer it will be to the end of it’s serviceable life and it will not have the ability to hold as much charge as a new battery, discharging faster as a result. Click here to read a dedicated article on battery care. Solutions Placing the vehicle on charge will top up the battery but it’s not a good idea to leave your car on a regular car charger for prolonged periods. At Windrush Car Storage we use specifically designed fully automatic battery charger conditioners. These will charge a flat battery but also automatically switch to an automatic float/maintenance mode, which will monitor feedback from the battery, increasing and decreasing the amount of amps it supplies depending on what the battery needs. These are designed to be left connected safely for months on end. You can use the engine to charge the battery. Engines have a device called an alternator (or dynamos on very old cars) and as the engine turns, a belt drives the alternator which puts out a current which tops up the battery. This can be done by driving your car or sitting stationary. Clearly sitting still isn’t very environmentally sensitive, and leaving your car running left unattended could increase the chances of theft. Driving your car for essential food or medicine supplies on the other hand would charge your car’s battery whilst being socially responsible. There is also the option of fitting a battery monitor which you can connect your smartphone to monitor battery health. Many EVs have this feature already integrated within their system, but for regular cars it is possible to purchase a dongle that attaches to the battery terminals and connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth. As you notice the battery levels drop, you can use solutions 1 or 2. Tyres The issue Over time tyres will lose pressure and deflate. Why? If my car is new or has new tyres, surely it won’t do this! Not true: all tyres are microscopically porous (rubber is a natural compound) and the air molecules will percolate through the rubber very slowly over time. This can be bad for your tyres for a few reasons. Deflated tyres will result in poor vehicle handling and could result in loss of vehicle control – clearly not a good result for you, your family or placing the emergency services under more pressure. Soft tyres can develop flat spots on the contact patch with the road surface. This can affect vehicle handling as described in 1. Tyres left outside degrade with sunlight. Over time the UV light leads to perishing of the rubber, which increases the chances of a tyre failure. Simple aging – older tyres do not age well for obvious reasons. Solutions At least once a month check your tyre pressures. The manufacturers prescribed pressure for your vehicle can be found in your car’s handbook, sometimes on the driver’s door shut area or inside the fuel filler flap. Most petrol stations usually have a tyre inflation facility which will give the current tyre pressure read out when connected. Alternatively, you can purchase a tyre pressure gauge to keep in your vehicle for periodic checking at home. The issue with having your own gauge is that whilst this is calibrated when new, it can go out of tolerance over time. A garage, however, has a duty of care for public safety to have their equipment calibrated at least once a year. Try to garage or cover up your tyres to prevent the UV light getting to them. Be wary of the risks on covering the whole car when parked outside, however – see bodywork section below. All modern tyres are individually date stamped. These can be tricky to find but have a good look on the sidewall and it will be there. Essentially general advice is not to keep your tyres in use more than 10 years, however this time can be further reduced if UV damage occurs resulting in perishing. Some motoring professionals now advise not keeping tyres in service for longer than 6 years. Let’s face it – the small four contact patches where your car meets the road are the only thing keeping you on it in a safe controlled manner, so taking due care is crucial. More information on tyre advice can be found here. Brakes The issue Brakes are moving parts and rely on use to keep in full working order. Due to their location they are exposed to extreme temperatures, cleaning chemicals, salt and grime. As a result of this they only work well when maintained and serviced, so whenever Windrush take a car for a service we ensure the pads are removed, cleaned, and checked before replacing if required and applying anti-squeal and rust compound to the relevant areas. However, brakes do work best when they are used day to day, week to week. When parked up these moving parts can seize resulting in binding brakes or at worse a seized brake. Even if your brakes do not bind, periods of inactivity can reduce braking efficiency which could be unsafe when you do fire your car back up. Solutions When your vehicle is serviced ask your garage to not only visually inspect the wear surfaces (which is usually done by a trained eye through a wheel spoke) but to remove the wheels, which again is a good idea to ensure they are not seized to the hubs. Have them remove the friction pads, inspect, replace if needed but importantly clean the sliding surfaces and apply a high temperature copper grease. This effort will reward you with maximized braking efficiency and by minimizing the chances of seizing during periods of dormancy. Use your vehicle when you can, and don’t be too shy when using the brakes. Too little pressure can also reduce the braking performance over time, so ensure no one is following and when the road is clear on a safe road use a reasonable amount of force for around 4 seconds from 50mph to give the pads and mechanism a work out. Think of yourself sitting on the sofa all day – you would seize up, exercise is healthy for humans and mechanical components. After the winter ensure to really rinse down your wheels, underside and brakes to remove any salt residue which will accelerate mechanical degradation if left unattended. After washing your car, you may notice your brake discs turn a golden brown colour. Whilst this can look ‘pretty’ it is rust, the arch enemy of cars. If you didn’t move your car this rust would bind the brake pads and to the brake discs, potentially resulting in seized brakes. If you can, leave the car for 24 hours and then take for a short drive applying the brakes to remove this flash rust. Try to leave the handbrake off when left for extended periods to avoid seizing. The safest practice is to place the vehicle in gear, chock the wheels and turn your wheels to the curb. Bodywork The issue Bird poo, tree sap, brake dust, road grime, road salt and grit all attack the bodywork and glass of your car. If not removed during lockdown these may degrade the appearance and aesthetics of your car, which can be demoralizing at a challenging time but also negatively affect the value of your vehicle when you wish to sell it on. If left for too long not only will the condition of the paintwork be adversely affected but the protective layer in the paint could be compromised ultimately rendering it susceptible to rust. Solutions Wash your vehicle properly (here’s our guide on how to wash your car the right way!) Don’t cover your car outside. Be careful here as a generic cover will chafe and rub at the corners of your paintwork possibly causing more damage then not using a cover. The paint on your car is designed to protect as well as looking pleasing to the eye. Accessories During uncertain times and even during every day life, a proactive approach to car care is always a good idea. Having a breakdown that could be avoided and having to call someone out to assist takes them away from someone who may need their help more and potentially placed both of you in a higher risk of virus transfer. Here are a few essential items which could help. You can keep these in the boot of your car or at home easy to hand. Automatic battery conditioner Bluetooth battery condition recorder which links to your smartphone Jump leads Tyre pressure gauge High visibility jacket for you and any passengers Service record which is regularly updated In secure car storage at Windrush we keep all cars on the button in a secure, controlled environment alleviating all of these risks. Every vehicle is accessible with same day notice, and our clients can use their cars as often or as little as they wish knowing everything is good to go.
  • driving-in-europe-post-brexit-your-essential-checklist-main-original-1-scaled.jpg?w=1024&h=720&scale
    1 Minute Read

    Driving In Europe Post-Brexit: Your Essential Checklist

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    Whether you’re following the Basque coastline or stocking your cellar at the ancient wine towns of the Loire Valley, a European road trip has never felt so appealing. At Windrush Car Storage, your vehicle will always be ready to roll when wanderlust strikes, with mechanics primed and paperwork up to date. But nobody is immune to Brexit legislation, and driving on the continent now demands more than a passport in the glovebox (although you’ll need that too). Here’s your essential checklist of documents and safety kit. Essential Documents Travelling with a full and valid driving licence goes without saying, but that doesn’t necessarily give you carte blanche. Depending on the countries you visit, the length of your stay – and whether you hold a photocard or paper licence – you might also need an International Driving Permit (IDP). It’s an unwelcome but painless bit of admin, easily picked up from the Post Office. Your V5C logbook certificate, plus travel and vehicle insurance documents, should all be to hand, along with a green card to prove you’re insured to drive abroad. Keep a wallet of personal documents, too, including passport, National Insurance details and healthcare paperwork. Obviously, road tax, MOT and European breakdown cover are all essential: just ask Windrush if you’d like us to maintain these as part of our long term car storage service. Finally, don’t overlook the little things. The trusty GB sticker is still mandatory unless it appears on your numberplate, while the Crit’Air windscreen badge demanded in certain French cities only costs around 3 Euros – but carries an on-the-spot fine of £117 if the gendarmerie catch you without one.       Essential Equipment Your paperwork might be present and correct, but you’ll also need to travel with the required safety equipment. To stay regulations-compliant, bring one reflective jacket per car occupant: this should be stowed within the vehicle’s cabin (not the boot) and worn before you leave the vehicle on a motorway, to avoid a fine of up to 750 Euros. A warning triangle is compulsory, too, as are beam deflectors and a first aid kit (in France, Germany and Austria). While not required by law, you’d be well-advised to arm yourself for the unexpected, bringing a portable fire extinguisher, spare bulbs, engine oil and washer fluid – plus a petrol can for that long walk to the station d’essence. Come home to Windrush Car Storage When you return from your European road trip – having scratched your itch for adventure and stocked your boot with vintage Bordeaux – Windrush will be ready to welcome you home. Sit back with friends and tell your stories from the road, as the Windrush team puts your vehicle through our renowned twelve-step induction programme and into our long term car storage. To discover more about Windrush’s secure car storage, get in touch.
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