As Singapore prepares to enter phase 3, many have returned to their workplace but recent survey shows that 8 in 10 Singaporeans prefer to work from home. Working from home would not require you to commute to your workplace, so you may find yourself using your car less frequent this year or perhaps even barely at all! Here’s how to maintain your car while you stay indoors more during this pandemic. Read on!
Drive at least once a week
Try to drive your car at least once a week even if it is just around your HDB block or neighbourhood. This prevents dead battery and keeps your car parts such as transmission and brakes lubricated. If you leave your car sitting for too long, oils may start to settle. Fluids will begin to separate. Seals may also begin to dry out. This can cause damage to your car.
Driving your car helps to avoid flat spots on tyres as they lose air over time. If you have old tyres, look out for rubber deterioration, cracking, flaking, bulging or discolouration caused by age. Make it a habit to inspect your car tyres before heading out on the road.
Park in a good spot
You probably know this already but try to avoid parking under trees (for obvious reasons!) and on grassy patches because moisture could travel up into your car’s undercarriage and cause rust. If you intend to leave your car parked for longer periods, do not use parking brakes. This can cause the brake pads and rotor to rust and fuse together.
#TiqOurWord You may not be able to predict the weather or how much rain the coming monsoon season will bring but know that you can be compensated for damages from flood or from a fallen tree with a comprehensive car insurance from Tiq by Etiqa. Learn more.
Top up on petrol
If you’re feeling the pinch for petrol, here’re some easy steps to increase your petrol mileage rather than stinge on car fuel. Do fill up your petrol tank to avoid condensation. Water in the petrol tank can cause various problems such as sudden stalling of engine, trouble accelerating, and reduction in car mileage or worst case scenario: the engine will not start at all!
Wax and seal
Protect your car with wax to prolong the longevity of the paint. Also consider investing in a good quality car cover, preferably with tie-down straps so it would stay on in case of strong winds or storms.
#TiqOurWord Chipped car paint may be hard to prevent. For more quick fixes, read this!
Beware of unwanted visitors
Vacuum thoroughly to avoid cockroaches, rats or other pests making a home in your car. Idle cars are good targets for pests to settle in the hood of your car, which can be a nuisance as they will not only leave foul smelling feces but might also nibble on the wires!
Another unwanted visitor that none of us ever want to encounter would be … … car thieves! Be mindful to keep your expensive belongings out of sight, and perhaps even invest in a steering lock! A comprehensive car insurance like the Private Car Insurance from Tiq by Etiqa can also cover you in case of car loss or theft. Learn more.
Upkeep normal maintenance schedule
Regular oil changes will and improve petrol mileage. Hence, do maintain your car with regular servicing for oil changes and have the brakes inspected every six months or at every 10,000km mileage interval (whichever comes first).
Review your car insurance plan
Having a reliable car insurance can help you to manage unexpected car expenses. Regardless of the usage of your car, it pays to review your car insurance plans at least once a year to ensure that the coverage meets your needs.
With Private Car Insurance from Tiq by Etiqa, you have the flexibility to choose from 3 levels of cover with add-on options to adjust your excess amount based on your needs, protect your NCD and more. Learn more now!
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Information is accurate as at 2 November 2020. This policy is underwritten by Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd. (Company Reg. No. 201331905K). Protected up to specified limits by SDIC.
Tiq by Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd.
A digital insurance channel that embraces changes to provide simple and convenient protection, Tiq’s mission is to make insurance transparent and accessible, inspiring you today to be prepared for life’s surprises and inevitabilities, while empowering you to “Live Unlimited” and take control of your tomorrow.
With a shared vision to change the paradigm of insurance and reshape customer experience, Etiqa created the strong foundation for Tiq. Because life never stops changing, Etiqa never stops progressing. A licensed life and general insurance company registered in the Republic of Singapore and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, Etiqa is governed by the Insurance Act and has been providing insurance solutions since 1961. It is 69% owned by Maybank, Southeast Asia’s fourth largest banking group, with more than 22 million customers in 20 countries; and 31% owned by Ageas, an international insurance group with 33 million customers across 16 countries.
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