As Canadians stay home due to COVID-10 restrictions, cars are sitting unused for long periods of time, which the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) warns can cause problems for vehicles, like drained batteries and tyre pressure issues.

Even when a car is turned off, it still draws power from the battery. A car battery could die after only a few weeks of not being used.

CAA Senior Manager of Public Affairs, Kristine D’Arbelles, says that people should aim to take their vehicle out for a drive at least once a week.

“Where feasible, drivers are encouraged to combine their vehicle maintenance with running other errands, such as buying groceries or picking up medications at the pharmacy.” she adds.

Countrywide, CAA has responded to roughly 45 per cent more battery-related service calls than usual since stay at home orders were introduced.

CAA also recommends:

• Always checking tyre pressure before driving. Drivers should consider putting wooden blocks underneath their vehicle’s tyres, to keep pressure off them.
• Plugging your car into a battery maintainer or a solar-powered battery maintainer to keep your vehicle battery charged
• In case of break down, calling ahead to the mechanic shop  to make sure they are open and find out what special procedures are in place.