During the period of social distance it is possible to see a reduction in the number of cars on the streets. Standing in garages or parking lots, vehicles may suffer from lack of use. Some items, such as car brakes, tires and batteries, require care. Follow tips from DPaschoal, the largest automotive center in the country, and Cobreq, a TMD Friction brand, the largest brake pad manufacturer in the world.
Brakes
Oxidation between brake discs and pads can occur with vehicles that have been idle for a long time. According to Raulincom Borges da Silva, technical assistance coordinator for TMD Friction, the risk is greater in cars that are exposed to the weather, in places with high humidity and incidence of salt air. “Vehicles in drier regions are not free from oxidation, but the possibility of this happening is less, when compared to other factors that can speed up the process”, he comments.
When leaving with the car after quarantine, the technician advises to walk with the vehicle at reduced speed, with caution and be aware of any abnormal noise or inefficiency of the brake. Depending on the case, the noise may disappear quickly with the vehicle in motion, but if it does not, a professional should be sought to assess the brake system.
Parking brake
Currently, the most modern friction materials applied to brake linings and pads have in their compositions substances that inhibit “sticking” between pads and disc or shoes and drum. However, not all cars are equipped with quality items and, as the brake systems are opened, exposed to the weather and various substances found on the roads, the handbrake applied for a long time can present unwanted problems of “sticking” . In this situation, a professional should be called.
Brake Fluid
Before using the vehicle again, check the fluid level and check for leaks. Another guideline is to consult the expiration date and fluid change according to the vehicle manufacturer’s indication, but with a car stopped due to the isolation period, the ideal is to continue with the change considering the time and not the mileage. Borges da Silva also recalls that the liquid should not be topped up if it is below the level but replaced.
Batteries
“Be careful with that item in your car!”, Warns DPaschoal Products and Services Engineer, Danilo Ribeiro. First, avoid using electrical equipment with the vehicle turned off, so you will preserve the battery charge. Second, when starting, turn everything off, so the battery will not be overcharged. Third, check your terminals, they may be loose, dirty or corroded. The zinabre appears due to possible leaks of the battery’s internal liquid, in this case, clean it with a solution of water and sodium bicarbonate. Fourth, if you need to leave your car stopped for a long time, start it every 15 days and leave it running for about 15 minutes. It is important to remember that if the vehicle is in a closed environment, you must stay far away in order not to inhale CO2.
Reeds
It is important to keep the reed arms up, as this helps to minimize dryness and deformation of the rubber. It is also essential to turn cleaners on once a week by pouring water to keep the rubbers hydrated.
Cabin filter
Check the condition of the cabin filter also known as the air conditioning filter. Consult your car’s manual for its location. According to Ribeiro, most of the time, the item is behind the glove compartment or under the hood. Caring for air conditioning is extremely important both for the conservation of the vehicle and for the health of the occupants.
Mechanics
Avoid leaving the key in the contact of the vehicle even if it is completely turned off. This keeps the system in standby and consumes battery power. In addition, if the garage is not flat, avoid leaving the car in gear, as the weight of the car can damage the gearbox, especially if it is automatic.
Routine
Do not forget to calibrate all tires, including the spare tire. It is essential to supply the cold start reservoir, since a period of lower temperatures is now starting.
When refueling, ask the gas station attendant to check all the liquids in the car – cooling, oil, windshield wiper, power steering and gear oil. “It is also recommended to turn on the hot air and close all windows when leaving the car on to charge the battery. This helps to reduce the humidity of the ventilation system and helps to prevent the accumulation of fungi and mites in the pipeline ”, says the specialist.
Cleanliness and hygiene
Asepsis never hurts, especially at this moment. Therefore, regularly clean the inside of the car with a vacuum cleaner, wipe with a damp cloth with a solution of water and neutral detergent, and then dry with a microfiber cloth.
About Cobreq
Cobreq is one of the brands of the TMD Friction group, the largest manufacturer of brake pads in the world. The company develops brake linings, shoes and pads covering vehicles from the light, heavy and motorcycle lines. Located in an area of 100 thousand m², in Salto, in the interior of São Paulo, the factory represents one of the largest units of the TMD Friction group outside Europe. For more information access www.cobreq.com.br.
About the TMD Friction Group
TMD Friction, a group of Nisshinbo Holdings Inc., is a global leader in the manufacture of brake pads for the automotive industry. It also manufactures disc brake pads and drum brake linings for applications in various types of vehicles. Its product portfolio also includes sports brake pads, as well as friction materials for this segment. TMD Friction serves the global spare parts market through the brands Textar, Nisshinbo, Mintex, Don, Pagid and Cobreq, in addition to developing and producing friction coatings for the industry under the Cosid brand. The TMD Friction Group has four manufacturing plants in Germany, in addition to other units in Europe, the USA, Brazil, Mexico, China, Japan and South Africa. The group has more than 5,000 employees worldwide. For more information access www.tmdfriction.com.
About DPaschoal
Since 1949 DPaschoal has been providing automotive maintenance services for light and heavy vehicles with the premise of SER – Sustainability, Education and Social Responsibility. With more than 160 stores in 07 states and 68 municipalities, DPaschoal seeks to save both for its customers and for the planet. Its principle is to measure and test, with exclusive tools, to assess the real need to change parts or tires with complete transparency and honesty. DPaschoal has an internal university and the Technical and Innovation Training Center to ensure that professionals are highly qualified. The DPaschoal group also has Fundação Educar, which actively works in the community with social projects, DPK – specialist in automotive distribution throughout Brazil and Maxxi Training integrating suppliers in the training of market professionals, in addition to Daterra, which is concerned with the development of sustainable agricultural projects and research. www.dpaschoal.com.br.
Press information
Alfapress Communications
Fabiana Groppo (19) 9.97816909
[email protected]
Alfapress Communications
Isabela Lopes (19) 9.9788-6829
[email protected]
