The coronavirus lockdown has resulted in many of us no longer driving to work.
According to research conducted by the RAC, around one in 10 people have stopped using their cars completely since lockdown was introduced back in March.
Some people have not used their cars for weeks, while others have only made occasional short trips for supermarket shopping.
As a result of not being used, car batteries can go flat or handbrakes can become stuck.
The RAC's patrol ambassador Ben Aldous has compiled a handy guide on how to look after cars during the crisis.
Here are some of his top tips.
Car batteries
Car batteries can go flat if they are not being used regularly.
They can lose charge and may not have enough power to start the engine, especially if essential journeys have only been short.
Older batteries are more likely to fail, but even brand-new batteries can go flat if they are not being used.
A flat battery can also be caused if it has been drained by accessories like dash cams or if a radio was put on while the car was being washed.
According to the RAC, their patrols have been dealing with more at home flat battery breakdowns than ever before - with the number of call outs compared to the days before lockdown doubling on April 14 this year.
To reduce the chances of a battery failing, car owners could use a trickle charger or battery conditioner to keep it working.
This is the most effective way to keep a battery healthy for long periods of time with little or no use.
It will also stop other energy-sapping components from draining the battery completely.
However, using one of these can be impractical if your car is parked on a street as cables may need to be draped across the pavement.
If a trickle charger is not available, the best thing to do is to make sure you are using your car regularly to keep the battery healthy.
RAC experts say starting a car occasionally and leaving it to run is not likely to help, in fact this may drain the battery.
To make sure the battery is kept healthy consider driving the car 15 to 20 minutes, at least once a week, to top up the battery charge.
For people with two or more cars in your household, it would be a good idea to alternate essential trips with them.
If your battery has gone flat and the car is not starting, jump-starting it could be an option.
However, make sure you take the car you have jump-started immediately for a drive of around 20 to 30 minites to ensure the battery is charged back up again.
If jump-starting is not an option you will have to contact your car breakdown cover for some help.
In some cases though, the battery might need replacing completely, which might involve a trip to a nearby open garage.
Tyres
Cars being left for long periods of time may suffer from loss of pressure in the tyres.
It is possible to check the pressure yourself at home with a tyre pressure gauge, or at a nearby filling station.
If they have gone down they will need inflating to the levels recommended in the the vehicle handbook.
Tyre pumps are available at petrol and service stations.
Tyres can also suffer flat stops and lose their round shape if they are not used for a while, especially if they are older.
Oil, coolant, washer fluid and lights
It is advised to check the oil, coolant and whether lights are working properly to avoid an unnecessary breakdown when you start driving regularly again.
The RAC advises to keep spare bulbs if you can, as it may be a struggle to find the correct bulbs for your car due to shop closures.
Cars have been exempt from needing an MOT during the lockdown, but drivers could still face prosecution if their car is deemed unsafe.
Handbrakes
The RAC warns there is a chance the handbrake or parking brake can become stuck if not used for long periods.
To stop this happening occasionally let the handbrake on and off, but only when the car is on a completely flat surface and chock two wheels if possible.
If you keep your car in a garage, make sure you engage first gear, or P on an automatic, and place chocks around the wheels to stop it from moving.
MOT
Vehicle owners have been granted a six month exemption from MOT testing due to the coronavirus lockdown.
It means people can travel to work when this cannot be done from home or shop for essential items.
All cars, vans and motorcycles which usually would require an MOT have been exempted from needing a test from March 30, 2020.
The government warns vehicles must be kept in a roadworthy condition, and garages will remain open for essential repair work. Drivers can still be prosecuted if they are driving unsafe vehicles.
