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Pull up in the garage -

If you've got a garage at home, use it. It'll be safer and cleaner.

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Get it covered -

If you don't have the luxury of a covered garage, get yourself a durable all-weather car cover.

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The right cover -

Cars come in all shapes and sizes. So do car covers. Make sure to buy one made for your car model or type.

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Fallen leaves -

If parked out in the street, make a point of removing leaves and flowers that fall on your car. Rotting vegetation is a breeding ground for bacteria.

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Bird droppings -

Likewise, beware of bird poop accumulating on your car. These deposits contain a high level of acidity. Simply put, bird poop is corrosive and quickly eats away the wax coating or sealant, and ultimately cuts through the paint.

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Keep it clean! -

If you know you won't be using your vehicle for weeks or even months, it makes sense to clean it before you park up. Give the exterior a full rinse as the first step of prepping your car for the long run.

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Inside and out -

Don't forget the interior. Polish and dust down the cabin. Get rid of any dirt and dust that could damage the inside of your car. You should also get the vehicle waxed to prevent any possible stains.

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Messy interior -

The vehicle's interior should be clean and tidy. Don't leave any junk items in the car that might emit a bad stench, and might event attract vermin.

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Clean those carpets -

Pay special attention to a vehicle's carpets when cleaning. These items bear the brunt of driver and passenger footfall, and anything a dirty shoe may bring in on its heel or sole.

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Full tank of gas -

Fill the tank with gas if you expect the car to be stationary or in storage for more than 30 days. Topping it off will prevent moisture from accumulating inside the fuel tank (which can cause rust) and keep the seals from drying out.

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Disengage parking brake -

It's best to disengage the parking brake/handbrake when leaving a vehicle idle for any length of time as it could get jammed.

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Risk of corrosion -

Leaving the parking brake on may seem like a good idea. But over time the handbrake can stick, which in turn can lead to the corrosion of the car's brake discs—costly items to replace!

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Leave car in gear -

It is wise to leave your car in gear or in parking mode over any length of time. This will keep it from rolling, and serves as a safety precaution.

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Don't get tired -

It's important to make sure your tires are properly inflated and maintained at the correct pressure. This helps prevent cracking of the sidewalls and flat spots.

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Overinflate the tires -

Actually, if your car's going to be stationary for an extended period there's nothing wrong with overinflating the tires a tad.

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Wheel chocks -

Consider using wheel chocks as an extra safety measure if leaving your car parked on an incline.

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Critter proof -

Make your car critter proof by putting rat poison or insect chalk around the engine bay to keep out any unwanted vermin. Dab the chalk around air ducts to safeguard the interior. Tip: if you own a pet, especially a cat that's prone to climbing up into engine bays, keep them away from your vehicle to avoid accidental poisoning.

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Power down -

Disconnect the car's battery if it's not going to be in use for a while. This will avoid a flat battery while the vehicle stays idle.

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Power up -

Alternatively, if you have daily access to your car during lockdown, there's no problem firing the engine up every three to four days and letting it idle for 20 minutes or so. This will keep the battery from depleting.

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Keep the aircon on -

While turning over the engine, run the air conditioning with the blower on. This will remove any dust or foreign particles that may have accumulated during the idle period. It will also keep the lines lubricated and prevent leaks.

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Avoiding flat spots -

You can avoid flat spots without reconnecting the battery or starting the engine by occasionally moving the car back and forth. Of course, this is a no-no if parked on an incline.

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Go for a spin -

If you can, take the car out for a short drive. This will help maintain its condition while giving you a breather. Remember to obey any rules in place governing quarantine.

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Wheel power -

If you're a hands-on type of driver, you may want to extend your car care to pulling over a protective cover on the steering wheel. This measure helps to deter dust and moisture.

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Spark plugs -

The more mechanically minded might want to consider removing the spark plugs and spraying a little oil into the plug sockets before putting them back again. This will help to prevent the insides of the cylinder-head rusting, and keep away the moisture.

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Washing up -

Hose down the engine with ordinary water. A high-pressure hose is best, but wiping it down with a damp cloth also works.

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Under the hood -

Alternatively, you can use an industrial strength cleaner and degreaser to do the job.

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Top up the oil -

We are all told to keep hydrated. Same applies to your car. It helps to change oil and oil filters—used oil contains moisture, metal filings, sludge, and other corrosive elements. If possible after adding fresh oil, take the vehicle for a spin so that the new oil is circulated through the engine.

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Antennae -

Modern vehicle antennae are automatically retractable or detachable. No problem. Many older vehicles, however, are equipped with aerials, which can only be retracted manually. Remember to do this if you drive a vehicle of age. The sad point is that if you don't, there's always a vandal or thief out there who will remove it for you.

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Lock up during lockdown -

Never leave your car unattended while it's switched on or the doors are unlocked. The reasons are obvious.

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Stop-start -

Avoid turning your car on and off in quick succession. The starter motor requires battery power each time, and this juice won't be replenished unless the battery is given time to get its breath back.

See also: The pros and cons of buying an electric car.

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