Maruti Suzuki, the country’s largest carmaker, has been sending regular maintenance tips to its customers. “Start vehicle and keep engine running once a month for 15 mins. For SHVS vehicles, start and keep engine running with headlights ‘on’ at least, once a month for 30 mins,” the carmaker said in one of its text messages.
Ways to keep the battery in good shape and disengaging the handbrake if a vehicle is parked for a long duration are among the other maintenance tips that automakers are sharing on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Leaving vehicles unused for long durations is usually bad for vehicles. In India, a 21-day lockdown is being strictly imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus infection.
“Move your car forward or backward slightly, and check tyre pressure at regular intervals. It will avoid tyre damage,” said another message from Maruti.
Partho Banerjee, executive director, service, Maruti Suzuki India Limited, told ET, “We are sharing daily messages and small videos through our social media platforms on car maintenance tips to our customers. We are also providing breakdown support to all customers who have to travel for essential services or due to an emergency.”
Automakers have also opened customer helplines which can be called for vehicle maintenance and service related assistance. Mahindra and Mahindra is providing assistance to its customers through its ‘With You Humesha’ website.
Similarly, Hyundai has deployed 1,000 doorstep advantage bikes/emergency road service cars for assistance to customers. A message on its website said, “The availability of support is subject to approval of local authorities in the wake of complete lockdown.”
Like most auto majors, Hyundai too is extending two months’ support to customers who are unable to avail of vehicle warranty.
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