Starting your car again post lockdown

1.     When a vehicle has not been used for a long period of time, insects and animals can often be found under the hood of your vehicle. Check for any animal nests made out of straw or leaves that would become a fire hazard with a hot engine. Ensure to also inspect the vehicle grille for leaves or debris in order to avoid your vehicle overheating when it starts

2.     Check the engine oil level, coolant level, brake fluid level and windscreen fluid level and top up if necessary, refer to the Owner’s Manual for further guidance

3.     Check all four tyres to ensure they are not flat or too soft to drive on. If your car has a tyre repair kit rather than a spare wheel, you can use the compressor to inflate the tyres to the correct pressure, refer to the Owner’s Manual for further guidance. Should you not have a tyre repair kit in your vehicle or air compressor available, call your local authorised Mitsubishi dealer for assistance

4.     Check if the car will start, if it does start leave it running for approximately twenty minutes until your engine is up to operating temperature. Make sure that you remain with your vehicle during this process to ensure safety and security

5.     If your car does not start, your 12v battery has discharged, recharge the battery using a battery charger if available. If you use a jump pack or jump leads to start the vehicle, refer to the Owner’s Manual for further guidance, paying particular attention to how and where to connect leads. As in point no3 run the engine for approximately twenty minutes until the engine reaches operating temperature. Switch off all unnecessary electrical items (e.g. lights, heated rear screen, fan, heated seats, etc). Make sure that you remain with your vehicle during this process to ensure safety and security

6.     When any vehicle is not being used regularly, it is common for its brakes to develop mild corrosion and therefore generate some unusual driving characteristics. After a vehicle has been parked for several days, some surface corrosion of the brake discs will occur naturally. This may result in initial brake resistance and/or a knock noise when first pulling away as the brake pads release from the disc. There may also be an unusual noise when braking which will improve after a few brake applications. These items are not cause for concern and will disappear with use. If possible, drive the vehicle (within the 5km radius) to clear corrosion build-up on the brake discs and pads

7.     Book your vehicle in with your nearest Mitsubishi dealer for a full check over or Vehicle Health Check as soon as possible and call your local Mitsubishi dealer should you have any queries or issues. Your authorised Mitsubishi dealer will ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy and safe to drive