As businesses across the UK announce temporary closure and families self-isolate in an effort to reduce their exposure to Covid-19, Tivoli has been doing the same. In compliance with government recommendation, we are currently closed but hope to open again in the coming weeks. However, what are you to do in the meantime? What happens if you experience a breakdown or damage to your vehicle? Whilst you can contact Paul White in the case of an emergency on 01424 44 22 77, there are several measures you should take that will help adhere to government policy during the interim.

MOT Exemption

Is your MOT due? Are you unable to find an operating garage? There is no need to panic, as the British government have announced a 6-month exemption period for MOT services. However, this only applies to those vehicles that have expired after 30^th March 2020 and is subject to terms and conditions. You must also keep your car in a road safe condition so as to not cause harm to yourself or others. To check this, there are some basic things to look out for. At Tivoli Auto Services, we recommend performing basic checks to your tyres and fluid levels. If you are unsure of how to do this, contact Paul on 01424 44 22 77. For further details on the MOT extension, you should check the government website on a regular basis to ensure you stay informed and are aware of any changes.

Fuel Station Conduct

In order to follow official government advice, you should remain in isolation unless you’re shopping for essential groceries, visiting vulnerable relatives, exercising for one hour a day or going to work (but only if there is no way you can work remotely). However, if you are on the road and find that you need to refuel, there are certain things you can do reduce exposure to the virus.

Firstly, you should try to use self-service payment methods wherever possible. This could be via the pay-at-pump machine or payment applications such as Shell’s ‘Fill Up & Go’. Alternatively, if they are not available, use contactless payment to avoid touching the card machine.

You should also avoid coming into contact with the fuel pump itself, so we recommend you make use of disposable gloves where available. The majority of fuel stations will have a box of them positioned at the pump, so consider wearing them when handling the pump.

Upon leaving the fuel station, we advise you wash your hands if possible or, if you do not have access to a bathroom facility, use some antibacterial hand wipes or hand sanitiser to cleanse your hands before touching your steering wheel, gearstick or the interior of your car.

Battery Life

If you have no need to use your vehicle during the lockdown period, it is likely that the battery will die, particularly If this continues for the foreseeable future. To preserve as much battery life as possible, you should ensure all interior lights are switched off and the doors are securely locked. Furthermore, you should only start your engine if you intend to run the car for at least 15 minutes, to enhance the condition of the battery.

For more information, or if you have any queries or questions, visit www.tivoliautoservices.co.uk or contact Paul White on 01424. 44 22 77.