Parkers Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice and help
Parkers is continuously monitoring the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in order to be able to offer the most up-to date motoring news about the changing situation. The health and safety of our readers is our top priority and our advice is constantly updated, guided by current UK government alerts and information from the World Health Organization (WHO).
The links below are intended to offer help, information and guidance for all of our readers – from how to store your car for a period of long inactivity to how the new MoT regulations will affect key workers still driving their cars, vans and pickups. For this and much, much more – follow the links below.
Continue reading: 10 useful driving tips during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) driving and owning articles below
Latest articles
-
Coronavirus (COVID-19): How to sanitise and clean your carModern cars are surprisingly well-engineered to help in the battle against germs and grime – the muck you can see is easy enough, but many vehicles now have antimicrobial coatings... -
Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice: MoT testing stations remain openEngland is now under tough new measures to arrest the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). With it there is a tough set of measures that fall under Tiers 1, 2, 3... -
-
Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice: Are car service centres still open?If you’re looking to to get your car serviced Tier 1-Tier 4, garages will be remaining open, with no plans to close. ‘We’re following government guidelines and staying open, stay... -
How to lease a car onlineWithout doubt, we’re in the era of click and collect car purchases, with the proportion of online-shoppers in the UK rising in the aftermath of the pandemic. Networked is the... -
How to buy a car onlineFinding a great deal and buying a car online is no longer the preserve of adventurous technology nerds. Today, it’s becoming the most convenient and flexible way to buy a... -
-
Can I get my van MOT during the second COVID-19 lockdown?A new, month-long national COVID-19 coronavirus lockdown in England is set to come into force on Thursday 5 November 2020. But at this stage there is no indication that the... -
What to check when you've not used your car for a whileFor any number of reasons, your car could be left static for a lengthy period. Say it’s been blocked in by other vehicles, has a flat tyre or you’ve simply... -
-
How to prepare a car for storageWhatever the circumstances behind your need to take your car off the road for a while, if you prepare a car for storage correctly you’ll prevent its condition deteriorating significantly... -
What to do if you need a payment holiday on your van or pickup financeWith the enduring seriousness of the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, some van and pickup owners and operators will be wondering how they’re going to be able to keep up with their... -
Van service centres still open during coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemicIf there is one thing that’s certain about the current coronavirus situation, it’s that vans, pickups and businesses need to keep moving. We’ve already covered coronavirus (COVID-19) hygiene advice for van... -
-
Payment holidays for car finance extended by six monthsThe car payment holiday scheme for car finance deals has been extended by six months in a bid to help customers struggling with the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. It was initially due... -
Payment holiday advice for car leasingThe financial regulator of the UK has announced that leasing companies must offer a three-month payment holiday for those affected by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. During the three-month freeze, The Financial... -
-
Are used car values going to recover in 2020?Britain has been in lockdown for months, with the car market severely affected by travelling restrictions. How does this situation affect car values, and how are they likely to change... -
Coronavirus (COVID-19) – van warranty and servicing adviceAs the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic drags on, and we continue to be told that we should stay inside, some of you may be starting to worry what this might mean... -
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Car warranty adviceWith the government advice that we should not be undertaking any non-essential driving during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, lots of garages have temporarily shut-up shop. Many car owners have services due... -
-
Coronavirus COVID-19 advice for van driversWith a second COVID-19 coronavirus lockdown looming, the reliance on van drivers to keep working will continue to be greater than ever. However, it’s essential that in order to keep... -
Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for drivers during third lockdownThe Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced tough new Tier 5 lockdown restrictions across England, bringing it inline with Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. Although the message is to stay... -
-
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Your motoring questions answeredThe effects of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continue to deepen, and drivers face uncertain times ahead. With the government advising that all non-essential travel should stop, this leaves car drivers...
More articles
10 useful driving tips during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
What to do if your car runs out of MoT?
If it runs out after 30 March 2020, six months' MoT will be added automatically, effective for 12 months. So if it runs out on 10 April, six months will be added automatically, making your new MoT expiry date 10 October 2020. You can check when your tax and MoT are due online here.
Is your warranty still valid if you're late for a service?
Although most manufacturers are saying different things, the basic answer is yes. Most are simply extending their warranties by a month, and saying as long as a service was booked and you've kept your miles down, if you're late for a service the warranty is still honoured.
Keeping your car clean and yourself safe
If you're sharing a car during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it's absolutely essential you keep it clean inside and out, so as not to spread the virus. We show you how.
When to travel and how to stay safe
If you're not a key worker, then you should really only be driving when absolutely necessary – so, driving to the shops or for medicine is okay, otherwise try and walk instead. Having said that, if you are driving, try and drive at the time you're least likely to meet any other traffic.
What if my car breaks down during a journey?
Both the RAC and AA have confirmed that breakdown services are still operating, but they will be prioritising key workers when it comes to responding to calls.
Car sharing: who can I give lifts to?
The government line is that you should always try to travel alone, only making exceptions for people in your households.
Can you declare your vehicle off-road and not pay road tax?
Yes, if it is actually parked off the road. You just need to register it for SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) with the DVLA. This means you won't pay tax while it's declared off-road. You can do this by following this link to the DVLA website.
What to do if you can't make your finance payments
Always talk to your finance provider in plenty of time, and state what your difficulties are. Most offer payment holidays, which are considered on a case-by-case basis.
What to do if you're leaving your vehicle parked for weeks?
The best advice is to over-pressure your tyres, clean it thoroughly inside and out and if you can, leave the battery on a trickle charger to keep it topped up. Going back to start it up on a weekly basis and not running it up to temperature will actually do more harm than good.
Buying and selling your car without leaving home
Yes, this is possible, and we have links above to car manufacturers who offer online buying and selling, as well as a full guide to how to lease a new car online, too...
Finally, you can get in touch about anything else you need to know.