(advertisement). The lockdown in germany will be until for the time being 28. March extended. The measures continue to affect motorists. What you need to know now on the road, when refueling and in the car itself.
- In some federal states, masks are compulsory in the car
- Contact restrictions also apply to car drivers
- Car repair shops open during the lockdown
- Mouth-nose protection better not hang on the rear view mirror
A special publication courtesy of:
1. How many people can sit in a car?
The ADAC lawyers point out that contact restrictions the following must also be observed in the car. in public and in private, the stay is only allowed with members of the own household and with one other person not living in the household.
From the 8. march, the rules for private get-togethers are extended: the own household can be other households gathering together – but limited to a maximum of five persons. children up to 14 years of age are not counted.
If the 7-day incidence in a region is less than 35 new infections per week per 100.000 inhabitants, three households with a combined total of up to ten people get together. Here, too, children up to 14 years of age are not counted.
But caution: if the 7-day incidence is above 100 for three days, again the limit to another person not living in the household. persons may travel together in a car with the permitted group of persons, even if the minimum distance cannot be observed. The minimum distance should nevertheless be maintained wherever possible. It is recommended that joint car journeys with persons outside the family and members of the own household be kept to a minimum limit. Carrying a mouth protection is advisable for journeys with a person from outside the household, but not mandatory (except in berlin, saarland and saxony).
2. Is because of covid-19 in the car mouth guard to wear?
Berlin, the saarland and saxony are the first federal states to write a mandatory use of masks in cars before. Medical mouth and nose protection is required.
For berlin and the saarland applies: except for the driver and, in the case of journeys in a private car, the members of the own household.
For saxony applies: the driver must also wear a face mask if people from different households are traveling together in one car.
However, car drivers must make sure that the face mask recognizable remains. Otherwise, a fine may be imposed under certain circumstances.
In the practical driving lessons and during practical driving tests, mouth-nose protection is mandatory throughout germany.
Many drivers want to keep their mouth-nose protection have it handy and hang it on the car while driving rear view mirror. This is not a good place to be, however, as the face mask will impair visibility there. In addition, the brain gets used to the constant commuting in the field of vision, the driver can react less quickly to pedestrians or cyclists. it is better to put the mask with the inside upwards in a plastic bowl that you have brought with you, which you rinse out at home.
3. where am i allowed to drive my own vehicle?
People in germany should currently generally refrain from non-essential travel and visits – even from relatives. This also applies inland and to supraregional day-trip excursions. In the federal states with exit restrictions, leaving the home is only possible for an important reason. In some cases, nighttime curfews must also be observed.
Regionally, popular daytime destinations may also experience restrictions COME. Therefore, the specific regulations of the respective federal state must be observed.
In addition, in germany, in almost all regions with a 7-day incidence of more than 200 new infections per 100.000 inhabitants of the moving radius to 15 kilometers restricted around the place of residence, this applies in particular to day trips.
traveling within the most EU countries are currently only possible under certain conditions, in addition, almost all states are considered corona risk areas. Accordingly, the foreign office warns against tourist trips. Who with the car would like to travel, should check in advance with the country of travel what rules apply there for motorists. The borders to the neighboring countries are open to tourists, with the exception of the crossings to the Czech Republic, Denmark and France.
4. What to look for at gas stations?
Also at the petrol pump and in the checkout area distance rules must be observed. At gas stations there is also a mandatory use of masks. Many gas station operators prefer contactless card payment.
5. Can I go to the workshop, the car wash or the TuV??
Currently, the lockdown does not provide for any closures of repair shops, as these are classified as system-relevant. Similar considerations are likely to apply to washing or testing stations. It is important to know on the spot distance rules and hygiene regulations to be observed. Wearing a mouth guard is recommended.
6. How to prevent lockdown damage?
Not moving your car much or at all for weeks can result in damage lead that can be dangerous for the driver and the vehicle. Therefore: move the car from time to time and always park the vehicle in the garage if possible. This protects seals, paint and engine from ice, cold and snow.
Our tips on how to most common and most dangerous stand damage determine or. can be avoided:
Service fluids: the first thing to do is to check the levels of wiper fluid, coolant and engine oil. A creamy, whitish rim on the oil cap means there has been too much short-distance traffic in the past few weeks: then it’s time for an oil change at the garage!
Marten tracks in the engine compartment: a thorough look at the engine or the cladding if traces of martens can be detected. If there are traces of bites on the cables, go to the workshop immediately.
BrakesIf there is rust on the brakes, it is time to move the car again and apply the brakes more forcefully. Be sure to keep an eye on the traffic behind you! If you hear a grinding noise after a long period of inactivity noises from the brakes? Then you should visit a repair shop and brake as well as brake fluid have it checked.
tires: a check of the tire condition and the AIR PRESSURE also ensure greater road safety and lower fuel consumption.
ignitionif the car does not start at all or starts poorly, it is probably the battery the problem. If this does not subside after a few attempts, do a battery test at a garage.
vehicle wash: after long weeks of standing around, a thorough wash is recommended, in winter a underbody wash, to wash away salt residues. However, do not drive into the car wash at minus temperatures in order to avoid frost damage.
7. are carsharing cars viruses?
Who in these days a carsharing car may be worried that the car will be taken to a virus slingshot could be. According to the providers, the vehicles are cleaned more frequently than in the past; "stadtmobil", for example, explained on request that they "shorten the cleaning intervals".
If you want to be on the safe side, you can use the car interior disinfect before driving.
8. I have a breakdown. If the ADAC comes as usual?
The ADAC provides despite certain restrictions by covid-19 even during extended lockdown breakdown service for damaged members. All ADAC drivers are informed and urged to adhere to the oil cap recommended by the robert Koch institute hygiene regulations to keep.
9. Where to park the car during quarantine and co.?
Quarantine, home office work or short-time work – many drivers are using their cars less at the moment. If the car is parked on the street in a public area, you should pay attention to the following: you are allowed to make in principle unlimited parking outside. However, temporary stopping bans must be observed. Therefore, it is advisable to check on the car regularly. Will a temporary no parking sign the car may be towed away after 72 hours at the earliest.