Car Guy Minus Car:
The Car Enthusiast’s Quarantine Survival Guide
If you are reading this article, then you’re probably in the same situation as most of us - stuck at home and slowly running out of things to do during this quarantine (“lockdown” if you’re from outside the Philippines) period. For now, we’ve come up with a short list of things to do to hopefully keep us sane and entertained for the coming weeks.
#1: Give Your Car the TLC That It Deserves
When was the last time you changed your car’s oil or gave it a thorough wash?
If you don’t remember the answer to my question, then this quarantine period is definitely time to give your car the TLC that it so badly needs. Use all of this free time to change the fluids of your car or give it a full detail to give your car a “fresh” look.
These things can be done by yourselves from the confines of your own homes and don’t worry if you don’t know how - chances are there are YouTube videos which could serve as a step-by-step guide. You can even go overboard and do something similar to what I did to my S15 a year back.
Lastly, if you plan on storing your car for the remainder of the quarantine period make sure that all the tires (including the spare) are inflated to the proper tire pressures, the battery is plugged in (if you have a smart charger), and the car is covered to protect it from the elements.
#2: Binge Watch Netflix Shows
Netflix isn’t just filled with comedies and K-Dramas as your Facebook friends would suggest - the streaming service also hosts a lot of content for the avid car enthusiast.
Shows like Hyperdrive, The Fastest Car, and Formula 1: Drive to Survive are examples of shows that would keep you pre-occupied for hours on end.
#3: Subscribe to Automotive YouTubers / YouTube Channels
It’s no secret that YouTube is filled with automotive content. From how-to videos to well-produced car shows and vlogs - this video sharing platform has got us covered. The best thing about it is that it’s free, and can be viewed from your mobile phone, laptop, or smart TV.
Some notable YouTubers/ YouTube Channels include The Hoonigans, Mighty Car Mods, Hartnett Media, Woyshnis Media, Adam LZ, Rob Dahm, TJ Hunt, DailyDrivenExotics, VinWiki, Donut Media, Salomondrin, Shmee150, Vehicle Virgins, Engineering Explained, ChrisFix, Doug DeMuro, Petrolicious, Savagegeese, JDM Masters, Noriyaro, Fitment Industries, Final Bout, Video Option, and many more.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to subscribe to our very own YouTube Channel!
#4: Watch Some Virtual Racing
With Formula 1 (as well as other racing series) postponing or cancelling events until the 2nd half of the year, motorsports fans have less things to look forward to for the next couple of months.
Fortunately, Formula 1 has used this time to transition into E-Sports and host virtual races during the weekends of the postponed/cancelled races. They started last weekend with the Bahrain Virtual Grand Prix and while not all current F1 Drivers are part of the E-Sports lineup, the replacements (consisting of former F1 drivers, reserve drivers, racers from other racing series, motorsports journalists, other athletes) still made the grid somewhat interesting.
Photo taken from the Formula 1 Website
Formula 1 drivers Lando Norris and Max Verstappen are also known to log in a lot of hours racing online - with Norris even streaming on Twitch. You could view some of their online shenanigans here or watch Lando troll teammates and fellow Formula 1 drivers here.
#5: Play Video Games Watching races online isn’t your thing? Then you should probably do some (virtual) racing or driving of your own.
If you happen to be a console or PC gamer, you probably already know that there is a wide variety of racing games to choose from. Racers looking for a “realistic” or simulator experience may lean towards the likes of iRacing, Gran Turismo, Forza, Assetto Corsa while casual gamers that prefer a more arcade style of gameplay may be interested in games like Need for Speed and Forza Horizon. If racing just isn’t your thing, then you could opt for something like Grand Theft Auto - where you could set up a car you purchased (or stole - we won’t judge), stage an online car meet with your friends or other players, and blow up all of the cars just before heading out.
For those who prefer to play games on their mobile phones, Hashiriya Drifter is a must-download during this quarantine period. You could purchase your favorite JDM car, modify it with a change of wheels and engine, then drift around the streets of Japan. The best part of it is, you and your friends could join a lobby and host an online car meet of your own. We’ve been joining some online meets lately, maybe we should host one ourselves?
#6: Browse the Street63 Website You’re already here reading this article now, might as well view the rest of our features right?
From build features to event coverages - there’s a lot to choose from. Use this time to look back and read the articles you may have missed in the past.
#7: Spend Time with Family While these next 3 items aren’t automotive related - they are probably more important than anything else.
I personally can’t recall how many opportunities I’ve missed to bond with family due to my busy schedule - I’m sure you’re guilty of this too. Now that we’re all stuck at home, might as well take some time each day to catch up with family - to talk about anything and everything you may have missed.
So for once, put your phone down (after browsing through our site, of course) and spend time with your family.
#8: Observe Social Distancing You just want your social life back - but let’s face it, we all do. As much as we’d like to go out for a drink, grab a cup of coffee, or just hang out with our friends, now is simply not the time. Now is the time to contribute to society by staying home at all times unless needed (for groceries or medical reasons). So if you’re planning on going out with friends over the next couple of days - it can wait.
Photo taken from the Worthouse Drift Team Facebook Page
Photo taken from the Worthouse Drift Team Facebook Page
Remember, one infected person (which could be you) is capable of exponentially increasing the number of cases by not observing social distancing - so don’t be that asshat.
#9: Be Thankful for our Frontliners Most of us have probably overlooked this and some of you may even have looked down upon them for being “hard headed” by going to work despite the quarantine. The sad truth to it is, not everyone has the same luxury that we do.
Some still work in order to provide for the needs of their family while others work because their job entails them to do so during times like these. Before we become quick to judge, keep in mind that we are told to stay at home while others are told to work on the frontlines - these people work and risk their lives so we don’t have to.
So what else have you been up to during this quarantine period? Let us know in the comments section of our social media pages!
Words by Jaime Miguel Echavez
Photos by Jaime Miguel Echavez, Aurick Go, Formula1.com, Worthouse Drift Team Facebook Page
