Keeping an Undriven Car in Good Condition
Many circumstances have changed over the past several years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with many people shifting their commutes from their work office to their home office. While not having to drive your car regularly can save you time and money on gas, letting your vehicle sit for a lengthy period can cause problems. Among them are maintenance issues such as rusted brakes, dead batteries, and leaking and dried-out seals. These concerns can make your vehicle unsafe and less valuable if you want to sell it in the future.
Tips to Maintain Your Car
Even though your car won’t be driven for a while, it is still essential to keep up with regular maintenance to ensure the vehicle stays in good working condition so it is ready to go when you are. Below are some tips to help you upkeep your vehicle.
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- Store it correctly. Find a secure and safe place to store your vehicle. The ideal location is your garage because it will keep your car from extreme temperature fluctuations such as direct sunlight or moisture. Make sure your garage is well-ventilated, and use a cover to protect your vehicle from debris and dust.
- Drive it weekly. Drive your vehicle for 15 minutes once a week to keep the fuel system, cooling, and lubrication in shape. Starting the engine and moving it will charge the battery and prevent the tires from going flat. The brakes will also remove any rust that has formed on the rotors.
- Check the tire pressure. Over time, your vehicle’s tires can lose pressure sitting in the same spot. To prevent this, check your tires once a month to ensure they are at the recommended pressure.
- Change the oil and fluids. Even if you are not driving your car often, it is essential to change the lubricants and coolants periodically. Changing the oil and fluids will help prevent contamination or buildup that could damage the engine. It is also a good idea to keep the gas tank full to prevent condensation from forming.
- Check underhood hoses and belts. Peek under the hood to ensure the engine’s accessory belt or hose is not cracked or leaking. A defective hose or belt can lead to other issues, such as an overheated engine or loss of power steering.
- Keep the battery charged. A dead battery is standard with vehicles sitting for a long time. To prevent this, disconnect the battery entirely or use a battery tender, which can help keep the battery charged and in good condition. Make sure the tender is compatible with your vehicle’s battery and can automatically shut off when fully charged. An overcharged battery can cause a fire.
- Prevent insect and rodent infestations. When your vehicle is parked for a long time, it is at risk for insect or rodent infestation. Consider putting mothballs or other repellents inside or around your car to prevent pests from entering your vehicle.
Your car will stay in good condition if you follow these tips. When it is time to get on the road again, you can do so with absolute certainty that your vehicle is ready for the trip ahead.
Watch the YouTube video to learn how long your car can sit without being driven.
Folsom Personal Injury Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Folsom personal injury lawyer. If you have suffered serious injuries in an accident in Folsom through no fault of your own, you might be entitled to pursue compensation for your losses. Call our experienced legal team at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free, friendly advice. You can also reach out to us on our online form on AutoAccident.com.
Our injury attorneys have obtained high verdicts and settlements for our clients since 1982.
Photo by Steven Weeks on Unsplash
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