But beware! Unexpected repairs could potentially be needed by allowing your vehicle to sit untouched for longer periods of time. Below are some helpful tips to keep your vehicle ready for when you need it.
One of the biggest issues when a car sits for an extended period of time is the battery dying, especially in winter. The best way to prevent this is to take your car for a 20-minute drive at least once every two weeks. Doing so will do wonders for your car’s health. Not only will it help preserve your car’s battery life but it will also help keep your tires from degrading, and keep all those moving parts under the hood well lubricated.
Driving your car will naturally help lubricate the engine and other moving parts. If a car sits for too long, oil can start to settle, fluids can separate and seals can begin to dry out, all of which can lead to costly unwanted repairs. Tires will naturally lose pressure over time, and if a car sits for too long in one spot, the weight of the vehicle can cause flat spots to develop where the rubber meets the road. Inspecting your tires before driving your car and checking your tire pressure regularly will help prevent unwanted tire damage. Be mindful of parking under trees and around wooded areas since small animals love to find new homes under a car’s hood.
Do not leave the parking brake on for an extended period of time! Doing so can cause the brake pads and rotors to stick or fuse together. Moisture is the biggest cause, so avoid engaging the emergency brake if it just rained. Something that can cause your brakes to squeak after a period of not moving is rust, which will naturally occur over time, of course, but rust will build up more quickly when a car sits stationary for a period of time. Driving the vehicle will help knock rust off and prevent it from building up to a level that would damage the brakes and rotors.
Do not ignore the warning or maintenance lights on your vehicle just because you are not driving it much during this time. Stay current on all preventive maintenance items such as oil changes, flushes, etc., so your car will be ready to go when you need it.