Tips for Auto Care When You’re Driving Less
Like many others, you may still be working from home this year. Now that your office is only a room away, you may be driving less or considering storing your car. If your car sits undriven for extended periods without proper preparation, you can face some unfortunate consequences once you decide to hit the road again. Read on for our best tips and products to maintain your ride, even when it’s sitting in the garage.
Check Your Fluids
Fluids are an integral part of what keeps your vehicle running. Starting and driving the vehicle moves the fluids through their respective lines to ensure your vehicle remains lubricated, adequately cooled, and easy to maneuver. Topping off fluids before storing your vehicle reduces the risk of evaporation and condensation, and minimizes chances of corrosion.
Change Your Oil Before Long-Term Storage
Under normal conditions, changing your vehicle’s oil lubricates the engine, reduces the heat given off by the engine, and helps the engine run better overall. Storing a vehicle without first changing the oil can lead to engine damage as the old oil degrades over time. Changing your oil and filter helps protect your engine from corrosion over long periods of time.
Check Your Tire Pressure
When a vehicle is stationary for long periods of time, tires can slowly deflate due to the weight of the car. Filling tires to a slightly higher air pressure before storage (without exceeding the maximum air pressure) helps prevent excessive damage from tire deflation, such as flat spots.
Top Off Your Gas Tank and Use Fuel Stabilizer
When a vehicle is stationary for long periods of time, tires can slowly deflate due to the weight of the car. Filling tires to a slightly higher air pressure before storage (without exceeding the maximum air pressure) helps prevent excessive damage from tire deflation, such as flat spots.
Don’t Use the Parking Brake
Using the parking brakes as an extra safety measure is a good idea in some scenarios but can cause damage long-term if used when storing a vehicle. Engaging the parking brake for extended periods of time causes brake pads and rotors to be in constant contact and can lead to the parts fusing together. It is better to use something like a chock or a wedge under the tire to prevent movement.
Charge or Disconnect Your Battery
If a vehicle sits undriven for extended periods of time, the battery can slowly drain and eventually die. To maintain the integrity of your battery, you can either remove it before storage, or connect it to a trickle charger that will provide enough electricity to the battery to keep it functioning over time. The WeatherTech Battery Charger is an excellent option for maintaining the battery in most vehicles during short or long-term storage.