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Sometimes, periodic shifts in driving habits can lead to vehicles being used less. So, we’ve put together a handy guide to help you ensure your vehicle remains in top shape while it enjoys a much deserved break. 

Changing Habits

If there is one thing most people have in common during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is a disruption of the normal patterns of life. For many Americans, that includes the way they use their vehicle. In fact, some agencies reported a 40 percent drop in overall driving from before shutdowns began in March to the low-point in mid-April 2020. Whether it’s the removal of the daily commute or changes to the way we shop, most of us have altered our vehicle use. 

 

Leaving your car in its parking spot more often definitely has its benefits. There have been record-low vehicle accidents reported in many areas, you don’t have to pay for gas for a car that stays put and the environment is a little cleaner -- including a reduction in smog and improvement in air quality in most urban areas. Plus, nobody misses traffic.  

 

Sometimes, periodic shifts in driving habits can lead to vehicles being used less. In addition to the pandemic-specific examples above, changes to the workplace or home, transportation habits, or the purchase of an additional vehicle can all lead to a car seeing less action. While it is generally good for a vehicle to maintain lower mileage, keeping your car mothballed does present different maintenance requirements that you may not have considered.

Car Maintenance Tips

So, your car doesn’t get out as much as it used to. Don’t worry -- by using this simple maintenance checklist, you’ll be able to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape for the next road trip even when you are not regularly driving.

First, take care of your tires

Regularly check your tire pressure to ensure they are inflated to the manufacturer’s specifications. Because tires can develop flat spots over time, be sure to move your car if it is immobile every 30 days in order to rotate the touch-points with the ground.

Check your battery 

By engaging the engine often, you can ensure that there is a good charge on the battery. If possible, start your engine once a week and let it run or idle for at least 5 minutes. As a safety reminder, never idle your car in an enclosed area, such as a garage. 

If you plan on leaving your vehicle at a standstill for long durations, it may make sense to invest in a voltmeter. If you do not have a voltmeter, most vehicles have a volt gauge when the car is engaged. 

Another good purchase would be a trickle-charger. This allows you to slowly maintain a charge in the battery without overwhelming it. A charging battery is 14.5 volts and a good battery is 12 volts at a standstill. If you’re at 9 volts or below, the battery is dieing or will need to be charged. Checking the voltage will also indicate whether the alternator is in working order. 

Check your brakes

Over a period of time, your rotors can build up rust and affect the performance of your vehicle. So be especially mindful the first time you drive after an expended pause. Safety brakes are also notorious for seizing up after extended periods of time. So when packing your car away, park without the emergency brake if possible. Park on a flat surface without engaging the parking brake, and use safety blocks under the tires to keep it from rolling.   

Change your oil

If you don’t use your car for long stretches of time, the oil inside your engine can start to break down. So, in addition to checking the oil levels, it may make sense to change the oil if you haven’t engaged the engine in a long time. As a rule of thumb, change your oil every six months, regardless of mileage, if you are not regularly driving your vehicle. 

Be mindful of your gas 

It’s important to top off your tank before putting it into storage. But at the same time, it’s important to move the gas that is in your vehicle through the system. The gasoline in your tank will break down over time, and water can condensate in the lines. This can be especially problematic in the winter, when water in the lines and engine can freeze and expand. So running the engine periodically is a great solution to both problems.

 

If running the engine isn’t an option, it may be necessary to drain the tank. If your car’s engine hasn’t been engaged for over six months, you may need to drain the tank and refill it. This can be a dangerous proposition, so either taking your car to a professional or thoroughly studying fuel drainage and storage procedures before taking on this challenge is highly recommended.  

Create a happy environment 

In an ideal situation, the best location for long-term storage would be a climate controlled garage. But if you don’t have access to a garage facility, there are some steps you can take to keep your car happy. 

First, keep an eye out for animals. Rodents and other critters are renown for making nests inside car engines. These annoying critters can chew up liners and fabrics and may cause fire hazards by chewing on wires. By using rodent deterrents you can protect your car from these dangers. 

If you store your vehicle outdoors or in an area subject to sunlight or the elements, protect the paint from UV rays and rain by using a car cover. By placing a strip of cardboard underneath the vehicle, you can become aware of any dripping or loss of fluids. Finally, take a quick look under the hood to make sure all rubber and plastic hoses and belts are in shape before you hit the road.