With the increase of people working from home, cars across the country may be sitting unused for a long time. Whether you haven’t driven your car in two weeks or two months, it’s a known fact that a car sitting idle on streets or garages will deteriorate much faster.
If you do not care for it during that period, you run the risk of not being able to turn it back on when you need it most, followed by costly repairs. That’s why we’ve highlighted some tips on how to care for an unused car so that it’s still running effectively when you want to make use of it again.
Park indoors or use a car cover
To care for an unused car, you should park your car indoors where it is safe and clean if possible. This will prevent any dirt or potential animal droppings from ruining your car paint. If you’re unable to park your vehicle in a covered area, then invest in a good quality cover. Make sure to buy one for your car model, and avoid using it indoors as it will prevent any moisture from evaporating.
Take care of the battery
It’s a known fact that the battery is the most susceptible to inactivity-induced issues. To avoid a dead battery, you should leave your car running for 15-20 minutes every two weeks. This will help to re-charge the battery and will also lubricate the engine at the same time. If you’re going away for a long time, then it is best to take the battery out and store it in a cool dry place.
Check the tyre pressure
Tyres lose air naturally, so even if you’re not using your car regularly, you should stay on top of your tyre pressure. Correct tyre pressure is important to ensure your vehicle’s performance and safety and reduce gas mileage. A car that is stationary for a long time is also at risk of developing flat spots on the tyres. That’s why you should fill them with air regularly, and take your car for a drive every so often.
Remember petrol has a shelf life
If you’re not using your car for more than a month, then it’s best to leave a minimal amount of petrol in the tank. Stale petrol can corrode your engine and fuel system, so it’s also a good idea to invest in a fuel stabiliser. This will prevent unused fuel from going bad for up to 12 months.
Do not engage the handbrake
This one may seem counterintuitive, but it’s best to leave your car parked without engaging the handbrake. If you do, you run the risk of damaging the brake pads, which will lead to an expensive trip to the mechanic. Instead, use wheel chocks or even a brick to keep your car in place.
