How to Maintain Your Vehicle while not in use
With COVID-19 restrictions in place and home offices becoming more popular we find ourselves driving less frequently.Between seasonal downtime or a change in routine, it’s still important to maintain the upkeep of your vehicle. From the inside to the outside, there’s a variety of things you can do to prevent issues once it’s back on the road.
Cleaning
Keep your vehicle clean. One of the top ways to maintain the value of your car is keeping it neat and clean. Frequently clean the interior and exterior of your vehicle to prevent grime from accumulating, scratches from occurring on your paint job, and spots from staining your upholstery.Note: - Consider an undercarriage wash! Road salt is probably the main reason for an undercarriage wash. Salt can expedite the corrosion process
Start your vehicle
To maintain engine health, it’s integral to continue running your car. If you don’t have a battery maintainer it’s recommended to drive your vehicle for at least 30 minutes on a highway and bring it up to a higher speed. This can ensure fluids continue to cycle through the engine and will keep the battery charged and reduce the likelihood of it running flat.Note: -Just starting it and letting it idle will not do the trick. An important thing to note, is that while a short drive is enough to warm the engine and circulate fluids, it's not enough to charge the battery.
Battery Charger
If you’re going to be using a battery charger, the best type is a smart charger which detects how much charge is needed and stops when the battery has reached capacity. Batteries are more likely to fail when they’re either very hot or very cold so winter can take its toll on a battery that’s already close to the end of its serviceable life.
Oil Change
Your oil must be changed regularly for your car’s longevity, regardless if you are driving it daily or not. All fluids including engine oil can deteriorate due to changes in temperature and age. We recommend an oil change every 6 months.
Tire pressure
Tires naturally lose air over time – that’s why it’s important to check their pressure regularly and ensure they align with the manufacture’s recommendations.
Fill your fuel tank
Filling up your tank seems redundant if you aren’t driving regularly but, it’s essential to keep your car healthy. Topping up your tank helps prevent corrosion in your car’s fuel lines and engine, and the build-up of condensation, while also helping reduce the chance of rusting.