With more people working from home and limiting their social gatherings, many vehicles are being driven much less frequently. Industry leaders recommend keeping up with routine auto care and starting your vehicle at least once a week to help prevent potential long-term issues.
Just as the experts recommend people stay active during this period of social distancing, your automobile also need activity to stay healthy. When your vehicle sits idle the battery could die, tires may develop flat spots and the engine oil can start to deteriorate. To limit your risk we suggest you start your car at least once a week, even if you don’t drive it, and let it run for a minimum of 5 minutes. If you park your vehicle in a garage, pull it outside or make sure the door is open with plenty of ventilation. It is also recommended to closely monitor the following areas of your vehicle:
- Battery – Most vehicles now days have several computers that remain in operation even when the car is off. When a car sits without recharging, the battery could die within a couple of weeks.
- Oil – When a vehicle sits idle, the oil deteriorates, so it is important to continue to change the oil at the proper time intervals, even if you are not driving your normal mileage. It is always best to check the owner's manual for the maximum time you should wait between oil changes.
- Tires – Proper tire pressure is important for your safety and improves performance and gas mileage. Checking the tire pressure will be required more frequently when the car is not being driven. Vehicles that sit idle can develop flat spots. Taking a short drive once a week will help prevent bald spots, and recharge the battery, too.
- Brakes – When a car isn’t driven, rust start to form on the brake rotors, especially when parked outside.
- Fuel – Fuel systems today assist to preserve the life of the gas in your tank and prevent fuel oxidation. Keeping a full tank of gas will help limit gas-tank condensation. If you are concerned about your gas going bad, a fuel stabilizer can help extend the life of your fuel.
- Exterior – Removing the dirt and sediment on the outside of your vehicle will help prevent rust.
