If you think a car that’s not driven a lot needs less maintenance, you’re sorely mistaken. Even if you’re not using your car a lot, you still need to care of your vehicle regularly. Here’s are some top tips to take care of your car if you don’t drive often. Use these tips to keep your car in the best condition.
Oil is an essential fluid in a vehicle, and it needs to be changed regularly. Moreover, changing the oil can help maintain your car better. That’s why car care experts recommend an oil change for every 4000 to 5000 miles or once in six months. Even if you do not drive your vehicle often, make sure you stick to the oil change schedule.
Even if your vehicle has been parked for a very long time, air can escape from your tires because of small leaks. So, make sure you keep an eye on the tire pressure and maintain it at optimal levels.
If you don’t use your vehicle often, the rubbers can become hard and brittle over time, and this process is called tire rot. Therefore, pay special attention to the tires to keep your car travel-ready.
If you’re planning not to use your car for an extended period, then it’s best to fill up your gas tank. Filling up your fuel tank will prevent the tank from rusting, and this can save you a lot of trouble and money. According to car experts, a full fuel tank should last up to six months.
An unused vehicle has a greater risk of battery corrosion. To prevent this from happening, disconnect the battery. Switch off your car’s engine. For safety, wear gloves, and disconnect the negative terminal first. Next, disconnect the positive terminal. If you’re unsure of the process, you can always seek the help of a professional.
Parking your car out in the open for days together can ruin its appearance. The harsh weather conditions, dust, dirt, bird droppings, fallen leaves, and other contaminants can damage your car’s paint and clear coat. That’s why it’s always best to use a car cover if you’re not going to use your vehicle for a long time.
Take your car for a short drive once in a while, or at least turn the engine on a few times even if you’re not driving. By doing this, the fluids will move through the engine, and all essential parts in the car will stay lubricated.
When you finally decide to start using your car regularly, you will not have to spend a fortune getting these parts changed or repaired.
A car that’s parked safely inside a garage also needs a wash once in a while! To preserve your car’s clear coat and paint, drive up to a car wash and get it cleaned. You can find the best car washes near you on the Way.com app or website. Also, you make sure to check your car’s interior and clean it regularly because an unused car can serve as a shelter for pests, insects, and other animals.
We hope these top tips help care for your car better when you don’t drive it. And when you finally decide to come out of the great slumber and hit the road, run a few checks on your vehicle. Before driving, check the fluid levels, tire pressure, brakes, battery, and other vital parts.
