Even though a car may not be used for several weeks or months, it could still have problems. As Sydwreck advises, battery, tires, fluids, how the car is parked, and storage instructions. We provided by vehicle manufacturer should be taken into consideration before leaving the car stationary for a long time. It will not be difficult for you to spot problems and maintain your car.
What Happens When a Car Sits Unused?
As vehicles are meant to be operated and maintained, leaving them parked for extended periods could have an impact on certain parts. The battery could lose power slowly, there might be pressure loss in a tyres, and moisture could accumulate inside and outside of the vehicle.
However, the severity of these potential problems would vary based on age of the vehicle, conditions of storage, and duration of the period vehicle is parked. For instance, a vehicle stored in a covered area in a dry climate could have different problems from one that has been stored in the rain, sun, humid air, or coastal environments.
For the particular conditions of storing a specific vehicle, check out the owner’s manual of that vehicle.
Look After the Car Battery
A battery may also discharge when the car is stationary because some of the systems require power even when the car is stationary. This will be experienced more easily especially when the battery is old or has been affected by some fault.
To ensure the battery stays charged for long periods of time, you may want to put into consideration the following tips:
- Ensure the battery has no sign of damage, corrosion or loose connection
- Refer to the car’s owner’s manual on how to disconnect a battery
- IBattery charger if one is available for your vehicle
- Keep the charger dry and properly ventilated
- Consult a mechanic when the battery gets flat again and there is evidence of damage.
Starting the engine for just a few minutes is not the right way to replace the battery maintenance. The car’s idle mode may not help you recharge the power lost during starting. It is also unsafe to operate a car within a closed garage because carbon monoxide will be produced.
Check Tyre Pressure and Condition
It is worth noting that over time, the tyres will lose pressure even if the car is not being used. In addition, under-inflation will influence the performance of the car upon re-usage.
Before storage, ensure that the tyre pressure is correct and that you are using the pressure set by the car manufacturer. The pressure can be found on the door placard of the driver or within the owner’s manual.
If your car is going to be stored for some months, it is advisable that you visit a tyre technician for advice on preventing flat spots especially in heavy cars and worn out tyres.
It is important to understand that appearance should not be used to determine whether or not a tyre is ready to be driven.
Park in a Suitable Location
Your choice of where to leave the car will affect how well it lasts through storage. Using a well-secured garage or covered parking will limit the car’s exposure to rainfall, the sun, and tree sap or bird droppings.
In case you do not have access to covered parking, it is recommended that you use an area that is secure from trees, especially those with overhanging branches, and that is unlikely to flood. It is only advisable to use a car cover when it is appropriate for outdoor use and can be fixed without touching the car’s paintwork.
Always keep the surrounding area clean to ensure no water, pests, or damages get into the car.
Keep the Interior and Exterior Clean
It is necessary to clean the interior thoroughly before putting the vehicle into storage, dispose of any trash and personal items, and ensure that wet floor mats and the seats are completely dry.
Wash the car exterior, particularly if there are contaminants like bird droppings or tree sap. It is recommended that the vehicle should be properly dried prior to covering it to reduce moisture within.
Ensure all doors and windows shut properly. Problems related to leakage of water from the vehicle must be sorted out prior to parking the vehicle. They will cause accumulation of moisture in the vehicle.
Check Fluids and Fuel Before Storage
Engine oil, coolant, and other fluids should be maintained based on maintenance schedule provided by the manufacturer. In case when a service is due or the fluid level is low, fix the problem before parking the vehicle for an extended period.
Check the presence of any signs of leakage below the car and do not overlook the warning signals and current mechanical issues. The car which has coolant leakage, broken hoses, or any other issues related to overheating requires professional attention prior to storage.
The recommendations concerning the amount of fuel required depend on the type of a vehicle and the duration of storage. In case of a petrol or diesel-powered vehicle, keep the recommendations from the manufacturer concerning fuel level and whether the stabilizer is necessary. Full tank does not mean that this recommendation applies to all cars and storage periods.
Prepare the Vehicle Before Driving Again
Before returning a stored car to regular use, take time to check its condition rather than assuming it is ready to go.
Use this checklist:
- Tyre pressures should be checked as well as checking the tyres for any damage or deformities.
- Check for any fluid leaks under the vehicle
- Engine bay checks for any visible damage or pest infestations without getting into contact electrical parts
- The battery should be inspected and check if the car starts up properly
- Inspection of engine oil, antifreeze and other servicing according to the vehicle owners’ manual
- Testing of lights, indicators, brakes and windscreen wipers
- Documents such as registration and insurance should be up to date
- If any warning lights come on, you experience anything strange with the braking or any odd noises, seek professional advice.
When Is It Better to Stop Maintaining an Old Car?
At times, the expense involved in keeping a car operational is not always financially justifiable. Issues such as frequent battery failure, mechanical issues, significant damage from accidents or expensive repairs might compel one to weigh the cost of the repairs against the value of the car.
It is first important to acquire an honest repair estimate and identify the issues that impact safety and functionality of the vehicle. Do not invest heavily in repairs without doing the financial math.
When deciding not to retain the car, consider selling it individually or reaching out to specialized buyers of vehicles or car wreckers. Be upfront about its condition and inquire about their evaluation process, collection, payment method, and towing charges. The avenues available would depend on the car and the buyer.