As most of us are working from home now or staying at home to practice social distancing because of the coronavirus pandemic, our cars are left idling at home. While we are keeping safe, our vehicles are need to be checked regularly. Letting car sit for long periods of time may cause high repair bills. Below is a list of things that can happen to your car if left unused:
Dead battery
If your car battery is fairly new, then the chances of the battery draining fast is lower. Having said that, car batteries drain faster if you have an older car or you live in a colder climate regardless of the car being indoor or outdoor. The best way to keep the car battery charged drive your car at least twice a week eventhough it is just a short trip. Another way is to start the car engine for a few minutes each time.
Flat tires
When a car sits for too long, its weight will cause the tire to flatten and crack, especially the area where the rubber meets the surface of the road. When this happens, the tires cannot be used anymore and new ones are needed to replace them. As such, car owners should take immediate steps to avoid the tires from getting deflated or cracked.
Car parts drying out
If a car is idled for too long, the engine oil begins to settle and seals will dry out. This will cause damage to the vehicle. In order to prevent this from happening, driving the car can help to keep fluids circulating. This will also ensure that the transmission, brake fluids and etc can stay lubricated. As such, it is still better to take the car for spin than leaving it idling.
Parking brakes
It is important to not leave the parking brake on for long periods because this can cause the rotor and brake pads to stick together. Rust may also develop on the disc brake. Use a tire-stopper or something heavy to keep your car from rolling.
Wipers
It is important to keep your car wipers off the windshield. You can either pull them up or put something in between your windshield and the blades to avoid contact.
Keeping your car clean
Storing your car in the garage is most ideal but for car owners who have to park their car outdoors, remember to avoid parking under trees because tree sap can damage the exterior of the car. Bird poo may also cause irreparable damage to your car paint. Leaves may also fall into the car crevices and lead to rust problem. If you can, use a car cover to protect your car.
The above is just some of the tips to keep your immobile car well maintained during this period. Since most of us have a lot of time on our hands, you may want to learn how to repair and maintain your car in roadworthy condition. Purchasing used auto parts for repairs can save you loads of money. Using second hand parts is one of the ways to reduce the carbon footprint too. Many sites such as Craigslist or eBay offer great deals for used auto parts. Once you have found the parts that you want, you can then arrange the delivery of your used auto parts. It can be time-consuming to look for auto parts delivery companies and this is where Shiply comes in. This online shipping platform can help to get parts delivered for less. Just fill up the online form and the auto delivery services on its platform will send you personalized quotes to your mailbox. You can start to compare quotes immediately and finalize the shipping details.
