The world has been adjusting to the “new normal”. Most companies offer work from home and people aren’t traveling as much as they would. While you may have saved a big pocket by driving less frequently, not touching your ignition often enough can affect your vehicle.
The result? Your car may have trouble getting started when it’s time for your next drive.
The impact on vehicle parts of stored cars and how to prepare it
Not driving your car for a long time can have the following effects depending on how well you prepared it before letting it sit idle. They may also appear sooner than you expect it.
Fuel
When the fuel is ignited in a vehicle via combustion (diesel) or spark (petrol), it reacts with oxygen and burns. But oxygen also reacts with sitting ideal fuel if not inside an airtight container. This can cause the gas to degrade. The process doesn’t start immediately and may take up to 30 days to start degrading the tank in your gas. In about 3-6 months the gas will go bad and be unusable. Old gas loses its capability to ignite the engine and leaves gummy deposits that will eventually harm your engine parts.
Preparation
Adding a chemical stabilizer to your gas tank will stop the fuel from degrading. Certain stabilizers will keep your gas fresh for up to 2 years. You can purchase a stabilizer from an auto parts dealer and add the right amount of stabilizer before topping it off with gas.
Battery
A battery should ideally last anywhere between 3-5 years. But this will only happen when the vehicle is being used regularly and the battery is recharging itself in the process. A battery is designed to be recharged by the vehicle’s alternator to replenish the power that you are using. No driving means no charging and your battery will die in about 2-3 months.
Preparation
Preventing battery damage is as easy as plugging it with the right charger. There are two types of chargers available. One charges the battery quickly, while the other sends periodic slow, streams of electricity to keep the battery charged. You need a battery maintainer or a trickle charger and leave it plugged into your battery while the car is parked.
Technicians at Swift Tyre Specialist are outfitted with the most advanced equipment to carry out your battery replacement/repair task onsite.
Rust
Oxidation affects not only the gas but also other metallic parts of your vehicle. A vehicle parked in damp conditions will accommodate the precipitation of water on and inside the vehicle parts. This will result in rusted metal parts. Rusting will accelerate when metal parts come in contact with chemicals such as road salt that are used on winter roads. Surface rust will begin forming in less than a week of the vehicle not being used and will increase with time.
Preparation
Clean your car properly before you leave it all by itself in the garage for a long time. A good wash will remove dirt and other chemicals like road salt. Dry your car properly or get a vehicle undercoating or rust-protection coating for maximum protection. Cover your vehicle before letting it sit in your garage. A controlled environment will keep dirt and moisture away preventing rust.
Tyres
A sitting vehicle will have negative effects on your tyres as well. Flat spots may start to form and over time the tyres will retain the deformation. Soon the tyres will develop a memory that will prevent them from being completely round even when inflated. It will cause vibrations in the vehicle when you drive it after a long time. The situation gets worse when it is met by low tyre pressures. These spots will begin forming within the first 2 months of letting your care idle.
If you want to get you tyre changed or replaced, look no further than Swift Tyre Specialist. They are best equipped to take care of your tyre when you need them fixed.
Preparation
It is recommended that you put your car on blocks when leaving it unused for a long time. Use jack stands and secure your car firmly. This will take away the weight on the tyres and prevent any deformation.
Belts and Rubber Hoses
Most drivers are accustomed to replacing vehicle components based on mileage. They often neglect belts and hoses and seldom inspect them. Rubber components begin to dry and crack with time. A stored vehicle will require replacement of these components in less than 3-5 years.
Preparation
Belts and hoses are made up of rubber parts and will need proper lubrication and oiling before they are left unused.
Pest and Rodents
A sitting car is likely to become home for rodents and pests in no time. Mice are capable of causing heavy damage when they make their home inside your car. They can chew cables, wires, plastic, and insulation to make their nest. The longer they stay, the more damage they will incur. Other pests like termites and ants will also begin building their nests in damp places.
Preparation
Add mouse repellants inside and under the car to keep mice away. Electric sound deterrents, scent deterrents, and mouse traps are all other viable options.
Busting Myths around a parked vehicle
Starting the engine is as good as driving it
One of the big myths about a stored car is that starting a vehicle regularly without ever driving it will prevent it from damage. The truth is, idling the car can do more harm than good. When you start the car without driving it, the vehicle never reaches its minimum operating temperature. This results in condensation inside the vehicle exhaust and oil tank which can cause damage in the long run.
It is better to drive your vehicle a few times every month than to let it sit idle. Make sure you drive it for at least 15-20 and at a speed of 40-60 mph to heat the engine properly.
Saving money on insurance
It is tempting to save on insurance when you are storing your vehicle and leaving it unused. Doing so only elevates your expenses in case of fire, theft, etc. Also, a lapse in coverage will require you to pay an additional cost when renewing the policy.
Change the Vehicle oils
If you leave your car unused for more than a few months, it is recommended that you consider changing car fluids like engine oil, brake fluid, and power steering oil. These fluids may trap contaminants and damage certain parts over time. Changing these fluids will prevent the risk of any such damage.
Avoid engaging the parking brakes
Engaging the parking brakes is a wise decision under normal circumstances. But when storing the car for a long time, it is best left unengaged. Engaging parking brakes may cause it to fuse with the drum or rotor. Try using a block or wheel chocks to avoid this.
Conclusion
You may have to leave your vehicle sitting for a long duration for several reasons. This could be long vacations, A new work-from-home job, biking to work, etc. All these life events may lead you to not need to drive at all. This can cause unnecessary and unwanted damage to the car that can cost you big money. But with proper preparation, it’s possible to let your car sit idle for months (even years) without any issues. Get in touch with Swift Tyre Specialist for tips on how to set your car ready for storage.