Implement these six tips for the maintenance of a car you don't drive often 22nd January 2022
We all know how much effort we have to put in to maintain a car that we drive daily. Now imagine the maintenance needed for one we do not drive that often. Of course, it is not essential to take care of an idle standing car in your garage, but it is vital to keep its maintenance top-notch irrespective of driving.
To help you get better at maintaining an idle car, we have mentioned some tips below that you can follow without going out of your way!
1. Change the oil frequently:
The engine is the heart of any vehicle. So even if you are not driving the vehicle, you must ensure that you are taking care of the engine and that the engine oil is changed frequently. This keeps the engine lubricated and improves the life of your vehicle. So you do not have to worry about its maintenance if you decide to use it in the future. Moreover, the engine is the most expensive part, so you might have to pay a hefty sum if it is damaged.
2. Go for a short drive:
When the manufacturers make a car, they keep it running throughout. So your vehicle's engine oil often circulates to the different parts of your engine and provides lubrication. When you leave your car idle for a long time, the engine parts tend to lose their lubrication and face damage. Also, if it is not used for a long time, your vehicle's battery will drain eventually.
3. Clean your car:
If you know that your vehicle will be idle for a long time without being touched, then you must have a routine to clean its interior and exterior regularly. You can cover your vehicle with a car body cover; this will protect it from all the dust, leaves, moisture that otherwise can ruin its texture. A car's paint undergoes severe damage due to factors like moisture, weather or climatic conditions, substance damage, etc. Schedule a bubble bath for your less operational vehicle at least once every month to maintain the glaze of its exterior.
4. Check for rodents and pests:
An idle car is the perfect breeding home for pests and rodents. The vehicle being untouched will make it an ideal environment for infestation. Rodents can put down the electrical circuits, seat cushions, wires and severely damage the interiors. All of these things will make your car of no use later on. So while cleaning your vehicle, make sure that you are also getting it checked for rodents and pests to keep them away.
5. Disconnect the batteries:
While your car is idle, it is best to unplug the battery terminals to avoid corrosion. Ensure that you wear gloves and keep the ignition turned off. While unplugging the battery terminals, you must unplug the negative one first and then the positive one.
6. Maintain your car insurance renewal:
Keeping your vehicle idle and unused will land you in trouble later. These problems can be anything from the engine to corrosion of parts too. So to ensure that you do not have to pay for the damages, you must also ensure your car insurance renewal.
Car maintenance can be challenging and time-consuming, but your work will be less complicated with the tips mentioned above. They will ensure your car doesn't get damaged or face any trouble. Whether you are operating it or not, your car is your responsibility, and looking after its maintenance should be your priority as an owner.
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Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.