Whether you’re jetting off for a winter getaway, staying with family, or simply taking a break from driving during the holiday season, letting your car sit idle for extended periods can lead to unwanted issues. Cars are designed to be driven regularly, and when left unused, various problems can arise, from dead batteries to flat tyres. Before you leave your car parked over the holidays, here are five essential maintenance things you need to know to ensure it stays in top shape and is ready to go when you need it again.
1. Prevent Battery Drain
One of the most common problems with cars left unused for long periods is a dead battery. Even when your car is off, small electronics like the clock or alarm system draw power from the battery. Over several days or weeks, this can drain the battery completely, leaving you stranded when you return.
How to prevent battery drain:
- Disconnect the battery: If you’re leaving the car unused for more than a couple of weeks, disconnecting the battery is a simple way to prevent it from draining.
- Use a trickle charger: A trickle charger (also known as a battery maintainer) keeps your battery topped up while the car is idle, ensuring it has enough charge when you need it.
- Drive it occasionally: If possible, ask a friend or family member to start the car or take it for a short drive every week or two. This will keep the battery charged and prevent other issues from developing.
If your car has a modern, electronically controlled system, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions before disconnecting the battery to avoid any system resets or complications.
2. Watch Out for Flat Tyres
When a car sits in one spot for an extended period, the weight of the vehicle can cause flat spots to form on the tyres. This is especially common during colder months when tyres become stiffer. Flat spots can result in vibrations and a rough ride when you finally get back on the road, and in some cases, they may permanently damage the tyres.
How to prevent flat spots:
- Inflate your tyres: Make sure your tyres are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure before leaving your car idle. Properly inflated tyres are less likely to develop flat spots.
- Move the car slightly: If possible, roll the car forward or backwards a few feet every couple of weeks to prevent the tyres from sitting in the same spot for too long.
- Use tyre cradles: For longer storage periods, tyre cradles or flat-spot preventers can help distribute the weight of the vehicle more evenly and prevent damage to the tyres.
3. Keep Your Fuel Tank Full
When a car is left unused, condensation can form inside the fuel tank, especially if the tank is nearly empty. This moisture can lead to corrosion inside the tank and can even mix with the fuel, causing problems when you start the car again. To prevent this, it’s best to leave your car with a full tank of fuel.
How to protect your fuel system:
- Fill up the tank: A full tank minimises the space where condensation can form. This is especially important if your car will be parked in cold or humid conditions.
- Consider a fuel stabiliser: If you know your car will be idle for more than a few weeks, adding a fuel stabiliser can help preserve the quality of the fuel and prevent it from degrading. This is particularly useful for cars with older engines that are more sensitive to fuel quality.
Run the engine for a few minutes after adding the fuel stabiliser to ensure it circulates throughout the fuel system.
4. Protect Against Moisture and Pests
Leaving your car parked for an extended time, especially during cold or damp weather, can make it vulnerable to moisture buildup and pests. Condensation can lead to rust, mould, or mildew, while small animals like rodents might find your idle car an inviting shelter.
How to protect your car from moisture and pests:
- Park in a dry, sheltered area: If possible, park your car in a garage or covered area to protect it from rain, snow, or excessive humidity.
- Use a breathable car cover: If you don’t have a garage, invest in a high-quality, breathable car cover. Avoid plastic covers, as they can trap moisture and lead to rust or mold.
- Seal up openings: Pests like mice can enter through small openings like the exhaust pipe or air vents. Consider covering these openings with steel wool or specially designed caps.
- Check the interior: Remove any food wrappers, crumbs, or items that might attract pests into your car.
You could also leave a window slightly cracked (if the car is parked in a secure area) to prevent condensation from building up inside the vehicle, but be sure to avoid this if pests or security are concerns.
5. Don’t Forget Your Fluids
Even when your car is not in use, it’s essential to keep an eye on your fluids. Brake fluid, coolant, engine oil, and transmission fluid can all deteriorate or settle over time, potentially causing issues when you start the car again. Plus, fluids can be affected by temperature fluctuations, especially during winter.
How to manage your car’s fluids:
- Check fluid levels: Before leaving your car parked, check that all essential fluids are topped up. This includes engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid.
- Change the oil (if needed): If your car is due for an oil change, it’s a good idea to do it before letting it sit idle for an extended period. Old oil can contain contaminants that may cause corrosion inside the engine.
- Run the engine periodically: If possible, start the car once every couple of weeks and let the engine run for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps the fluids circulating and helps prevent seals from drying out.
If you’re parking the car in cold conditions, check that your coolant is the right mixture to prevent freezing.
Even if you’re not planning to drive your car over the holidays, taking a few simple precautions can help protect it from damage and ensure it’s ready to go when you need it again. By managing your battery, tires, fuel, and fluids, and protecting your car from moisture and pests, you’ll avoid many of the common issues that arise from leaving a car unused for an extended period. When the holidays are over, you’ll be able to get back on the road without any unwelcome surprises!
To get your car into its best shape before the holidays hit, or for help with a vehicle that’s been sitting for too long, we are on hand to help. Simply get in touch with a member of our team, today.