Not using your car much? Read This.

Keeping your car Healthy

Our car is our lifeline

During this time of "shelter in place" the amount we are using our vehicles has dramatically dropped off and some vehicles are even not being used at all.  In order to keep your vehicle working correctly so it's ready for when you need it, we have put together a few tips.

Battery

Every vehicle has a normal "parasitic load" which slowly depletes the battery.  This is caused by the electronics in your car that need just a little power to maintain their memory.  It is usually so small that the car would be able to sit for 30 days or longer without any concern.  Most manufacturers suggest that if your car is not used for 30 days you should take some type of action to prevent the battery from going dead.  This may be the use of a battery tender or a battery disconnect but if we are home do we need this?  Most people think that starting your car for a few minutes each day will prevent any issues but this is just not true.  When you start your vehicle the starter motor draws a huge load on the battery and running the car for a few minutes only recovers a portion of what was used.  So slowly, over time, your battery gets lower and lower in its state of charge and eventually will not have enough power to start.  You can prevent this by taking your car for a drive for at least 15 minutes and make sure that your car reaches full operating temperature, idling in the driveway just isn't good enough.   If you do need to get a jump start, understand that this is so you can get home or to a service facility.  Never try to recharge a dead battery by driving your car as it will cause your Alternator to overheat and may even be damaged.  It can take up to 10 hours to charge a battery so it is best done using a battery charger. 

If you do need to jump start your car be very careful.  Hydrogen gas will accumulate around a battery under normal conditions and if the battery has been discharged or has a bad cell it can actually become a bomb.  Under no circumstances should you make your last jumper cable connection anywhere near a battery as it can create a spark, and if there is enough hydrogen it can explode.  This is not just a warning as I have personally seen it happen many times in my career.  

Tires

If a car sits too long the tires will get flat spots and when you finally get to take a ride it will shake like there is a tire out of balance.  This is simple to overcome by just making sure that your tires are properly inflated and again take your car for a ride.  Driving warms the tires and help take away any of the memory that the tires may have had from sitting in one spot too long.  Don't worry if your car does sit too long as most times the vibration caused by "flat spotted" tires will go away with just a little bit of driving.

Brakes

If you car is sitting in your driveway you need to be concerned about your brakes as well.  Most vehicle today have a large open wheel and disc brakes.  The brake rotors, which are the shiny discs of your disc brake system, are made of cast iron and they are very susceptible to surface rusting.  It is very common that in just a few days the rust that forms on the normally shinny surface get heavy enough to cause a grinding noise, but if it is not removed it will get thick enough to actually cause permanent damage.  Brakes will vibrate or you will have to push much harder to get the car to stop.  You can prevent this by, you guessed it, taking your car for a drive.  Are you sensing a pattern here?  So take your car for a ride, check your rear view mirror to make sure that no one is behind you and give your car a few good hard stops.  This cleans the rotors of the light rust that is forming and will prevent the rust from getting too thick to cause a more serious problem.  If you can, store the vehicle in a garage as it will keep it dry and minimize rust formation. It is also important to not use your parking brake as they can stick when not release regularly and you should block your wheels if you are concerned about unwanted rolling. 

Fluids

Most fluids can tolerate a short term issue like we are going through right now but it is important to know that your fluids can cause damage if not properly maintained. 

• Engine oil - when an engine runs normal internal combustion produces water vapor. This is why you see white smoke/vapor on cold mornings and it will accumulate in your engine oil if it is not brought to normal operating temperature.  So change your oil more frequently when your vehicle is used lightly and make sure to take it for a drive regularly. 
• Coolant - or anti-freeze is what protects your car from overheating in summer and freezing in winter.  We have always been told to check our Anti-freeze protection level before going into winter, but what we don't all know is that one of the most important aspects of your coolant is the corrosion inhibitors that protect and lubricate the internal metal parts. If you aren't using your vehicle it should have fresh coolant in it to prevent any internal engine corrosion.  Most coolants today are scheduled to be replaced every 5 years or 100,000 miles, which ever comes first. 
• Brake fluid - Brake fluid is a hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture over time.  This means that brake fluid should be changed periodically.  Most manufacturers recommend that the brake fluid be changed every 2-3 years or 24,000-36,000 miles to prevent internal brake system issues or the possibility of brake fade due to fluid boiling. I don't think this situation requires you to get your brake fluid changed, but if it hasn't been changed it is something to think about.  
• Fuel - If you are going to store a vehicle for extended periods of time then a fuel stabilizer should be put in your tank but for a short term issue like we are experiencing I personally don't think it is necessary. 
• Other fluids - There are other fluids that required maintenance on your vehicle such as your transmission but only the ones listed above need to be worried about unless they are already past due. 

Rodent Damage

We routinely see vehicles become the homes of squires, chipmunks and mice and they love to eat plastic, wires and everything else.  If a car sits there is no motion to help scare them away and your vehicle is way more comfortable than the wood pile out back.  If you keep you car in the garage make sure there is no dog food or bird seed stored there as well, as it will surely make your garage a luxury accommodation for you local critters. Some people recommend hanging mothballs in pantyhose under your hood or cotton balls soaked with peppermint oil.  

Summary

To sum things up, make sure that your car has been properly serviced (not only an oil change) for the mileage that is on it.  Take your car for a drive once a week that brings it to normal operating temperature and include a few good hard stops.  Don't idle your car if possible, and never idle it in your garage.