Whether your car is one that you’re trying to protect or you just don’t need to drive all that often, it’s important for you to know how to take care of it when you have it stored. Even if you’re just storing the car in your driveway, Erik’s Automotive wants you to know some of these tips to make sure the car is drivable when you’re ready again.
Swap Out the Oil
Lots of car owners think that if the car isn’t going anywhere, the oil in the engine is fine. That’s not the case, unfortunately. Engine oil still breaks down over time, even if the engine isn’t running. You don’t have to get the oil changed as often as you do when you’re driving the car every day. It helps if you check the oil periodically as well, just to make sure that there’s nothing funky floating around in it. Generally speaking, if the car is going to sit, you should change the oil once a year.
Stay on Top of Tire Pressure
Tire pressure is important, too, even if the car is sitting. When the car sits for long periods of time, there’s steady pressure on only one spot on the tire. Tires are always losing air, and if you aren’t checking the air, you may find that the tires end up flattening, which can even start to flatten the rims. All of that is bad news. You can avoid that by making sure you keep the right amount of air in the tires.
Make Sure to Check the Fluids
There are other fluids that need to be checked besides the oil. Coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid all need to be checked if the car is going to sit. Brake fluid and transmission fluid might not need to be changed if they’re okay, but it is important to flush and refill the coolant once a year. Also, don’t forget to check any gas that is left in the car. Gas breaks down over about six months, so if you leave gas in the car while it sits, that gas won’t be any good the next time you go to start up the car. It’s much better to siphon the tank and refill it before you start up the car again.
Check Hoses and Belts Yearly
Hoses and belts are made from rubber and they will break down over time even if you’re not driving the car. It’s a good idea to make sure that they’re all in good working order if the car has been sitting for a while, especially if you’re planning to restart the car anytime soon. If the belts, in particular, haven’t been swapped out in a while, you definitely need to do so if the car has been sitting.
Need some help with your car after it’s sat for a while? Call us today at Erik’s Automotive in San Antonio, TX. We’ll be happy to help you to figure out what your car needs. most.