Tips for Maintaining a Vehicle that Isn’t Driven Often

People in Ontario are driving less now than ever so maintaining a vehicle that is driven less is highly important.

Whether it’s from cutting out a commute now that you are working from home or putting your car away for the season, there are many reasons why you might not be driving your vehicle as often as you used to. But don’t make the mistake of letting it sit around and collect dust – follow these tips to keep up with your car’s maintenance to ensure it’s ready to hit the road at any time!

Make sure your car is covered.

If you have access to a garage, consider parking it in there to ensure protection from inclement weather. If you don’t have access to a garage and have to park outside, think about purchasing a weatherproof and UV resistant car cover to protect the paint from scrapes and protect its interior from sun damage.

Drive your car at least twice a month.

On average, a vehicle can sit unused for up to a month without draining the battery. Taking it for a 20-30-minute drive at least twice a month will help you avoid finding a dead battery when it’s time to go somewhere. Doing this will also ensure the fluids and oils in your car will circulate and keep the vehicle’s essential systems lubricated. If you choose not to take it for a drive monthly, or bi-monthly, try to start it a couple of times a month to get these same fluids and oils circulating.

Note: If you’re storing your car in the garage, make sure you leave the garage door open while allowing your vehicle to idle. Carbon monoxide from your car’s exhaust can escape. 

Keep your gas tank full.

Keeping your gas tank full may seem like a waste, but it’s something you’ll be glad you did. If you don’t do this, moisture can build up in your empty gas tank as the weather changes, leading to damage.

Adhere to the manufacturer’s suggested oil change schedule.

If you’re storing your vehicle for more than three months, ensure you change the oil before putting it in long-term storage.  

If you’re still driving your vehicle on occasion but not enough to reach the mileage interval for an oil change, consult your owner’s manual to see how long you’re able to wait before changing your oil. 

Double-check your tire pressure before hitting the road again.

Tires can slowly lose pressure, especially when left sitting for long periods. Consult the owner’s manual for the recommended tire air pressure, and ensure your tires are up to code. If not, simply inflate each tire to the correct level. 

Inspect your vehicle for pests regularly.

A sitting car is an ideal home for certain pests, including rodents and insects. To prevent these unwanted visitors from moving into your vehicle, inspect inside your vehicle’s trunk and cabin regularly. Another thing to check when conducting these inspections is under the hood, as insects such as wasps and bees can find their way in and build a hive.

Keep your car insured.

Keeping your vehicle insured may seem like a waste, but you will be left paying hefty amounts out of pocket on the off chance you do use your car and get into a collision. Not to mention, it is illegal, and you will also be facing fines for driving with no coverage. The good news is that you can speak with your broker and update your coverage to reflect that you aren’t driving nearly as much, and in turn, you could pay lower premiums.

Give us a call at Bryson today to learn how you can keep your car covered and maybe even save on your insurance premium as you start driving less.