Jim Ackney

OUR BLOG

Caring for a Vehicle in Disuse

If you have a vehicle that's just sitting there, and you don't want it to get ruined due to inactivity, there are a few things you can do. Learn tips to care for an inactive vehicle through this post by Jim Ackney in Edmonton.

There can be myriad different reasons why you stop using a vehicle: you may be going through a global pandemic in which you're advised to stay inside (it happens), you may have another vehicle that you prefer driving, your license may have expired, or other. Whatever the case may be, believe it or not, not using your vehicle regularly can be detrimental to its functioning. That's why, if you want to be able to use your vehicle after that period of inactivity, you need to maintain it while it's stalled. To learn how you can maintain a vehicle in disuse, continue reading the post below.

Help your vehicle remain in top condition. Call Jim Ackney at (780) 476-0545, or visit AMSOIL's online shop for the best products for you, like the top synthetic oil in Edmonton.

How to Care for a Vehicle When You Aren't Using It

Make Sure the Battery is Charged

There are a lot of features in your vehicle that are dependent on the battery to power them (like the lights, the radio, among many others). That's why, if you want the battery to be in good shape once you turn your vehicle on again, you need to keep it charged. Inactivity can deplete it, so if you can, turn the ignition on and keep an idle engine for a couple of minutes once a week (or you can drive it around the block). Even if the battery were to discharge, jumpstarting it may be enough to make it work again.

Keep the Fluids Warmed Up

Fluids are another key component in ensuring that a vehicle works as expected (for example, the gasoline, the synthetic oil, the coolant, the brake fluid, among other fluids). Unfortunately, disuse can also take a toll on them: they will begin to go stale after a while. If you don't want this to happen, it's recommended that you move your vehicle a little bit each week. This will keep the fluids flowing and warmed up. Just be sure to have them checked before you resume driving your vehicle.

A well-maintained engine can work smoothly for years. Maintain yours with A MSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil, the highest-quality synthetic oil in Edmonton.

Take Proper Care of the Tires

Your tires have a very difficult job: they have to lift all of the weight of the vehicle. Needless to say, with time, all of that weight can cause extra pressure on the tires, deflating them or damaging them faster. That's why it's necessary that you move your tires from time to time. This will redistribute the weight of the vehicle onto another spot on the tire and will prevent an issue. Even so, get the tires checked after the inactivity period is over.

Clean Your Vehicle with Regularity

Even if you're not using your vehicle, allowing it to stay dirty can take a toll on its appearance and performance. The filth and gunk can eat away at the paint job, and if it gets into its components, it can accelerate their wear and tear process as well. Plus, if you don't do a good job at keeping it clean, you can expect germs, bugs, and small animals to thrive in it. To avoid all of these consequences, it's best to wash it, wax it, and generally keep it clean while it's parked. This way, you'll have a sanitary, pretty, and functional vehicle later on.

Park It in a Safe Spot

Lastly, if you won't be using your vehicle for a bit, it's a good idea to keep it parked in a safe spot. It would be best if you had a garage or a tarp to cover the vehicle with, so that dirt, rain, and other elements won't damage it while it's parked. If you don't have a garage space, park it under a streetlight near your house with anti-theft devices to keep it safe. This will guarantee that your vehicle will be there, in one piece, ready to go whenever you're ready to use it again.