March 1, 2021
If you aren’t using your vehicle for a long period of time, you should ensure that it will be in good condition once you start using it again. Learn how to care for an inactive vehicle with this post by Factory Direct Oil Inc.
It may be that you have a second vehicle that you’re not using right now, your license has expired, and you haven’t gotten around to renewing it, or that you don’t need your vehicle as much right now (like when you’re going through a pandemic and you’re confined to your house). Whatever the case may be, you may not be using your vehicle as much lately. The problem with that is, believe it or not, that an inactive vehicle can waste away, meaning it won’t function correctly when you need to use it again or want to sell it. But to ensure that doesn’t happen, keep reading.
Visit AMSOIL’s online store to place an order for the most effective products for your vehicle’s maintenance, including the best synthetic oil that you can find.
Contents
How to Care for a Vehicle When You Aren’t Using It
Keep the Battery in Top Condition
Without the battery, your vehicle would just be a pile of scrap and wires. Given the fact that many vehicles are dependent on electrical power, not just gasoline, taking better care of the battery is crucial. Unfortunately, they can be the first to go due to disuse. That’s why it’s important to keep the battery charged even if you’re not using it. To that end, you can turn the ignition on and leave the engine idling for a few minutes.
Warm up the Fluids Regularly
Your vehicle wouldn’t work effectively if it didn’t have the necessary fluids, such as motor oil, gasoline, brake fluid, coolant, and a few others. However, prolonged inactivity can also take a toll on them, causing them to go stale after a long period of time. To avoid this situation in the first place, you should try to warm the fluids periodically.
If your engine is due for a synthetic oil change, use AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil, the top synthetic oil in the industry, to keep your vehicle strong and healthy for longer.
Maintain the Tires Properly
Imagine holding up the weight of a 2,871-pound car for months on end. It would definitely take a toll on you, right? Well, the same thing happens to the tire. Moreover, when a car is parked for a long time, all of that weight and pressure are applied to the same spot, thus deflating and damaging it. That’s why it’s a good idea to drive your vehicle around every now and then. But we also recommend an inspection, just to make sure things are in top shape.
Clean Your Vehicle Every So Often
You may think that you don’t have to clean your vehicle since you’re not using it. However, letting your vehicle stay dirty for a long time can have dire consequences for it. The gunk and filth can wreak havoc on its appearance and its inner systems. This means that you’ll have to spend a lot of money to repair it afterward, or you’ll have to sell it at a lower price. To keep this from happening, make sure to wash it and wax it every so often. Also, look into exhaust pipes to ensure there aren’t any critters living there.
Find a Safe Spot for It
Finally, if your vehicle will be parked for a long time, then you need to find a safe spot to park it. If you have a garage, that’s an optimal spot. However, if you don’t, use a tarp to cover it so that you can protect it from rain, dirt, animals, and other damaging elements. It’s also recommended that you park it near your house, under a streetlight, with anti-theft devices, so that you can prevent a robbery. This way, your vehicle will be there, in top shape, for when you need it again.
Maintain your vehicle with the highest quality products. Be sure to visit AMSOIL’s online store to place an order with them, including the most effective synthetic oil in the industry.