Do you have an inactive car in your driveway? You’ll want to read this!
If your car keys have been sitting somewhere, neglected for a while, you should be aware of the things that quietly happen when you have an inactive car. All vehicles are a significant investment. So keeping them in good working shape is essential.
You might think your car doesn’t need maintenance when it’s sitting safely in your garage or driveway. But your vehicle needs upkeep even when you don’t drive it all the time. Having an inactive car for too long without using it might be one way you’re shortening its lifespan.
It can lead to many issues down the road that’ll damage it over time. If you don’t drive your car regularly, watch out for these 10 signs that your car is about to go kaput.
… You may wan to take your car out for a short spin to keep it in working order!
Seals and gaskets can dry out on an inactive car
If your car is used sparingly, the rubber seals and gaskets in the engine and other systems can dry out and ultimately crack. They can then leak coolant, oil, and other fluids that can sabotage your car. Regular use keeps these gaskets and seals supple and avoids leakage.
An inactive car can mean battery drainage
You may be unaware of this, but a car that’s been sitting nonstop still uses the battery to maintain the clock, security system, and various other electrical objects.
As a result, it dies out entirely, and you won’t be able to start your car after a certain point. The battery’s capacity to carry a charge declines with time and almost always needs a car battery replacement because of this.
An inactive car can affect the exhaust system
When moisture is present in the exhaust system, rust and corrosion can quickly occur. The corrosion leads to leaks and can impact the exhaust system’s performance.
Driving your car on a regular basis helps get rid of the moisture in the exhaust system. Confirming the exhaust system is clean and free from undesirable materials can improve longevity and performance.
An inactive car can get infested with rodents
Rodents like rats and mice can build a nest inside a car that’s constantly parked, especially in the cold winter months.
They end up chewing the vehicle’s insulation, wires, and other parts, causing electrical problems and costly replacements or repairs. Regular inspections and the use of repellents can help you prevent this from happening.
Having an inactive car leads to flat spots on the tires
This one’s vital, folks! Tires are the most critical safety feature of your car. If you’ve ever woken up with one side of your hair flat as a pancake because you slept on it, you’ll understand this issue. The same thing goes for when tires “sleep.”
Cars develop flat spots when you don’t drive them. Its weight constantly puts pressure on the same part of the tires, creating a dent. You’ll definitely feel it when you get back in that driver’s seat. Tires also lose pressure when they sit, about one to two PSI per month.
But a quick spin around the block once a week can help avoid this issue. And be sure to use a tire pressure gauge to see what’s going on before you drive it again.
After all, you won’t have to worry about getting air from the gas station when you have a portable compressor at home.
Transmission issues may arise due to an inactive car
When your car stays inactive for long periods of time, the transmission fluid degrades, or the seals wear out, which makes gear shifting difficult and the vehicle’s performance sluggish.
The fluid thickens and becomes dirty over time, making it difficult to properly flow, calm, and grease parts of the transmission. This can cause overheating and lead to breakdowns, which can be rather pricey to repair.
Even if you own an inactive car, you still need auto insurance
Yep, you read that right. First of all, most states still require you to carry some sort of insurance on your vehicle, according to an insurance agent. The good news, though, is that some insurance companies voluntarily lower rates during a sheltering-in-place order.
For instance, Farmers offers a 25% rebate on auto insurance for this particular circumstance. If you want to reduce your rates, you can also raise your deductible, lower your mileage, or shop around for other insurance for lower rates.
An inactive car can lead to fuel degradation
Fuel can degrade and become inefficient over time. It can cause issues like engine malfunction and poor fuel efficiency. Ethanol-blended fuel can also allow moisture to get in, progressively damaging your fuel tank.
But, if you use fuel stabilizers and drive your car on a regular basis, it can help avoid this from happening. The same goes for other fluids, as well. They’re all essential for many features. For instance, brake fluid is pressurized, giving your car the power to brake.
Without power steering fluid, turning the steering wheel would take a lot more muscle. When a car is inactive for too long, fluids get go stale and build up in certain areas of your car. Older oil won’t do the same job as fresh oil would.
And since the oil keeps the metal components lubricated, you don’t get that ticking noise of metal hitting metal, or even worse, your engine overheating.
The best thing to do is to run the engine every two weeks or so for about 10 minutes Or you can take a short drive. This will keep things under the hood well-greased.
An inactive car can lead to deterioration of its interior
Your car shouldn’t be inactive for too long because the materials inside, including the seats, dashboard, and carpets, will begin to break down. If sunlight gets through the windows, the dashboard can fade and ultimately crack.
Likewise, moisture and inadequate air circulation could also cause mildew or mold to develop on the floor and seats. This interior Car Detailing Kit can help you out!
Having an inactive car can lead to damage from tree sap
As we all know, the beginning of spring also brings along the arrival of tree sap with it. It’s a very sticky substance that’s naturally released from trees.
If your vehicle is parked in a driveway under a pine tree or on the street, you could discover a sticky mess waiting for you on your car the next time you drive it again.
And if you don’t have any experience with this, you should know that pine sap is incredibly sticky and challenging to get rid of. It can also be tough regarding your car’s paint job, particularly if the clear coat is already damaged.
Our best recommendation is to remove it with a special tree sap cleaner as soon as you see it because as temperatures go up, the sap also heats up, causing even more paint damage.
Have you ever had any of these issues with an inactive car? If so, how did you handle it? Be sure to let our readers know in the comments section below.
And if you found this article helpful, we highly recommend you also read: 12 Secrets About Car Repairs Your Car Mechanic Is Hiding From You
