Best way to maintain a vehicle that is not getting used often

Quick facts

  • Drive the vehicle at least once a week for 15 to 20 minutes to keep the battery charged and seals lubricated
  • Fuel begins to degrade in as little as 30 days without a fuel stabilizer additive
  • Brake rotors can develop surface rust within days of sitting, which causes pulsation until it wears off
  • Tires develop flat spots from prolonged stationary contact with the ground
  • A battery tender (float charger) prevents battery discharge during long storage

We are in an unprecedented time with the Covid-19 Pandemic and it seems to grow larger almost every day.  For those people who are not driving their cars for work, and are definitely not going out for entertainment, they can experience an unexpected complication with their vehicles.   What is the best way to keep our vehicles in tip top shape while they are sitting in our garage or drive way.

The fuel in your vehicle is usually good for about 6 months, but if it is sitting more than 30 days, it does not hurt to add a fuel stabilizer to the tank so the fuel will not loose its volatility.  Also, keeping the tank full will help reduce moisture accumulation that can be caused by the fluctuations in weather.

The battery of your vehicle can be in use even when the ignition is off.  Driving or at least running the vehicle for 15 to 20 minutes each week can help to keep a good battery charged up.  There are chargers or battery maintainers that can be hooked up to your battery while it sits, but I would caution you on the use of those, because you do not want to overcharge the battery and cause other issues.  Solar powered battery charge maintainers can be a much better option and are safer for the consumer.

Keep an eye on your tire pressure, with weather fluctuations the tire pressure can change and you do not want a flat tire or driving your vehicle on too low of tire pressure to cause damage to the tires.

Lastly, we would recommend spraying your vehicle with a mice repellent spray, there are natural ones with peppermint essential oils that can help deter little rodents.  These rodents can cause damage to interior under the hood and they seem to love to chew on wiring.

Stay safe and healthy.  Happy Motoring!

Frequently asked questions

Common questions

How long can a car sit before it has problems?

Two to four weeks of inactivity rarely causes serious issues beyond a partially discharged battery and minor brake rotor surface rust. After 30 days, fuel starts to degrade. After 90 days, tires may develop flat spots, seals can dry out, and battery discharge is likely. Vehicles sitting longer than six months should be fully inspected before driving.

Should I run the engine occasionally if the car is in storage?

Short idle runs are not sufficient and can actually cause moisture buildup in the exhaust and oil. It is better to drive the vehicle enough to fully warm the engine and transmission, at least 15 to 20 minutes at normal operating temperature. This burns off condensation, lubricates seals, and exercises the brakes.

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