Now that you are getting 3 months to the gallon and starting to get back on the road, proper car care is far more important than it might seem. If you’ve put the brakes on driving your car during the coronavirus pandemic, or if it has been a while since you drove, it is crucial to check out your car before hitting the road. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to ensure your car stays in proper condition for long summer road trips. Below, we have listed some tips and suggestions for keeping your car well maintained in the near term and in the long haul:
1. Drive Your Car At Least Once a Week to Keep the Battery Charged
Over time, car batteries start to discharge and the easiest way to prevent a dead battery is to drive your car regularly. Driving at least once a week for 20 minutes or longer will ensure that the battery is charged. If you park outside, it is more likely that your brake discs will rust, driving will provide a chance to wear the rust off of them and keep the calipers from seizing. Going for a relaxing drive could also shake off some cabin fever!
2. Do the Same to Keep Your Car’s Parts Lubricated
Driving your vehicle regularly not only keeps the battery charged, but it also prevents the engine and other car parts from drying out. If a car sits for too long, oil starts to settle, fluids begin to separate, and seals can begin to dry out, which can cause long term damage to your vehicle. By taking your car out for a drive, this helps keep fluids circulating and ensures the transmission, brakes, etc. stay well lubricated.
3. Driving Also Helps Avoid Flat Spots in Your Tires
Tires lose pressure over time, and if a car sits in the same spot for a period of time, the weight of the vehicle can cause flat spots to develop in your tires. These tires will need to be replaced with new ones for the safety of the driver and others on the road. Who knew that just by taking your car out for a drive could help avoid a dead battery, parts drying out, and potential flat spots?!
4. Check Your Tires Regularly
Speaking of tires, a basic tire inspection is easy to do in the comfort of your own driveway! Did you know that tires are more prone to blowouts in the summer because of the hot, sizzling pavement? Check your tires regularly using the penny test! Periodically check your tread by sticking a penny into the groove of the tire with Lincoln’s head facing inward. If you can see the top of Abe’s head, it’s time for a new set!
Don’t want to sort through your vehicle’s manual? An easy way to find the recommended pressures for your tires is to look in your driver’s door jam for the sticker below. Make sure your tires are at the recommended pressure as this will maximize fuel efficiency, ride comfort, and driver safety!
5. Check Your Oil Regularly:
After checking your tires, be sure to check your vehicle’s oil as it is a great way to maintain your car and ensure safe driving conditions! An easy way to check your oil is to first warm up your car, then be sure to turn the engine off. Next, open your hood, pull out the dipstick, and clean it off with a rag. Lastly, push the dipstick all the way in, wait for a second, then withdraw it and check the level as well as the oil’s consistency. Use the guide below to determine if you need to add or change your oil! Bring your vehicle down to Luke’s Auto Service and we will be sure your engine oil and filter and changed efficiently and timely.
6. Wash the Exterior and Interior of Your Car
Many people believe washing and waxing a car is a luxury rather than a necessity. It is crucial to regularly maintain the exterior of your car to preserve it and more importantly, extend the life of it. If your car is constantly dirty, this will cause parts to rust and corrode, leading to a lower resale value when it comes to selling your car. During this time especially, it is important to keep the interior of your car clean and germ-free. Isopropyl alcohol is an effective way to kill the virus and eliminate harmful bacteria that will build up over time. Keep in mind that cleaning the parts of your car you touch the most such as your steering wheel, dashboard, door handles, and the gear shift is important also! Read more about the benefits of keeping your car clean here.
7. Choose Your Parking Spot Wisely/Be Wary of Rodents
Did you know parking long term on a soft, surface like grass or dirt allows moisture to travel up into your car’s undercarriage, causing rust? Finding a spot on pavement or gravel is ideal! If your vehicle is parked outside and hasn’t been driven in a while, be sure to check for rodents and other animals/nests. We have seen nests and animals under many customer’s hoods as shown below. Read more about the importance of keeping your vehicle’s cowl clean here.
8. Keep Up Your Routine Maintenance Schedule
The simplest way to keep up with maintaining your vehicle is to bring it to our auto repair shop located in Verona, New Jersey. At Luke’s Auto Service, we keep a detailed service history and will let you know when the next service is needed for a particular system. If we notice a part that is beginning to wear out, we will let you know so you can have us replace it in a timely manner. We hope everyone is staying safe and healthy during this time while showing your vehicle some extra love before getting back out on the road!
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