Perhaps you work from home or use public transportation to get to work. Maybe you’re retired and do not need your vehicle on a regular basis. No matter why you don’t drive your car often, it shouldn’t sit in a garage or parking spot indefinitely. Without regular auto maintenance, it will experience issues such as low tires, seized brakes, or a dead battery. Use this guide to keep your sitting car in good condition.

How to Care for a Seldom-Used Car

1. Fill the Gas Tank

Keep your gas tank filled to prevent moisture infiltration and gasoline degradation. If you plan to store the car for a long period, add a fuel stabilizer to preserve the gasoline since it will start breaking down after the three-month mark. Fuel stabilizer also protects the engine and gas lines from corrosion.

2. Perform Regular Tire Checks

Tire pressure can drop during storage, especially when it’s cold out. Use a pressure gauge tool to check your tires’ pressure about once a month and fill them as per your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. This will stop it from becoming completely flat. Check the condition of the rubber as well, such as looking for sidewall cracks, bulges, and blisters.

3. Top Off & Change Fluids Regularly

Avoid premature engine damage and seizing by getting the oil changed every six months. Oil helps the engine stay clean and keeps its many moving parts lubricated.

Additionally, have an auto maintenance professional change or top off the transmission, brake, and windshield wiper fluids to keep the parts functional. Clean fluids also inhibit corrosion since dirty oil contains metal shards and other corrosive elements.

4. Take Care of the Battery

Link your battery to a battery tender or trickle charger to prevent power loss if you aren’t going to drive the car for several weeks or more. Idle batteries lose their charge. In addition to this, check the terminal regularly for corrosion and use a toothbrush to clean it as needed.

5. Drive It

Drive your vehicle periodically to prevent debris buildup under the hood. Taking it out for a spin gets oil and fluids circulating to lubricate the engine and other components. It also keeps the battery operational and protects tire rubber from untimely degradation.

In need of car servicing? Turn to Hillis 66, Inc. The auto maintenance center has served Lincoln, NE, and the surrounding areas since 1978, providing auto repair and oil changes as well as new and used tire sales. Visit them online for a full list of offerings. Call (402) 474-2891 today to make an appointment. Get more car care tips on Facebook.