From worn tire tread to an overheated engine, it’s no secret that long road trips and harsh driving conditions can deteriorate your vehicle. However, you might not have known that inactivity can also damage your ride. Between the COVID-19 quarantine orders and school break, you might be staying home more than usual this summer. Learn how to maintain your vehicle while it’s not being used as frequently to safeguard the investment and avoid the need for car detailing and repairs.

3 Tips for Protecting Your Car During Quarantine

1. Keep Up With Cleaning

Debris from trees, animal droppings, and even dust can threaten the condition of your car's exterior, causing the sealant and paint to erode and ultimately forming rust. Keep up with your regular wash and car detailing schedule, even if the vehicle is sheltered from the elements.

Once you’ve rinsed away the contaminants and dried the auto body, wipe down the interior with a microfiber cloth. Use a conditioner on leather components to prevent cracking.

2. Get the Oil Changed

As the engine operates, oils that lubricate metal parts will become thick and gritty.  Even when you're not driving regularly, oil is still subject to deterioration, which can permanently damage the engine. To keep your car in top condition, have the oil changed according to the recommended schedule in the owner's manual. The frequency of oil changes is usually based on mileage, so check your car's odometer before leaving it in storage.

3. Exercise the Battery

The battery under the hood can only recharge when your car is in motion. When it's parked, the vehicle’s internal computers are still drawing energy from the battery, which could cause it to die before you get behind the wheel again.

Avoid a dead battery by opening the garage and turning on the engine once a week, for five to 10 minutes. This will keep the battery charged while you take a break from your driving duties.

If your car is in need of detailing following quarantine, take it to the experts at Precision Collision & Auto Glass in Frankfort, MI. Their team also uses precise technology to match your auto body paint when fixing paint damage and dent repairs. They’ve been taking care of local drivers since 1997, and their specialists are I-CAR and ACE-certified. To learn more about their various car detailing services, visit their website. To schedule an appointment, call (231) 352-7948.