Categories: SeasonalTips & TricksVehicle ServiceVehicles Safety

How Long Can a Vehicle Sit Without Being Driven?

Unused Vehicles Auto Service Care and Prevention

Depending on your job, lifestyle, and living situation, you might not be driving very often during this period of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), self-isolation, and social distancing. So, what happens to your vehicle if you let it sit for weeks and months on end? It is safe to leave your car like that? Will there be any damage to your vehicle for letting it sit, unused?

What’s Considered an Essential Business in Wisconsin?

How Long Should You Leave Your Car Unattended?

You should drive your vehicle at least once every two weeks to put your engine to work, lubricate the car’s moving auto parts, and to give everything else a wake-up call. Think of it like exercise and stretching to keep your car in shape.

What Happens When Your Car Sits

So, first off, what exactly happens when you let your car sit on its own for weeks and months? Here are some of the most common problems and vehicle damages that occur:

Battery Slowly Loses its Charge
Bug and Small Animals May Take Up Residence
Gas Tank Accumulates Moisture

Tires can Develop Flat Spots
Rust can Form on Some Materials (Brakes Primarily)

How to Reduce Damage and Negative Effects

You don’t need to just wait around and let your car turn into junk or break down, causing you tons of bank on unneeded service appointments. There are plenty of ways to lessen and prevent damage to your vehicle if it’s just stuck in its parking place for weeks or months on end, including:

Check and Fill Tire Pressure (Prevents Flat Spots)
Check for Any Leaks
Fill Up Tank (Prevents Excess Moisture)
Get an Oil Change

Put a Cover Over Your Vehicle (Regulate Temperature, Prevent Dust and Dirt)
Unhook Battery (Prevents Loss of Charge)
Use Vehicle Once Every Two Weeks (Drive a Block or Two)

Palmen Motors – COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Response

Find Vehicle Service Tips & Tricks in Kenosha, WI

For more local auto help, sales, and service, continue to read our blog, browse through our online inventory and service department, and contact us to learn more. The Palmen Motors dealership is located in Kenosha, Wisconsin and serves drivers in the nearby areas of Racine, Milwaukee, and more cities in Southeast Wisconsin with Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram sales and service.