There are a variety of reasons your car can sit in place for a while. COVID and stay in place regulations have taught us that. Of course, a pandemic isn’t the only reason your car might not move.

• Retirees may choose not to drive for weeks on end, especially if you live in a walkable community.
• Work from home professionals may also prefer living in walkable communities, using a vehicle only if they go away for a weekend.
• Business travelers are often jetting away to faraway places.
• And if a spouse is deployed overseas for any length of time, their car may sit for months at a time.

Then, of course, there’s also a question of where you park the car. Is it sitting in the elements? Is it under a carport? Or in a garage?

No matter how frequently you operate your vehicle, no matter where you choose to park it, it still needs car maintenance from time to time.

Here’s why.

Where you park your car matters 

If you leave a car parked on the street, it’s subjected to the elements. Bird droppings, fallen leaves, and UV light can all be a problem. It can also be subjected to wind storms, damage from ice and snow, and dents from hail. There may also be safety issues, with more break-in potential, or the risk of being hit from passing cars.

Placing your vehicle in a garage can help protect and support its performance. Being in a closed environment helps a variety of systems and components on the car.

Brakes – Especially here in Colorado, cold weather can take its toll on the braking system. It can accelerate rusting on your brakes, especially if you’re on a busier street that routinely is prepped for ice and snow. Exposure to moisture and things like salt and mag-chloride can make its way to the brake rotors, causing corrosion, or wearing out the brake pads sooner.

Tires – The hot summer sun is just one of the things that can contribute to wearing down your tires. The heat can dry out the rubber on the tires, and cause wall cracks. It can play with the internal air pressure, flattening the tire over time. And as that happens, it twists your tire out of shape, causing flat spots in the rubber.

Battery – The only way to keep your car’s battery operating correctly is to charge it up from time to time. But it takes more than turning it on; it needs to move and drive, even if it’s just a short ten minute ride. Excessive heat, as well as winter cold spurts, can all impact the battery fluid, and shorten the life of the battery. It may start, but will it stay running? And once a battery is damaged, it will stop running altogether.

Being in a protected garage can help reduce all of these and more. Being in a protected environment not only helps with the inside, but the outside as well. The paint won’t wear due to sunlight and other elements, and the vehicle will be at less risk for both safety and security reasons.

But it’s not just a garage that can help. Even covered parking can reduce exposure to elements that can cause cosmetic damage.

Weather and other elements are never good for a vehicle’s paint job. Exposure to sun, wind, and ice can cause the paint to oxidize, which causes the paint to fade and peel. Plus, chemicals in bird droppings, fallen leaves, and sap from trees can hurt the paint too.

Paint isn’t just to make your car look good. It also protects the interior and other parts of the car. If rust and corrosion set in, it can move to other areas of your car.

If you leave your vehicle on the street, in the driveway, or on the side of your property, the elements can impact the inside of your car as well. Sunlight can wear down the dashboard and upholstery, while excessive heat can cause cracks and fading.

Of course, there’s no surefire way to keep your car safe or prevent theft. But keeping your car behind closed doors, off the street, or covered will always create a safer environment than leaving your vehicle on the street. If you won’t be moving your car for a while, cover it as much as you can.

Car maintenance for long term parked cars

No matter where you park your car, it’s important to remember that cars aren’t designed to sit still. That’s the fastest way to expedite problems.

No matter how often you plan on operating your vehicle, there are certain things you should do periodically to keep it running well.

One a week:

Start the car and let the engine idle for a few minutes. Before you turn it back off, drive it for an additional few minutes, to get all of the systems in the car operating again. This allows fluids to flow, mechanics to run, and systems to operate. It ensures the components move and aren’t stuck in the same position. You should also pay attention to the gas level, as a full tank keeps the air out, preventing rust and corrosion from settling in.

Once a month:

Continue to drive the vehicle periodically for short distances. This ensures the engine heats up and all systems move positions. Check the oil levels. It shouldn’t change, but it will need changing periodically even without hitting 3,000 miles, depending on how long it will sit. Check tire pressure to ensure it’s at proper levels. This prevents tires from bulging, or from gaining small cracks. You should also check the windshield wipers, ensure they operate, and fill the washer fluid tank. This keeps the wipers in good shape, and prevents them from drying out.

Schedule car maintenance visits:

We often see cars that don’t have much mileage come in for large repairs. It’s important to note that no matter how often you drive your car, you should still have your vehicle checked out by a professional from time to time.

It isn’t only driving and adding mileage that wears down the parts on your vehicle. Age can also have an impact on how well your car operates.

What will the summer of 2020 be remembered for? Recovering from a pandemic will be high on the list. Roadtripping is also going to be one of the most popular activities for families.

Forty-six million Americans say they will jump in the car and visit someplace on their bucket lists during the summer. If the coronavirus has canceled your big traveling plans, and you’re looking to stay a little closer to home, roadtripping just makes sense.

Right now, a lot of us are looking for a little escape. After being locked up at home with no place to go, even if you love your home, it’s looking a little closed-in right about now. The open road, the wide open skies, and new-to-you territory sound good right now.

But in order to make it there safely, it’s important to ensure what you’re driving gets you there without trouble.

Has your car been sitting in the garage, with only trips to the grocery store keeping it running?

Has your pickup been parked, with no place to go?

Are you sure they’ll get you where you’re going, especially if you’ll be driving into the middle of nowhere, without a service station in sight?

Car trouble is bad anytime it happens. But when your car doesn’t start in the office parking lot, it’s a minor inconvenience. If your car dies on the open road, it can be downright dangerous.

Before you leave home, there are a few simple steps you can take to ensure your car is the last thing you’ll have to think about as you’re having fun with the family.

How do I know if my car will make a long trip?

If you have a brand new car, you might not think twice before hitting the open road. But what if your car is three years old? Or five?

In most cases, if your car has been operating well, you’ve provided it with routine maintenance, you attend to issues as they occur, and it runs well for you as you carry out your daily tasks, it should run for you on a road trip as well. If it hasn’t given you trouble as you drive around your neighborhood, there’s no reason to think it will act up on your trip.

Being aware is the most important part of car maintenance. Watch for anything new that arises with your vehicle.

• Are there any fluid leaks?
• Do you hear any new noises?
• Does a light shine on your dashboard readings?
• Does your car act similarly to how it always has?

If you haven’t noticed anything new, chances are it’s in good shape to make your road trip.

How do I prepare my car for a long trip?

Are you wondering if your car is in good enough shape to go on a road trip? Whether your trip is a few hundred miles, or you’ll be adding several thousand as you venture far from home, being stuck without a car isn’t a part of your plans.

Even if you take care of your vehicle regularly, if you haven’t had it checked in a few months, doing so right before your trip can give you added peace of mind. Scheduling a car maintenance appointment will allow one of our mechanics to check the important things, ensure everything is in good working condition, and enable you to head out without having to worry about your car.

Here’s what we’ll do.

Check fluids

Fluids are the lifeblood of any vehicle. It’s not just an occasional oil change that keeps your car running well. But regular oil changes are an integral part of keeping your car moving. Oil changes are usually done based on mileage. Will you hit that point during your trip? Then it’s a good idea to have your car serviced before you leave, to ensure it operates well throughout your trip.

Oil keeps many components operating well, such as the pistons, crankshaft, and camshaft. Mechanics will tell you to change your oil somewhere around every 5,000 miles. Manufacturers may go as high as 10,000 miles, depending on your make and model. Check with your owner’s manual, and talk with one of our mechanics to get on a schedule that works best for your needs.

Other fluids you should check include:

Radiator fluid – this is also known as coolant or antifreeze. This helps pull heat from the engine and dissipate it through the radiator. A mechanic can ensure a proper amount of fluid is in the system, and flushing it every 40,000 to 50,000 miles will keep it working its best.

Brake fluid – brake fluid keeps the brake lines working well. When you push on the brake pedal, brake fluid flows through the brake lines, enabling the brake pads to clamp on the rotors, and slow and stop your car. Flushing the system every 25,000 miles or so will ensure your brakes work as designed.

Power steering fluid – this fluid ensures your steering is responsive to your movements at any speed. If you notice a change in the way your car steers, and it takes more movement to go the direction you choose, it’s time to change out the power steering fluid. Many manufacturers recommend every 50,000 miles or so regardless.

Windshield washer fluid – long trips in the summer mean plenty of bugs and dust accumulating on the exterior of your car. Topping off the windshield washer fluid will allow you to keep your windshield clean no matter how many miles you drive.

Tires

As you would expect, your tires are essential for safety. Know how many miles of wear they have, bring your car in for inspection to ensure you’ll stay safe throughout your journey. This can alert you to potential problems, such as uneven wear marks, or faulty tread.

If you don’t have a sensor to alert you with pressure problems, be sure to check tire pressure every 1,000 miles or so. Even if your tire pressure is correct, it’s a good idea to rotate your tires every 8,000 to 10,000 miles or so to help them wear better and last longer. Tires should also be replaced every 25,000 to 50,000 miles. Not sure how much tread you have left? Do the quarter test. Insert a quarter into the tread. If it doesn’t cover George Washington’s hairline, it’s time to think about replacing your tires.

What other car maintenance items do you need before a road trip?

Cars have numerous components that need to be checked and observed over the years. The better you know your car, the more you’ll be aware when it’s time for replacement.

Other components that may need servicing or replacement include:

Brake pads – they provide friction needed to slow and stop your vehicle. Depending on the brake pad, you can expect anywhere from 25,000 to 70,000 miles before replacement. Keep in mind that brake pads may not always wear evenly from side to side. Be sure to have all brakes looked at and tested before heading out on the open road.

Air filters – especially in summer, you’ll be subjected to dust, dirt, and bug entering the engine and interior, clogging the filters. This can impact your drive as well as affect engine performance. New air filters for both your engine and interior cabin every 10,000 to 15,000 miles will give you a better ride.

Bulbs – when was the last time you checked your headlights? How about your brake lights? Make sure all of your lights are working properly to help keep you safe on the open road.

Belts and hoses – over time, belts and hoses can wear down, leak and crack. That can allow fluid to leak, and increase the potential of being stranded. Just a quick check can ensure your car is in its best condition for a safe trip, no matter where the road takes you.

How many miles have you put on your car during the month of March?

The current headlines say it all. One recent article in the LA Times stated “Eerily empty freeways: A symbol of how coronavirus has hurt Los Angeles.”

Of course, it’s not just in LA. Satellite images show airports, ports, and highways deserted as lockdowns soar.

New problems are popping up daily. Like having to control street racing.

And we’re experiencing things most of us have never experienced before. Hello, #StayHomeSounds.

Unless you are an essential employee, chances are you’re currently working at home. And staying at home. Day after day.

That means your car is staying at home too.

Before the coronavirus, a low mileage driver was someone who put less than 600 miles on their car each month. They might do so for a variety of reasons, including:

• They are retired and don’t leave home often
• They work from home
• They use public transportation regularly, reserving their cars for weekend use
• They are part of a carpool
• They have more than one car, and limit driving one for special occasions – think a convertible for summertime weekend use

For the past month, even that 600 miles may seem high. Your car sits there in the garage or out on the street. And it doesn’t move.

Is that okay?

What happens when you don’t start your car

A vehicle is designed for operation. It’s made up of a variety of systems that are designed to move. Fluids are designed to move through the parts. Gears are designed to turn. Parts are designed to warm up.

And when that doesn’t happen, a whole host of other problems begin.

Keep in mind, it’s more than just starting your car. Batteries slowly lose their charge when they sit. If you start it for a minute and turn it right back off, it drains the battery further. You have to drive it for several miles after starting it to ensure the battery has a chance to recharge. This gives all the systems a chance to kick into gear and engage, including the transmission system, the brakes, the suspension, the climate control system, the power steering, and all the intricate hoses, seals, and joints to have proper flowthrough to ensure they are working well.

With your digital devices, you’re advised to let the battery drain fully before recharging it and topping it off. But a car battery doesn’t work that way. They are all about short bursts of energy. Their goal is to burst the car into life, then recharge and wait for the next time it’s needed. When you turn the key or push the ON button, a car battery converts chemical energy into electric energy. It delivers enough power to start the engine, and enough power to turn on many of a vehicle’s accessories, like the lights.

What else can happen if you don’t drive your car?

The tires can start to lose pressure, especially during cold weather. It slowly drains and begins to flatten. And as the weight of the car continues to press down on the tires, it can cause flat spots to develop with the rubber touching the ground. When you finally take your car out once again, these flat spots will be noticeable as you drive.

Moisture can start to form in the gas tank, especially if it hasn’t been filled up. It can also build in the oil and cause corrosion.

And then there are those pesky rodents that are looking for a new place to nest. They can easily find their way up underneath the hood, or even in exhaust outlets. And when rodents make a nest nearby, they chew. They can disconnect wires and chew through hoses and other parts made from organic materials.

What should you do to keep your car operating well while you aren’t driving? 

Let’s start with the most basic of care – bring your car in so one of our mechanics can give it a thorough inspection once every six months. Surprised? That’s just one of the reasons we’ve been deemed an essential business during the coronavirus lockdown. It’s more important than ever for you to ensure your vehicle is safe to drive in case of an emergency. And a simple inspection will help ensure that.

Change your oil regularly. While most oil service stations tell you to replace the oil based on mileage, it should also be changed based on age. Pull up the dipstick at least once per month and check the condition of the oil. If you notice it changing from its original golden color into something darker, it’s time to change the oil.

Walk around your car and inspect it regularly. Look for signs of furry friends making a home somewhere on your vehicle. Now is the perfect time for them to be building nests. Don’t think your car is safe because it sits in a garage. Rodents can easily slip in through cracks, or scurry in when you have the door open.

Drive your car at least ten miles once per month. Don’t just ride to the grocery store, pop onto the highway and get it up to speed for at least ten minutes or so. Plan out a circle, drive there and back. This will keep all the fluids flowing properly and your car running smoothly.

Schedule a car maintenance appointment today

Depending on the age of your car, you might know something needs to be replaced. Have you been nursing your brakes along? Or know you need work performed on your climate control system before the heat of the summer kicks in?

Why wait? You don’t need your car right now. It’s the perfect time to get those car maintenance items done and off your plate.

We’re open for business. We’re here to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly no matter how much you’ll be driving it in the days and weeks to come.

What other car maintenance questions can we answer for you?

We had a customer ask an interesting question the other day, and I thought it would be a great tip to share with you. She asked:

“My mom rarely drives her car. She may take it out a few times a year at most because she isn’t getting around easily anymore. It sits in the garage most of the time. Are there any special car maintenance items I should worry about? I would say she’s putting less than a thousand miles on the car per year. I want to make sure it runs well when she does get in it. ”

A car sitting in a garage, barely used, sounds like the perfect way to preserve a vehicle. If it doesn’t hit the streets regularly, nothing wears out … right?

Think again.

A car that just sits there unused still requires care. It has a lot of stress on it because it isn’t running regularly. Therefore it will have different problems than a car you use every day.

Ever heard the phrase “use it or lose it”? In some manner, that phrase applies to cars too. Cars are all about performance. They are designed to operate when you need them. But if fluids aren’t running through the system regularly, if parts just sit there adjusting to the elements without doing their jobs, wear still occurs.

If you have a car that is rarely used, the way you care for it while not driving it can effect the way it performs. Prepare your vehicle to care for the exterior, the battery, and the engine, and it’ll be there for you whenever you decide to use it.

“Whichever Comes First” Car Maintenance Plan

You’ve probably seen those little stickers some car maintenance shops stick on windshields to remind you to get your oil changed. They remind you to schedule your next oil change on a specific date, or when you reach a certain mileage threshold, whichever comes first. That’s a good approach to car maintenance when your car doesn’t move very much.

A car that sits won’t put the mileage on, but things like oil and additives are still sitting, aging, even though the car never leaves the garage. And it’s good to replace all of that to ensure the parts stay lubricated the way they should.

When in doubt, always schedule a maintenance visit with your local mechanic based on the calendar, not on mileage.

Keep The Car Clean

If at all possible, clean the car before it sits for extended periods of time. This is especially true here in Colorado, where all kinds of things can settle in on the paint or undercarriage during seasonal driving patterns – think mag-chloride, salts, sap, etc. At a minimum, run it through the carwash whenever you get the chance. Better yet, give it a deep cleaning removing even the hard-to-remove dirt and debris, polishing, and waxing it to help protect it against the elements. Pay attention to the undercarriage too, as rust can set in if harmful chemicals settle in.

Keep The Gas Tank Full

If you know the car will be sitting in the garage for an extended time period, it’s better to sit with a full tank than one that’s partially empty. Gas has a shelf life of around six months. As gas is manufactured from crude oil, it’s mixed with a variety of refining products. That’s what makes gasoline perform in your vehicle, and keeps it as clean as possible for the environment.

It’s a careful balancing act to ensure gasoline is at its peak performance, while providing you with the necessary qualities to ensure your car will go. Over time, the qualities change. You even put in different gas depending on the time of year – winter gas is a different blend to ensure your car will go no matter what the temperature is outside.

If your car will sit in the garage, keeping the tank full will help prevent moisture from building up in the tank, which can degrade the quality of the gasoline. But keep in mind that whenever you can, it’s a good idea to run gas through the system to keep all parts operating at their best.

Top Off Fluids

Gas isn’t the only fluid that keeps your car running strong. Brake fluid, engine coolant, transmission fluid, antifreeze, even windshield washer fluid all have a purpose for your car.

While every make and model has different requirements, it’s good to have a mechanic perform a routine car maintenance check periodically to ensure all parts are at optimal performance. For example, brake pads might not wear if a car isn’t used much. But that won’t stop leaks from forming in the system, impacting the braking performance of the vehicle. Periodic checks will ensure the safety of the vehicle whenever someone sits behind the wheel.

Protect The Battery

A car battery will, on average, last around six years. Of course, that depends on how it’s treated throughout its life.

The purpose of a battery isn’t to keep the car running. Instead, it’s about providing the necessary power to get the car moving. But that doesn’t mean if you don’t use it, it won’t slowly drain. Other things can drain a battery – headlights left on, GPS or cell phones plugged in, interior lights left on. Even sitting there will eventually take its toll.

If you know the car will sit without running for an extended period of time, you might also disconnect the battery to prevent corrosion.

Other Concerns

If a car sits for too long in one location, you might have other things to deal with. A nice warm garage is often a place where mice or other critters take refuge. Check for chewed belts, hoses, or nests, which can be built just about anywhere.

Windshield wipers might also crack or break easier. Because the rubber sits, it can dry out faster than when it faces elements each day.

You should also test tire pressure periodically. Reflate them to the recommended levels; you can find that in the car manual, or check online for the make and model.

Schedule Car Maintenance Today

Not everyone drives in the same manner. While most of us drive our cars almost every day, others rarely get behind the wheel. And when a car sits idle for too long, things happen.

The best way to keep a vehicle running no matter how it’s used is to schedule car maintenance checkups every year. If you haven’t had your car serviced because of lack of mileage, schedule it today to ensure everything is running the way it should.

Owning an automobile is no longer optional. Here across the Front Range, it would be difficult to live without a car. How would you take the kids to school? How would you run errands? How would you get the family up into the hills for a day of skiing?

A car is something you depend on to get you where you’re going, every day of the week.

The newer the vehicle, the more reliable it is. But even from the moment you drive it off the showroom floor, things start to wear and break down. Every mile allows belts to wear out, tires to wear down, fluids to run low. If you don’t pay attention to the changes in your car’s normal patterns, you’re likely to miss when it starts to tell you things are changing. Action is needed. Or problems will quickly begin materializing.

Car maintenance and repair

Why is car maintenance and repair such an important thing? There are a lot of reasons why you should keep your vehicle in top shape. These are just a few of the many reasons why you should put “taking care of your car” at the top of your to-do list.

Improves safety

While basic car maintenance might not directly stop vehicle accidents from occurring, it can be a contributing factor in many situations. If your tires are bald, for example, you’re more likely to hydroplane and slide in wet or icy road conditions. By keeping all critical components of your car in top shape, your vehicle will handle better, and is more likely to react quickly when you tap on the brake pedal or turn your steering wheel.

Increases reliability

Certain parts of a vehicle will wear more than others. The windshield washer fluid reservoir can only hold a certain amount of fluid. The brake pads will only withstand a certain amount of pressure. Tires will only provide a certain amount of wear before the tread disappears. If you make a conscious decision to check and replace parts before they wear down, your car is less likely to break down when you least expect it.

Decreases your repair expenses

If you don’t put gas into your car before the tank empties, it’ll come to a complete stop, and you’ll be stuck. Every car owner understands that, so they watch the gas gauge and pull into a station before the needle hits the E marker. The rest of your car works in a similar manner, though it’s easier to ignore the warning signs. If you don’t replace motor oil, your engine won’t work at 100 percent efficiency. But it still keeps trying, and that’s when things start happening. Other parts overcompensate to make up the difference. And pretty soon that simple oil change turns into a much bigger problem. If you stick with a car maintenance checklist and you perform routine maintenance on a regular basis, your vehicle will be there when you need it.

Has a higher resale value

When people don’t take care of their car, it shows. When it’s neglected, it may have layers of dirt, parts missing, even sounds you know aren’t good for the car. When you perform car maintenance regularly, even a car that is several years old can appear to be brand new. It shines. It appears to be well cared for. Even when you climb inside or pop the hood, you can see the previous owner didn’t let things fester. And people are willing to pay a higher price, knowing they are purchasing a car that will be reliable from the moment they drive it home.

Is better for the environment

Unless you drive an electric car, you know cars that operate using fossil fuels aren’t running with the cleanest energy source. But if you operate your vehicle the way it was designed, it is operating efficiently. When you make sure your engine has the right amount of oil, for example, it’s not leaking fluid that can absorb into the ground, or sending off emissions that are bad for the environment. It runs as clean as it possibly can.

Checklist for car maintenance

Are you convinced regular car maintenance is the right thing to do?

Are you wondering how to fit regular car maintenance into your already busy schedule? That’s the easy part. With this simple checklist, you can ensure your vehicle is operating as it should for as long as you own the car. Here’s what to do.

Keep your owner’s manual handy

We get it; your owner’s manual isn’t exactly exciting reading. In fact, it can be downright intimidating. Depending on your vehicle, it can be hundreds of pages of detailed information describing every aspect of your car. But it does contain information that can help you keep your car safe and working its best. Take note of the maintenance section. It’ll give you guidelines for the things you need most, such as how often you should change out motor oil and filters, tire rotation, belts, hoses, and more.

Schedule your oil changes

From the beginning, get in the habit of scheduling regular oil changes. It’s the lifeblood of your vehicle. Without it, parts wouldn’t stay lubricated, gears wouldn’t work the way they should, and parts would wear out faster than intended. Pay attention to the manufacturer’s guidelines – what’s the best oil for your make and model? Again, refer to your owner’s manual for guidelines, and trust a reputable mechanic to ensure it’s performed in the proper manner.

Keep an eye on your tires

One of the most important car parts to help keep you on the road is the tires. If they aren’t filled properly, are worn down, or not well cared for, they can blow and increase the chances of having a major accident. Your owner’s manual will tell you proper guidelines for tire pressure. Once a month, check tire pressure and ensure that each tire is filled to proper capacity.

Belts, hoses, and fluids

Especially in the winter, when you use your windshield wipers regularly to clear away moisture and muck, you might run out of windshield wiper fluid enough you even keep a bottle in your car. When you pop the hood to fill the reservoir, take a quick peek at the hoses and belts. Does anything look out of place? You don’t have to be an auto mechanic to tell when something is wrong. If you do this regularly, you’ll recognize when everything is in its proper place, and more importantly, when something doesn’t look quite right.

Car maintenance near me

Regular car maintenance doesn’t have to be difficult or even take a lot of time. Regularity is the key.

When you have a reliable auto mechanic nearby who you can trust to tell you like it is, you’ll have a way to keep your car working in a dependable way.

No matter if you have a problem that needs to be fixed, or just want a second pair of eyes to ensure your vehicle is at its best, stop by today. We’ll help you keep your car in its best condition, so you’ll have one less thing to worry about during your busy days.