It’s happened to all of us, leaving our car unused for a long time. There can be many. You might be going on a trip or moving places, but you don’t tend to abandon your vehicle for some time. Later you spend hefty charges on getting them repaired. You can avoid this expense if you follow a few steps.
There are times when people drive less due to changes in their routine or working situation or use the metro or other faster transport to reach early, the culture of working from home or are traveling for a more extended vacation. The reasons are plenty. If you see a pattern in driving less, you should inform your insurer so that he can make the necessary changes, and you will be saved from paying less.
At the same time, vehicle owners must know that any significant savings they make on insurance premiums can quickly turn into car maintenance expenses if they don’t check on the car’s condition regularly. Even the best car warranty policies do not cover vehicle maintenance costs. Comprehensive motor warranty that provides a vehicle broader coverage still doesn’t include compensation for mechanical failures.
So, if you think your insurer can easily claim all kinds of loss/damage to your vehicle, that is not how it works. Read the policy disclosure statements to thoroughly understand the terms and conditions; if not, contact your insurer to clarify your doubts.
In the meantime, follow the below-mentioned tips to safeguard your rarely used vehicle sitting in the garage.
1. Run your vehicle
Most modern car equipment draws energy from a vehicle’s battery when parked. It is an essential process that keeps the power-driven systems and alarms functioning even when the car is not in use. At the same time, constant energy consumption can deplete the battery if it isn’t recharged repeatedly.
An alternator’s primary function is to keep the battery alive. However, this component can work only when the car engine is running. So, vehicle owners must run or drive their cars for fifteen to thirty mins at least every fortnight to keep the engine active and other vehicle fluids in proper circulation.
- Do not engage the handbrake when you leave.
Putting the handbrake for a more extended period may cause the brake pads to be jammed. If this happens, you will find it difficult to move the car. The wiser idea is to use wheel chocks, brick or a wooden piece under the tire to prohibit it from rolling and put the vehicle in first gear.
- Park indoors or use a car cover
Avoid parking your cars outdoors. It’s advised to park it indoors. It will be dust free and clean. Use a cover and protect the vehicle if you do not have a parking spot. And avoid using covers when the car is parked indoors, as they will evaporate any moisture in a humid climate.
4. Change oil
Engine oil, brake and windshield wiper fluids, etc., can degrade with time, so car owners must not miss their regular vehicle servicing trips. Repeated servicing ensures good fluid movement and helps spot potential car flaws earlier. Vehicle owners must ensure they have detailed records of car component replacements and other changeovers that they can look back on in the future.
5. Check tire pressure
Vehicle tires gradually lose air when a car is not driven for long periods. It is precisely why car owners must get their vehicle’s tire pressure examined now and then and make sure the air pressure complies with the car’s make, model, and series. Another issue with a new car is the tires can develop flat spots that raise the risks of puncturing on the road.
6. Refill the fuel tank
It is necessary to keep the fuel lines, tank, and engine devoid of air, humidity, etc., to protect them from rust, mold formation, and other degradation processes. So, even when car owners don’t frequently drive, having a full tank can help significantly
7. Clean the car
Tree sap, bird droppings, direct sun rays, dust, etc., can deteriorate a car soon before the vehicle owners realize it. So, when a car is parked for prolonged periods, owners must repeatedly check on and clean their rides to remove external stains and guard car paint.
One can never know how a car that has not been used in quite a long time will respond when taken out for a drive. And that is why vehicle owners must be prepared for unanticipated vehicle breakdowns, especially when considering a long haul. Roadside assistance is one of the most popular add-ons car owners consider while purchasing car insurance policies to summon help when unexpected issues arise.
Even when vehicle owners have the best car warranty, an optional extra like roadside assistance can save them a lot of misery when stuck with a broken car in a remote place with little access to help. So, car owners can consider adding this benefit to their motor warranty policies
