Extended Vacation? Take Care Of Your Car

Your two week’s holiday away somewhere nice and hot should not give you cause for concern for your car’s reliability upon your return (especially if it’s been properly serviced); but what if the break is longer? This also applies to sudden changes in circumstance.

Cars like to work. They don’t like to stand idle for an extended time. Leaving a car stationary and not driving it for long periods will almost certainly cause issues. Some of these will be easy to remedy, others could cost you money and nobody wants that these days. Leaving a vehicle for a long time can and will cause problems; potentially expensive ones. Step one: Get the vehicle maintained at a reliable car servicing garage. Even if it doesn’t need a full service, an interim one will ensure the car is at it’s best, ready for the long sleep.

The Usual Suspects

       Flat battery

It’s almost inevitable isn’t it? Even though batteries tend to be reliable and long lasting, that’s only because they are charged in use. A flat battery is the most common problem associated with leaving a car unused for long periods. Over time the battery will drain especially if it’s cold when you are sunning yourself elsewhere.

At least try to fully charge your battery before you go. If possible, if the vehicle is safely in your garage, use a trickle charger/battery maintainer to keep it topped up. If you can’t use a trickle charger, you might consider disconnecting the negative terminal to slow discharge but only do this is if you know for sure it won’t affect alarms or lock mechanisms.

       Flat Spots

Leaving your car stationary for a long time will lead to flat spots on tyres due to a slow loss of pressure. This is worse than would at first appear. A flat-spotted tyre (caused when the tyre doesn’t move from one spot over a period) can be considered a danger; pumping up will not do; at least have them inspected by your local garage for damage caused by a flat spot. It may well be the tyres will have to be replaced.

For an exceptionally long period it might make sense to remove the wheels completely (ensuring adequate support of the vehicle for the duration, obviously) if secure to do so. Tyres can also rot and crack when left in one position for a long time, particularly when exposed to sunlight for long periods.

       Electricals

If your car’s engine is left off for a long time, various electrical connections can begin to corrode. Left exposed to the elements or in a damp garage, a car may eventually suffer from rust and corrosion. Obviously this isn’t a standard holiday period thing as cars are well protected against rust, but for longer periods other

issues could include the erosion of various seals and, potentially, brake seizure - both of which are costly to fix. And incidentally, although unlikely, a dark enclosed environment could attract vermin and they like nothing better than to chew on wiring. Well, you never know.

Where To Leave Your Car

Decide where you will leave the vehicle if not in a secure garage or car port. Outside use a breathable cover (not plastic tarpaulins as they will retain moisture). In Summer, don’t park it under trees to make the most of shade as tree sap will ruin the paintwork. Birds will likely take a shine to your shine too, if you get the drift; pigeons make it their life’s work to despoil a car’s finish and that stuff is acidic too.

Fill Up & Check Everything Else

If it’s a car that runs on fossil fuels, fill up. This minimises condensation in the fuel tank. If the car is being left for 3 months or more, think about adding a fuel stabiliser. Your garage can advise or check into a motor factor.

Check the levels of engine oil, brake fluid and coolants and top them up as required. Check for any leaks prior to storage, especially on the underside, possibly a job for a professional car servicing garage who will have a ramp. Clean the car inside and out (corrosion and pest prevention) and remove droppings and other dirt, since these deposits can trigger that acidic corrosion. Clean the interior and get rid of any food remnants, since these can attract rodents.

Ideally, if at all possible, avoid leaving the handbrake engaged for long periods, it may seize up. One option is to use wheel chocks, of rubber or plastic, not wood, very secure and completely unmoveable, and used on a level surface. Don’t forget to leave the car in gear (manual) or Park mode (automatic) if you do this as it acts as a fail-safe and prevents the car from rolling. Think about using a wheel lock, or other device that can be seen easily which may hopefully deter thieves.

It doesn’t take much to ensure trouble free motoring upon your return. In terms of automotive issues, there’s nothing worse than car that doesn’t perform when you want and need it to. A few simple checks and balances and that’s one less thing to worry about.