Has your car been sheltering in your driveway for months due to one reason or another? Whether you were too busy to take your car out or didn’t have anywhere to go, it is important to understand that your vehicle can develop a bunch of costly issues if you don’t exercise its motors every now and then.
Experts say that even if you don’t have anywhere to go, you should drive your car for at least 20 minutes each week. This will help keep its battery charged and prevent rust from building up on the brakes and calipers from seizing up.
Some of the most typical problems that your car could develop if you were to leave it unattended for a few months include:
Drained Batteries
A cars’ batteries are usually charged by the engine when the car is turned on. Hence, vehicles that are left dormant for days could experience a drained battery, requiring you to jumpstart your car. Car batteries don’t only drain when you leave the lights on. They lose more charge and voltage when it sits without being used. To prevent this issue, all take your car for a little drive around town, even as little as 10 miles and over 50 mph speed.
Tire Issues
Tires are at a high risk of flat spots if they are not moved for more than two weeks. In some cases, if you are lucky, your tires may be fine after sitting idle for a month. However, after that your tires will flatten and meet the road’s surface due to low tire pressure and the vehicle’s weight.
If your tires are not rotated regularly pressure will accumulate on the one spot causing the tires to flatten which could be dangerous on the road. While driving your car periodically can help, sometimes the damage is irreparable.
Animal Or Pest Infestation
Animals and pests usually look for quiet and undisturbed areas to lay their eggs or have babies. There have been cases where stray cats, rats, and rodents have made a home in an automobile used less frequently.
Cats can bring their babies to your car, birds can build a nest while rodents can make it a permanent home. These animals can chew on the wires of your car leading to severe and expensive issues later on.
Faulty Brakes
Another common problem in dormant cars is faulty brakes. Since most expensive cars are made of cast iron, the brakes corrode very quickly. Not driving your car regularly can cause the brakes to rust. As opposed to this, when you drive, the rotating pads scrape off the corrosion, cleaning them right up.
How To Deal With Dormant Car Issues
The best way to prevent your car from developing issues that require replacement or certain parts and expensive repairs is to take your car out for a drive at least once a week.
However, if your car has already developed certain issues, it is best that you do not continue to drive it. Instead call a
roadside assistance service. The professionals will help you understand what needs to be done to deal with the issue. They will also transport your car to a qualified mechanic.
Ontario Towing is one of the most reliable and experienced towing service providers near you. Hire us to get professional and risk-free roadside assistance to get yourself back on the road. To get in touch with us,
click here.
Ontario Towing, located in Ottawa, specializes in superior towing, car lockout solutions, and comprehensive roadside assistance. Their wide array of services, including mobile tire aid and long-distance towing, covers Ottawa and its adjacent communities seamlessly.