Not everyone likes to drive when gas prices are high or volatile. People who work at home don’t have to drive as much, so they save money while they’re making money. You might also want to drive less to help the environment and reduce traffic congestion in your community. Here are smart vehicle maintenance tips to consider if you don’t plan to drive often.
7 Tips to Maintain the Vehicle That You Don’t Use Frequently
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- Maintain your oil change schedule
Vehicles need oil changes periodically based on manufacturer recommendations in the owner’s manual. For most modern vehicles, every 5,000 miles or six months, the oil should be changed. Even if the vehicle doesn’t get driven much, the oil degrades over time, so it still needs to be changed.
- Drive your car every once in a while
Suppose you work at home and live near a store, so you rarely need to drive. You still need to drive the car at least once a week so that it stays in good running condition. If you never drive it, the car can develop problems over time, such as weak battery issues. Driving once in awhile helps keep the battery charged and the fuel line clean.
- Keep an eye on tire pressure
Tire pressure matters because either too high or too low of pressure can cause a blowout. Over time and miles, tires lose air, so check them periodically. Make sure the tread isn’t smooth; otherwise, the tire will need to be replaced. Be aware that if you don’t drive much, the tire’s rubber can become brittle, leading to “tire rot.”
- Keep a full tank of gas
An empty gas tank can cause the inside to rust, leading to serious problems. That’s why it’s important to always at least have gas in the tank. The reason why you should keep the gas level closer to full is that gas can evaporate when the level is low, creating a strain on the fuel system when you try to start the car.
- Cover your car or clean the exterior regularly
When your car is exposed to sunlight, rain, snow, or wind, it can cause the paint to fade or be coated with debris. Keeping your car covered protects it from environmental elements that degrade the exterior. If you are unable to park in a garage or carport, at least cover the vehicle with a vinyl sheet. Without protection, a new vehicle can look old in a short time, even without much driving activity.
- Disconnect the battery
If you have no plans to drive a parked vehicle, perhaps because it’s a classic car for shows, it’s a good idea to disconnect the battery. Then store it in a dry safe place to avoid corrosion of the terminals. To be safe, use eye protection and only remove the battery when the engine is off. Remove the negative terminal first, then the positive terminal.
- Maintain your auto insurance policy
Follow these vehicle maintenance tips to keep your car running smoothly even if you rarely ever drive. Whether you drive the vehicle or not, if you own it, you need to insure it since it’s required by state law. You also need to drive the vehicle occasionally to make sure it functions properly. Finally, you need to review your auto insurance periodically so that it’s up to date with your personal needs.
- Maintain your oil change schedule
Cover Your Vehicles with Family Financial Insurance Group
Maintaining a vehicle that you don’t use often can be a daunting task. However, with Family Financial Insurance Group, you can buy insurance coverage for your vehicle. Contact us today to get started with your quote.