If you are one of the many Americans who is under a stay-at-home order, your car or truck may be at risk of having problems down the road if it’s left sitting idle for too long. One of the major risks is that the battery could die. This is because all the electronics in modern cars can drain down batteries even when they are just sitting.
How long do you actually need to drive your vehicle for the battery to keep a full charge? 20 to 30 minutes does the trick. For many of us, though, we’re only leaving our homes to buy groceries or to visit the pharmacy, so this is difficult to do.
A compromise is to, at minimum, idle your vehicle in its parking spot for at least 15 minutes. You also need to take into account how old your battery is. People with vehicles that have older batteries should take extra care to make sure they are charged. The more you charge it, the longer it will last.
You should also take care to move your vehicle every week, even if it’s only from one spot in the driveway to another. This will ensure the tires don’t lose air and develop flat spots, something that can happen if they’re left unmoved for a long time. Your tires can become deflated, they can get flat, they can warp or get bubbles.
Flat spots can take many miles of driving to get out. Until they’re gone, you’ll have vibrations. Bubbles can lead to a burst tire, a very dangerous situation. If you do notice bubbles in your tires, don’t drive the vehicle. Have it towed to a repair shop instead.
A vehicle that sits in one spot too long also becomes an attractive “home” to unwanted inhabitants, such as rats or squirrels, who may take up residence in the vehicle’s hood or engine compartment. Rodents can make quite a mess because they like to chew through the coating on the wires. As an extra precaution you could spray a mouse or rat repellent around the vehicle.
If you do develop any problems with your vehicle, contact us at Bob Hope’s Auto Repair. We always prioritize your health and safety, but during this special time we are taking even extra care and are wiping down steering wheels, door panels, and center consoles before and after repairs.
Plus, while our area is under a stay-at-home order, WE ARE HAPPY TO pick up and drop off any vehicles that need repairs!
Take care. Stay safe!