Many people are now working from home. Cars have now been sitting in garages and parking lots for too long. While working from home might be having many benefits, letting a car sit idle for too long is not a good idea. It risks critters taking residence in the engine compartment, battery losing charge, flat spots on tires, and rubber components like wipers and belts drying out. Here are some maintenance tips that people working from home should adopt.
Many people are now working from home. Cars have now been sitting in garages and parking lots for too long. While working from home might be having many benefits, letting a car sit idle for too long is not a good idea. It risks critters taking residence in the engine compartment, battery losing charge, flat spots on tires, and rubber components like wipers and belts drying out. Here are some maintenance tips that people working from home should adopt:
1. Take a weekend drive
When a car sits idle for weeks, the battery starts losing charge. That makes jump-starting necessary for the car to hit the road again. To prevent charge loss, people should drive their cars for at least 20 minutes every week. Disconnecting the battery can also help stop charge loss.
2. Don't engage the parking brake
Leaving the parking brake engaged for too long can make the braking pads bind to the rotors. That should not be a concern when parking a car for less than a month, but when left unused longer than that, rust starts forming on the surface of the brake rotors. People should only use the parking brake when parking the vehicle on an angled surface.
3. Check tire inflation
Tires can deflate after parking a car for too long in a cold area. People should check and make sure tires are well pressurized to prevent flat-spotting. Inflating the tires to factory specifications before parking the vehicle for too long can also help prevent flat spotting. If the car already has a flat spot, take it to a tire shop for trend shaving.
4. Clean inside of the car
A car interior can start smelling after sitting alone for months. Cleaning the inside of a car before parking helps remove all food, snacks, drinks, and drinks that can otherwise start to stink. Vacuum cleaning is the best option.
5. Look out for pests
Pests like rodents have a way of spotting a vehicle that has been sitting for too long without moving. When pests infest the interior of a car, they can cause real problems. Rodents can damage the interior upholstery and also chew wires. The best way to prevent pest infestation in a vehicle is to keep the interior clean. Parking the car in a parking area that is free from pests can also help prevent pest infestation.
6. Visit a repair shop
Repair shops are essential service providers. That is why they are not subject to government-imposed lockdowns. To reduce the risk of infections, people should wear masks. Some repair shops have reduced waiting bay capacities to avoid becoming super-spreaders of the virus. JC Automotives is one of the few auto companies going an extra mile to keep their staff and customers safe by adhering to all guidelines from the Department of Health. It is also one of the best auto shops in Brisbane.
Why JC Automotives?
JC Automotives has a team of honest and professional mechanics that have more than 30 years of experience. The company is providing Brisbane car owners with the best customer service experience.
Whether it is an old-time classic or high-performance, or hybrid car, JC Automotives have a specialist. JC Automotives can help you with Log Book Servicing, Brake & Brake Pads, Steering & Suspension, Diesel Fuel Service System, Computer Diagnostic Service, and many other auto services. Taking a car to JC Automotives means having honest and quality workmanship working to fix the problem, which gives people peace of mind knowing the vehicle is in safe hands.
For more information about JC Automotives auto services and booking an appointment, visit www.jcautomotives.com.au or call 07 3899 9906.
