How To Prepare Your Car For Daily Drives After Prolonged Parking
“My car has been parked the whole of December when I traveled upcountry for the holiday festivities. But I’m now back in the city and will use the car for my daily commute to work. What are some of the checks I should do before driving? How do I prepare the car to get back on the road?”
If this is a question on your mind right now, read on. Prolonged parking can take a toll on your car. The good news is that with a little TLC, you can get it back in shape and ready for the road. In this guide, we’ll cover how to prepare your car for daily drives after extended parking, ensuring it’s ready to hit the road smoothly.
The Risks of Prolonged Parking
Before we jump into how to prepare your car, let’s look at the risks of parking your car for a long time. Your car, just like your body, doesn’t appreciate extended periods of inactivity. In case you don’t do these things if you’re going to park the car for long, there’s a risk of your car:
- Developing flat tires
- Experiencing battery problems
- Having rust on the spark plugs
- Having seized up systems
- The brakes “freezing”
- Rodents and insects invading the car
How to Prepare Your Car For The Road After Prolonged Parking
Prolonged parking can lead to several issues with your car. But it’s not the end of the road. You don’t need an overhaul when you are ready to hit the road once again. Doing these simple steps will get your car ready for a drive in no time:
1. Battery Check
One of the primary concerns after prolonged parking is the battery’s health. A dead battery will instantly kill the excitement of getting back on the road.
You should first check for any corrosion, tighten any loose connections, and use a voltmeter to test the battery’s voltage before starting the car. The ideal voltage is 12.6 volts. You can jumpstart the battery if it’s low or replace it if the terminals are too corroded. Minimal rust can be cleared using a battery cleaning spray or baking soda and water paste.
2. Fluid Levels Check
Before hitting the road, check your fluid levels- engine oil, brake fluid, engine coolant, transmission fluid, and wiper washer fluid. We recommend draining the existing fluids and putting in new ones before driving. Even when not used, the fluids degrade over time and may not serve you efficiently. Keep your engine running smoothly with a comprehensive fluid change.
3. Engine Warm-Up
After confirming that the battery is working fine and topping your fluids, you should warm up the engine. Simply start the engine and let it run for a few minutes before doing the next step. Warming up the engine allows the oil to circulate and lubricate components of the engine.
4. Brake Check
If your parking brake was engaged during the entire time, gently release it and take the car for a short drive. This will help to loosen up the brakes and make them function well once on the road. Listen for any grinding noises, they are a sign that the brakes have started freezing up. Have the brakes checked by a professional.
Schedule a Professional Checkup and Maintenance
You should also look around the car for any rusty spots, especially around the fenders, undercarriage, and exhaust system. A little WD-40 can help in dealing with the rust. Don’t forget to clean up the interior for any dust buildups. Wipe down the surfaces with a damp cloth and consider airing out the car. Your passengers will appreciate a breath of fresh air.
Above all, schedule a professional car maintenance check-up after prolonged parking. Some systems may look okay but a deeper diagnostic may reveal hidden problems. A professional checkup will ensure everything is in top shape and potential issues are dealt with early on.
